Self-Help Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)/Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) Study
Augmenting Cognitive Processing Therapy With a Peer Led Support Intervention to Improve Well-Being: A Sustainable and Scalable Model for Enhancing PTSD Recovery in Vulnerable Populations
Boston University
100 participants
Mar 5, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can have significant impairment on aspects of mental well-being (MWB) including functioning, loneliness, physical health, and quality of life. There are several evidence-based treatments (EBPs) effective in treating PTSD such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) which is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that has been proven effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD. However, there are several barriers (e.g., lack of providers, waitlists, costs, stigma, disabilities that complicate travel) that can prevent someone from engaging with these treatments. Recently, a self-help version of CPT was created to help address these barriers; but little research has been conducted to test its efficacy. Further, less is know about how a peer support program may augment improvements from participating in an EBP. The Women Veteran Network (WoVeN), a peer support program designed for women veterans, has a manualized 8-week program that directly targets MWB. It has been found to help foster belongingness and connectedness, particularly in those suffering from PTSD and depression. The present study aims to establish the feasibility, acceptability and tolerability of a scalable, sustainable, and effective treatment option for trauma survivors with subthreshold or full PTSD. The overarching goal is to understand the effectiveness of a self-help version of an EBP (either alone or in combination with a peer support program) in reducing PTSD symptoms while also helping improve mental well-being, reduce barriers, and increase access to quality care within health disparity populations.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria4
- Identifies as a woman
- Has served in the United States military
- A full or subthreshold (meets criteria for 2 out of 4 of the symptom clusters for PTSD) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnosis
- Able to read English well enough to complete study questionnaires
Exclusion Criteria4
- Clinician judgment that the participant is not appropriate for self-help level of care for PTSD (i.e., recent psychiatric hospitalization, requires detox, volatile, active suicidality)
- Current psychosis or unstable bipolar disorder (determined during baseline interview as described in screening and enrollment procedures)
- Must not have participated in a WoVeN group within the last year
- Must not be receiving an evidenced-based therapy for PTSD at the time of the screening
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Interventions
Participants will be given a copy of the CPT self-help book that guides the trauma survivor through the same CPT protocol that is typically delivered by a therapist but supplemented with significant additional guidance and suggestions to aid the survivor in their journey toward recovery. This 10-week program also provides links to educational videos, fillable worksheets, and resources for the individual if they would like to seek additional care
Participants will complete the CPT self-help book while also enrolled in a WoVeN group. WoVeN is a national, peer support network with groups led by women veterans, for women veterans. During this 8-week program, Peer Leaders who are trained by national experts in the WoVeN curriculum conduct weekly groups. Groups consist of approximately 4-8 women veterans, each lasting about 90 minutes, and focus on relevant themes such as life transitions, balance, hope, connections, trust, and esteem.
Participants will receive psychoeducation about PTSD and different treatment options using the materials developed by the VA National Center for PTSD. They will also be provided with a referral list with guidance and suggestions and assistance in navigating the list and the referral process. All interventions must be completed within 10 weeks.
Locations(1)
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NCT07250061