Specialized PTSD Treatment Programs in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

A National Center for PTSD Fact Sheet

The Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers provides a network of more than 100 specialized programs for veterans with PTSD and works closely with the Vet Centers operated by VA's Readjustment Counseling Service.

Each specialized PTSD program offers veterans education, evaluation, and treatment conducted by mental-health professionals from a variety of disciplines (such as psychiatry, psychology, social work, counseling, and nursing).

Outpatient PTSD Programs include three basic types of clinics in which veterans meet with a PTSD specialist for regularly scheduled appointments. PTSD Clinical Teams (PCTs) provide group and one-to-one evaluation, education, counseling, and psychotherapy. Substance Use PTSD Teams (SUPTs) offer outpatient education, evaluation, and counseling for the combined problems of PTSD and substance abuse. Women's Stress Disorder Treatment Teams (WSDTTs) provide women veterans group and one-to-one evaluation, counseling, and psychotherapy.

Day Hospital PTSD Programs include two basic approaches to providing a "therapeutic community." Veterans with PTSD can attend these community programs several times weekly for social, recreational, and vocational activities as well as for counseling. Day Treatment PTSD Units provide one-to-one case management and counseling, group therapy, education, and activities in order to help clients live successfully with PTSD. Treatment and socialization activities are scheduled for several hours each day during the day and evening hours. Residential (Lodger) PTSD Units also offer one-to-one case management and counseling, group therapy, education, and activities for several hours each day. While enrolled in daytime and evening PTSD treatment, lodger clients may live temporarily in secure quarters that do not have 24-hour nursing supervision.

Inpatient PTSD Programs include four basic types of service and are conducted while veterans reside in hospital units that provide 24-hour nursing and psychiatric care. Specialized Inpatient PTSD Units (SIPUs) provide trauma-focused evaluation, education, and psychotherapy for a period of 28 to 90 days of hospital admission. Evaluation and Brief Treatment of PTSD Units (EBTPUs) provide PTSD evaluation, education, and psychotherapy for a briefer period ranging from 14 to 28 days. PTSD Residential Rehabilitation Programs (PRRPs) provide PTSD evaluation, education, counseling, and case management that focuses on helping the survivor resume a productive involvement in community life. PRRP admissions tend to be 28 to 90 days. PTSD Substance Use Programs (PSUs) provide combined evaluation, education, and counseling for substance use problems and PTSD. PSU admissions range from 14 to 90 days.

For more information about these treatment programs, including locations and contact information, go to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs website. The website provides a wide range of information on veterans' benefits and treatment facilities.

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