Skip to main content

Telemental Health Approaches for Trauma Survivors

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Evidence Based Treatments for Trauma-Related Psychological Disorders

Abstract

The past couple of decades have witnessed a veritable explosion of technology development and services with nearly ubiquitous uptake of innovative electronic products. In fact, today about 40 % of the earth’s population has access to the Internet, and there are almost as many mobile phone subscriptions as there are people on the planet (International Telecommunications Union [ITU] 2014). Virtually overnight, we have become reliant on these technologies for many of our everyday activities, such as finding information, shopping, banking, and staying connected to friends and family. Modes of communication have multiplied to include options such as no-cost web-based video calling, instant messaging at home or on the go, and asynchronous microblogging tools for connected self-reflection. The latest generation of mobile phones, called smartphones, offers capabilities and functions that only a few short years ago were unimaginable or only available on stationary computers. As these technologies continue to transform our everyday lives, their potential to address the tremendous unmet mental healthcare needs of trauma survivors is also beginning to be realized through innovative telemental health (TMH) approaches.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 89.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 119.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Agyapong, V. I., Ahern, S., McLoughlin, D. M., & Farren, C. K. (2012). Supportive text messaging for depression and comorbid alcohol use disorder: Single-blind randomised trial. Journal of Affective Disorders, 141, 168–176. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2012.02.040.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • American Psychological Association. (2013). Guidelines for the practice of telepsychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

    Google Scholar 

  • Amstadter, A. B., Broman-Fulks, J. J., Zinzow, H., Ruggiero, K. J., & Cercone, J. (2009). Internet-based interventions for traumatic stress-related mental health problems: A review and suggestion for future research. Clinical Psychology Review, 29, 410–420.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Backhaus, A., Agha, Z., Maglione, M. L., Repp, A., Ross, B., Zuest, D., Rice-Thorp, N. M., Lohr, J., & Thorp, S. (2012). Videoconference psychotherapy: A systematic review. Psychological Services, 9, 111–131. doi:10.1037/a0027924.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Bush, N. E., Prins, A., Laraway, S., O’Brien, K., Ruzek, J., & Ciulla, R. (2013). A pilot evaluation of the Afterdeployment.org online posttraumatic stress workshop for military service members and veterans. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. doi:10.1037/a0032179. Advance online publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Clough, B. A., & Casey, L. M. (2011). Technological adjuncts to increase adherence to therapy: A review. Clinical Psychology Review, 31, 697–710. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2011.03.006.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Duggan, M. (2013, September 19). Cell phone activities 2013. Retrieved from Pew Research Center’s Internet & American Life Project website: http://pewinternet.org/Reports/2013/Cell-Activities.aspx

  • Foa, E. B., Keane, T. M., Friedman, M. J., & Cohen, J. A. (2009). Effective treatments for PTSD: Practice guidelines from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (2nd ed.). New York: Guilford.

    Google Scholar 

  • Free, C., Knight, R., Robertson, S., Whittaker, R., Edwards, P., Zhou, W., Rodgers, A., Cairns, J., Kenward, M. G., & Roberts, I. (2011). Smoking cessation support delivered via mobile phone text messaging (txt2stop): A single-blind, randomised trial. The Lancet, 378, 49–55. ISSN 0140–6736, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60701-0

  • Frueh, B. C., Monnier, J., Grubaugh, A. L., Elhai, J. D., Yim, E., & Knapp, R. (2007a). Therapist adherence and competence with manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy for PTSD delivered via videoconferencing technology. Behavior Modification, 31, 856–866. doi:10.1177/0145445507302125.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Frueh, B. C., Monnier, J., Yim, E., Grubaugh, A. L., Hamner, M. B., & Knapp, R. G. (2007b). A randomized trial of telepsychiatry for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 13, 142–147. doi:10.1258/135763307780677604.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Germain, V., Marchand, A., Bouchard, S., Drouin, M. S., & Guay, S. (2009). Effectiveness of cognitive behavioural therapy administered by videoconference for posttraumatic stress disorder. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 38, 42–53. doi:10.1080/16506070802473494.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Germain, V., Marchand, A., Bouchard, S., Guay, S., & Drouin, M. (2010). Assessment of the therapeutic alliance in face-to-face or videoconferencing treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, 13, 29–35.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Goff, A., Rose, E., Rose, S., & Purves, D. (2007). Does PTSD occur in sentenced prison populations? A systematic literature review. Criminal Behaviour and Mental Health, 17(3), 152–162.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Greene, C. J., Morland, L. A., Macdonald, A., Frueh, B. C., Grubbs, K. M., & Rosen, C. S. (2010). How does tele-mental health affect group therapy process? Secondary analysis of a noninferiority trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 78, 746–750.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gros, D. F., Yoder, M., Tuerk, P. W., Lozano, B. E., & Acierno, R. (2011). Exposure therapy for PTSD delivered to veterans via telehealth: Predictors of treatment completion and outcome and comparison to treatment delivered in person. Behavior Therapy, 42, 276–283. doi:10.1016/j.beth.2010.07.005.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Gros, D. F., Morland, L. A., Greene, C. J., Acierno, R., Strachan, M., Egede, L. E., Tuerk, P. W., Myrick, H., & Frueh, B. C. (2013). Delivery of evidence-based psychotherapy via video telehealth. Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 35, 506–521. doi:10.1007/s10862-013-9363-4.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gustavson, D. H., Shaw, B. R., Isham, A., Baker, T., Boyle, M. G., & Levy, M. (2011). Explicating an evidence-based, theoretically informed, mobile technology-based system to improve outcomes for people in recovery for alcohol dependence. Substance Use & Misuse, 46(1), 96–111. doi:10.3109/10826084.2011.521413.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hassija, C. M., & Gray, M. J. (2011). The effectiveness and feasibility of videoconferencing technology to provide evidence-based treatment to rural domestic violence and sexual assault populations. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 17, 309–315.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hirai, M., & Clum, G. A. (2005). An Internet-based self-change program for traumatic event related fear, distress, and maladaptive coping. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 18, 631–636. doi:10.1002/jts.20071.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Hoffman, J. E., Wald, L. J., Kuhn, E., Greene, C., Ruzek, J. I., & Weingardt, K. (2011). PTSD Coach (Version 1.0). [Mobile application software]. Retrieved from http://itunes.apple.com

