Measurement-Based Care for PTSD

Abstract

Festschrift for Jon Conte’s research idea. Effective treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adults exist but are not widely available. Among those who have access, there is variability in response: some do not engage, some are better within a few sessions and some are not better at the endpoint. Even among trained providers, there is drift from adherent delivery over time. Clients with PTSD typically receive whatever the provider has to offer. An alternative approach is measurement-based care (MBC) that focuses on outcomes versus treatment model or content. MBC is the regular collaborative review of free and valid measures of PTSD, with treatment planning adjusted based on results. The hypothesis is that MBC will affect provider behavior with greater attention to recovery. MBC is conceptualized as a client-centered, recovery-focused approach. The test is a naturalistic prospective randomized trial with three conditions: usual care, MBC and MBC+ (consultant support). It is feasible and low burden, as providers are permitted to deliver treatment for PTSD based on their own clinical judgement.