VA mobile apps for PTSD and related problems: public health resources for veterans and those who care for them
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review and program overview without original trial data
OpenAlex W2884852542 · doi:10.21037/mhealth.2018.05.07
What was done
This paper describes the development, evaluation, and implementation of 15 mobile health applications created by the VA National Center for PTSD in collaboration with the VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and the Department of Defense. The suite includes seven treatment-companion apps designed for use with a clinician during evidence-based therapy and eight self-management apps intended for independent or adjunct use.
What was found
The abstract reports program counts (15 apps developed: 7 treatment-companion and 8 self-management tools) but provides no quantitative outcome data, statistical tests, or effect sizes regarding clinical efficacy or user engagement.
Why it matters
Mobile applications offer a scalable avenue to extend clinical reach, enhance standard evidence-based psychotherapy, and provide accessible mental health tools to veterans and others with untreated PTSD symptoms.
Limits
This is a descriptive program overview rather than an empirical trial or systematic review. The abstract provides no participant sample sizes, control groups, clinical effect sizes, engagement metrics, or direct safety and privacy data.
Cited by
- supports The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs developed a publicly available mobile application called Insomnia Coach for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.