  • Holtz, B., & Laucker, C. (2012). Diabetes management via mobile phones: A systematic review. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 18, 175–184.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • International Telecommunications Union. (2014). Key 2005–2013 ICT indicators for developed and developing countries and the world (totals and penetration rates) [Data file]. Retrieved from http://www.itu.int/en/ITU-D/Statistics/Pages/stat/default.aspx

  • Jimenez, D. E., Bartels, S. J., Cardenas, V., & Alegría, M. (2013). Stigmatizing attitudes toward mental illness among racial/ethnic older adults in primary care. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 28, 1061–1068. doi:10.1002/gps.3928.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kazdin, A. E., & Blase, S. L. (2011). Rebooting psychotherapy research and practice to reduce the burden of mental illness. Perspectives on Psychological Science, 6, 21–37. doi:10.1177/1745691610393527.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klein, B., Mitchell, J., Gilson, K., Shandley, K., Austin, D., Kiropoulos, L., Abbott, J., & Cannard, G. (2009). A therapist-assisted internet-based CBT intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder: Preliminary results. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 38, 121–131.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Klein, B., Mitchell, J., Abbott, J., Shandley, K., Austin, D., Gilson, K., Kiropoulos, L., Cannard, G., & Redman, T. (2010). A therapist-assisted cognitive behavior therapy internet intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder: Pre-, post-and 3-month follow-up results from an open trial. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 24, 635–644.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Knaevelsrud, C., & Maercker, A. (2007). Internet-based treatment for PTSD reduces distress and facilitates the development of a strong therapeutic alliance: A randomized controlled clinical trial. BMC Psychiatry, 7(1), 13.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kuhn, E., Eftekhari, A., Hoffman, J. E., Crowley, J. J., Ramsey, K. M., Reger, G. M., & Ruzek, J. I. (2014a). Clinician perceptions of using a smartphone app with prolonged exposure therapy. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Service Research. doi:10.1007/s10488-013-0532-2. Advance online publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuhn, E., Greene, C., Hoffman, J., Nguyen, T., Wald, L., Schmidt, J., Ramsey, K. M., & Ruzek, J. (2014b). A preliminary evaluation of PTSD Coach, a smartphone app for posttraumatic stress symptoms. Military Medicine, 179, 12–18.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Lambert, M. J. (2011). What have we learned about treatment failure in empirically supported treatments? Some suggestions for practice. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 18, 413–420.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lange, A., Schrieken, B., Van de Ven, J., Bredeweg, B., Emmelkamp, P. M., van der Kolk, J., Lydsdottir, L., Massaro, M., & Reuvers, A. (2000). “Interapy”: The effects of short protocolled treatment of posttraumatic stress and pathological grief through the Internet. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 28, 175–192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lange, A., van de Ven, J. P., Schrieken, B., & Emmelkamp, P. M. (2001). Interapy. Treatment of posttraumatic stress through the Internet: A controlled trial. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 32, 73–90.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Litz, B., Engel, C., Bryant, R., & Papa, A. (2007). A randomized, controlled proof-of-concept trial of an Internet-based, therapist-assisted self-management treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164, 1676–1684.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marks, I. M., Kenwright, M., McDonough, M., Whittaker, M., & Mataix-Cols, D. (2004). Saving clinicians’ time by delegating routine aspects of therapy to a computer: A randomized controlled trial in phobia/panic disorder. Psychological Medicine, 34, 9–18.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Marks, I. M., Cavanagh, K., & Gega, L. (2007). Hands-on help: Computer-aided psychotherapy. Florence: Taylor & Francis.

