CPT Coach

Name: CPT Coach
Author: US Department of Veterans Affairs

US Department of Veterans Affairs

DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:Patients & Caregivers

Free

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App Summary

CPT Coach is a treatment-companion app for individuals in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with a clinician, providing digital worksheets, readings, and symptom monitoring to support treatment. The associated research describes this tool as part of a suite of apps developed by the National Center for PTSD to augment evidence-based therapies, with evaluations indicating providers find them engaging and easy to use. The authors conclude that these publicly available apps have the potential to extend the reach of evidence-based care for individuals with PTSD-related concerns.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism Developed by the National Center for PTSD, CPT Coach functions as a digital companion for patients engaged in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with a clinician. The system delivers structured support materials, including mobile versions of CPT worksheets, psychoeducational readings, and tools for managing between-session assignments. An integrated module facilitates the longitudinal tracking of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, reinforcing therapeutic concepts and tasks prescribed by the provider between clinical appointments.

Evidence & Research Context

The app is part of a suite of mobile mental health tools developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) as part of a public health initiative to extend evidence-based care.
General research from the developers describes the app portfolio's utility in bridging gaps in care, including for individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders.
Evaluations of the broader NCPTSD app portfolio indicate that providers find the tools engaging, usable, and a beneficial supplement to traditional care models.

Intended Use & Scope This app is intended for use by patients as an adjunct to Cognitive Processing Therapy delivered by a professional mental healthcare provider. Its primary utility is to structure and support between-session therapeutic work. The system is not designed for self-help or as a standalone treatment for PTSD and does not replace professional clinical assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.

Studies & Publications

2 publications

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Development/Design Paper

Mobile Mental Health Apps from the National Center for PTSD: Digital Self-Management Tools for Co-Occurring Disorders

McGee-Vincent et al. (2021) · Journal of Dual Diagnosis

Describes the research-driven development of this app

Mobile mental health apps can help bridge gaps in access to care for those with substance use disorders and dual diagnoses. The authors describe a portfolio of free, publicly available mobile mental health apps developed by the National Center for PTSD. The authors also demonstrate how this suite of primarily non-substance use disorder-specific mobile mental health apps may support the active ingredients of substance use disorder treatment or be

Non-Evaluative Reference

VA mobile apps for PTSD and related problems: Public health resources for veterans and those who care for them

Owen et al. (2018) · mHealth

Describes the research-driven development of this app

Many public health agencies, including the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), have identified the use of mobile technologies as an essential part of a larger strategy to address major public health challenges. The VA's National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD), in collaboration with VA's Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the Defense Health Agency inside the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), has been involved in the development,

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Mobile App: CPT Coach

The VA developed CPT Coach as a free mobile application to support patients undergoing Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, providing digital versions of worksheets, symptom tracking, and treatment reminders. The app serves as a treatment companion that "may make it easier for you and your provider to follow the published CPT treatment manual" and potentially improve homework completion rates. CPT Coach is available on Apple and Android devices but requires use alongside a trained therapist.

VaRead article