Delivering Prolonged Exposure Therapy via Videoconferencing During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Research and Special Considerations for Providers

Stephanie Y. Wells; Leslie A. Morland; Emily R. Wilhite; Kathleen M. Grubbs; Sheila A.M. Rauch; Ron Acierno; Carmen P. McLean

doi:10.1002/jts.22573

journal article Aug 01, 2020

Delivering Prolonged Exposure Therapy via Videoconferencing During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Research and Special Considerations for Providers

Stephanie Y. Wells Leslie A. Morland Emily R. Wilhite Kathleen M. Grubbs Sheila A.M. Rauch Ron Acierno Carmen P. McLean

Journal of Traumatic Stress Vol. 33 No. 4 pp. 380-390 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1002/jts.22573

Abstract

AbstractLeveraging technology to provide evidence‐based therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as prolonged exposure (PE), during the COVID‐19 pandemic helps ensure continued access to first‐line PTSD treatment. Clinical video teleconferencing (CVT) technology can be used to effectively deliver PE while reducing the risk of COVID‐19 exposure during the pandemic for both providers and patients. However, provider knowledge, experience, and comfort level with delivering mental health care services, such as PE, via CVT is critical to ensure a smooth, safe, and effective transition to virtual care. Further, some of the limitations associated with the pandemic, including stay‐at‐home orders and physical distancing, require that providers become adept at applying principles of exposure therapy with more flexibility and creativity, such as when assigning in vivo exposures. The present paper provides the rationale and guidelines for implementing PE via CVT during COVID‐19 and includes practical suggestions and clinical recommendations.

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Citations

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References

Details

Published: Aug 01, 2020
Vol/Issue: 33(4)
Pages: 380-390
License: View

Authors

S

Stephanie Y. Wells

Durham VA Health Care System Durham North Carolina USA; VISN‐6 Mid‐Atlantic MIRECC Durham North Carolina USA; Department of Psychiatry Duke University Durham North Carolina USA

L

Leslie A. Morland

VA San Diego Healthcare System San Diego California USA; Department of Psychiatry University of California San Diego San Diego California USA; National Center for PTSD Pacific Islands Division Honolulu Hawaii USA

E

Emily R. Wilhite

VA San Diego Healthcare System San Diego California USA

K

Kathleen M. Grubbs

VA San Diego Healthcare System San Diego California USA

S

Sheila A.M. Rauch

VA Atlanta Healthcare System Atlanta Georgia USA; Department of Psychiatry Emory University School of Medicine Atlanta Georgia USA

R

Ron Acierno

Faillace Department of Psychiatry University of Texas Health Sciences Center Houston Texas USA; Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center Charleston South Carolina USA

C

Carmen P. McLean

National Center for PTSD VA Palo Alto Health Care System Palo Alto California USA; Stanford University Palo Alto California USA

Cite This Article

Stephanie Y. Wells, Leslie A. Morland, Emily R. Wilhite, et al. (2020). Delivering Prolonged Exposure Therapy via Videoconferencing During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Research and Special Considerations for Providers. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 33(4), 380-390. https://doi.org/10.1002/jts.22573

Delivering Prolonged Exposure Therapy via Videoconferencing During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: An Overview of the Research and Special Considerations for Providers

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