    Google Scholar 

  • Morland, L. A., Pierce, K., & Wong, M. (2004). Telemedicine and coping skills groups for Pacific Island veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: A pilot study. Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare, 10, 286–289. doi:10.1258/1357633042026387.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morland, L. A., Greene, C. J., Rosen, C. S., Foy, D., Reilly, P., Shore, J., He, Q., & Frueh, B. C. (2010). Telemedicine for anger management therapy in a rural population of combat veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized noninferiority trial. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71, 855–863. doi:10.1002/jts.20661.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morland, L. A., Greene, C. J., Grubbs, K. M., Kloezeman, K., Mackintosh, M., Rosen, C., & Frueh, B. C. (2011a). Therapist adherence to manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy for anger management delivered to veterans with PTSD via videoteleconferencing. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67, 629–638. doi:10.1002/jclp.20779.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morland, L. A., Hynes, A. K., Mackintosh, M., Resick, P. A., & Chard, K. (2011b). Group cognitive processing therapy for PTSD delivered to rural combat veterans via telemental health: Lessons learned from a pilot cohort. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 24, 465–469. doi:10.1002/jts.20661.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Morris, M. E., & Aguilera, A. (2012). Mobile, social, and wearable computing and the evolution of psychological practice. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 43, 622.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nelson, E., Zaylor, C., & Cook, D. (2004). A comparison of psychiatrist evaluation and patient symptom report in a jail telepsychiatry clinic. Telemedicine Journal and e-Health, 10(Supplement 2), 54–59.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nielsen. (2013, December 16). Consumer electronics ownership blasts off in 2013. [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/newswire/2013/consumer-electronics-ownership-blasts-off-in-2013.html

  • Ozer, E. J., Best, S. R., Lipsey, T. L., & Weiss, D. S. (2003). Predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder and symptoms in adults: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 129, 52–73.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Perednia, D. A., & Allen, A. (1995). Telemedicine technology and clinical applications. Journal of the American Medical Association, 273, 483–488.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Reger, G. M., Hoffman, J., Riggs, D., Rothbaum, B. O., Ruzek, J., Holloway, K. M., & Kuhn, E. R. (2013). The “PE coach” smartphone application: An innovative approach to improving implementation, fidelity, and homework adherence during prolonged exposure. Psychological Services, 10, 342–349.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Rizvi, S. L., Dimeff, L. A., Skutch, J., Carroll, D., & Linehan, M. M. (2011). A pilot study of the DBT coach: An interactive mobile phone application for individuals with borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder. Behavior Therapy, 42, 589–600.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ruzek, J. I., Hoffman, J., Cuilla, R., Prins, A., Kuhn, E., & Gahm, G. (2011). Bringing Internet-based education and intervention into mental health practice: Afterdeployment.org. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 2, 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shore, J. H., & Manson, S. M. (2005). A developmental model for rural telepsychiatry. Psychiatric Services, 56, 976–980. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.56.8.976.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Steinmetz, S. E., Benight, C. C., Bishop, S. L., & James, L. E. (2012). My Disaster Recovery: A pilot randomized controlled trial of an Internet intervention. Anxiety, Stress, and Coping, 25, 593–600. doi:10.1080/10615806.2011.604869.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Strachan, M., Gros, D. F., Ruggiero, K. J., Lejuez, C. W., & Acierno, R. (2012). An integrated approach to delivering exposure-based treatment for symptoms of PTSD and depression in OIF/OEF veterans: Preliminary findings. Behavior Therapy, 43, 560–569. doi:10.1016/j.beth.2011.03.003.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Thorp, S. R., Fidler, J., Moreno, L., Floto, E., & Agha, Z. (2012). Lessons learned from studies of psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder via video teleconferencing. Psychological Services, 9, 197–199. doi:10.1037/a0027057.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tuerk, P. W., Yoder, M., Ruggiero, K. J., Gros, D. F., & Acierno, R. (2010). A pilot study of Prolonged Exposure therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder delivered via telehealth technology. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 23, 116–123. doi:10.1002/jts.20494.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Vogt, D. (2011). Mental health-related beliefs as a barrier to service use for military personnel and veterans: A review. Psychiatric Services, 62, 135–142. doi:10.1176/appi.ps.62.2.135.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, Z., Wang, J., & Maercker, A. (2013). Chinese My Trauma Recovery, a web-based intervention for traumatized persons in two parallel samples: Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15, e213. doi:10.2196/jmir.2690. Published online 2013 September 30.

    Article  PubMed Central  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Weathers, F., Litz, B., Herman, D., Huska, J., & Keane, T. (1993, October). The PTSD Checklist (PCL): Reliability, validity, and diagnostic utility. Presentation at the annual meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, San Antonio.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Eric Kuhn PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2015 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Kuhn, E., Hoffman, J.E., Ruzek, J.I. (2015). Telemental Health Approaches for Trauma Survivors. In: Schnyder, U., Cloitre, M. (eds) Evidence Based Treatments for Trauma-Related Psychological Disorders. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07109-1_25

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-07109-1_25

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-07108-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-07109-1

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics