Advances in PTSD Treatment Delivery: Evidence Base and Future Directions for Intensive Outpatient Programs

Purpose of review Traditionally, evidence-based treatment for PTSD is delivered in an outpatient format with dropout rates ranging from 30 to 62%. Modifications of existing protocols for delivery in intensive outpatient format offer promise for retention and excellent therapeutic outcomes. This article will review the existing literature on evidence-based psychotherapy for PTSD delivered within an intensive outpatient format. Recent findings Studies indicate that the intensive outpatient format substantially increases retention rates and demonstrates treatment outcomes at least equivalent to those demonstrated in traditional outpatient settings. Findings are limited by the dearth of randomized clinical trials to date. Summary Current research highlights the utility of implementing evidence-based PTSD treatment in massed intensive format, which evidences improved treatment retention and comparable outcomes with traditional outpatient formats.