PTSD: National Center for PTSD

CPT Coach for Providers

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD. Research has shown CPT to be one of the most effective treatments for PTSD.

CPT Coach is a free application (app) for mobile devices (smartphones and tablets) that was created to increase convenience for clinicians and patients completing CPT. The app is downloaded onto a patient's mobile device to be used as a treatment companion during CPT.

Features include:

• Mobile versions of reading assignments and CPT worksheets, which can be exported from the app and shared with the provider
• Psychoeducation, including graphics, about CPT and its treatment components
• PTSD symptom tracking over time to evaluate treatment progress and outcomes
• Reminders to complete homework and attend therapy sessions

How to Use CPT Coach

CPT Coach is intended for use as a treatment companion for a patient working with a therapist trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy. CPT is a recommended (evidence-based) treatment for PTSD that is available at VA/DoD and other behavioral health clinics.

CPT Coach may help to increase the rates with which providers use CPT after training and improve adherence to the published treatment manual. The conveniences of CPT Coach may also improve patient homework adherence and, as a result, improve treatment outcomes.

Health care providers interested in using this app should review the app itself before introducing it to clients.

NOTE: PTSD is a serious mental health condition that often requires professional evaluation and treatment.

• CPT Coach is designed to be used during professional care.
• CPT Coach does not provide self-help and is not intended to provide treatment.

Privacy and Security

Any data created by the user of this app are only as secure as the phone/device itself. We recommend using a passcode on the device if there are concerns about the privacy of information.

Users are free to export data from the app, such as worksheets and symptom assessments, but as the data belong to each user, HIPAA concerns do not apply when the data is shared. If the user were to transmit or share data with you, as a health care provider, you must then comply with HIPAA rules.

Who Created CPT Coach?

CPT Coach was a collaborative effort between the VA's National Center for PTSD, the VA's Sierra Pacific (VISN 21) MIRECC, and the Department of Defense's National Center for Telehealth and Technology. Additional thanks go to the Cincinnati VA Medical Center.