Cognitive Processing Therapy With an Older Woman Veteran During COVID-19: A Case Study

Abstract

With advances in technology, telehealth has become an acceptable way of conducting psychotherapy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth and ways to modify treatments for delivery via telehealth have become increasingly important. Researchers and clinicians have issued recommendations on providing telehealth-based care in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic. However, recommendations are limited for audio only telephone-based care, which may be the only option for specific clients. This is a case study of an older adult who completed Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for military sexual trauma. Halfway through her treatment, COVID-19 resulted in transitioning from in-person services to a virtual format. Client X did not have video capabilities aside from her cell phone, and it was determined she would complete treatment via telephone-based sessions. Client X's outcome data is presented, and the reductions in her PTSD and depressive symptoms provide preliminary support suggesting that telephone-based care may be an acceptable method of receiving CPT. Recommendations for telephone-based CPT are provided.

Keywords: COVID-19; Cognitive processing therapy; Telehealth; Trauma.

Figure 1

PTSD and depression symptoms throughout treatment and preliminary follow up data. Survey was completed via Qualrics prior to meeting for session.

Figure 2

Nightmare Severity throughout treatment and preliminary follow up data. Survey was completed via Qualtrics prior to meeting for session.

Figure 3

Nightmare Frequency throughout treatment and preliminary follow up data. Survey was completed via Qualtrics prior to meeting for session.