CBT for PTSD to Enhance Educational Outcomes among Students with Psychiatric Disabilities in Post-Secondary Education

Individuals with psychiatric disabilities experience increased exposure to trauma. The prevalence of co-occurring Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ranges from 28-43% in this group. Persons with PTSD have higher drop-out rates and lower success rates in educational programs. This application proposes to address the mental health and educational needs of a critical target population specifically Individuals with psychiatric disabilities and co-occurring PTSD who are seeking post-secondary education in order to improve educational outcomes and prevent future disability in this vulnerable population. The objective is to tailor an existing evidence-based intervention called, Integrated Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) for PTSD in order to create a tele-health based CBT intervention that meets the unique needs of individuals with psychiatric disabilities during their post-secondary education. We will integrate critical strategies such as, exploring disclosure, requesting accommodations, self-advocacy, stigma reduction, and CBT skills in this intervention. Input from persons with lived experiences and stakeholders will inform our modification. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the effectiveness of tele-health based CBT, in comparison with treatment as usual among students with psychiatric disabilities obtaining their post-secondary education is proposed. This tele-health approach will very likely remove barriers in accessing mental health care, reducing stigma, and will have potential for broad dissemination. This project will lead to the development and preliminary testing of a new intervention that can be used with students in post-secondary education who have co-occurring psychiatric disabilities and PTSD. This can help prevent long-term disability. The expected products are a tele-health treatment manual and preliminary data on its acceptability, feasibility and effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving education al outcomes..