Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Program Review Reports

The Review of PTSD Group Treatment Programs was undertaken by the Centre for Military and Veterans’ Health (CMVH) to ensure that services offered to clients of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) were evidence-based and met the needs of both older and contemporary veteran cohorts.

This review came about following a recommendation out of the Independent Study into Suicide in the Ex-Service Community, undertaken by Professor David Dunt in 2009 comprised two phases. The first was a literature review of evidence-based best practice treatment for PTSD.

The second phase critically reviewed PTSD programs offered by providers contracted to DVA. This included the process of referral, the programs themselves, discharge planning and follow-up.

The report offers guidance on the next phase of group treatment programs and DVA will work closely with providers and the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health to ensure treatment programs better met the needs of contemporary veterans. Changes to programs will only be implemented where more effective treatment and improved treatment outcomes for participants will be achieved.