Group Therapy for Refugees with PTSD

This evidence-based translational research project guides the implementation and evaluation of group therapy, The PTSD Recovery Program, developed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for PTSD, for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in refugees at a clinic in central Texas. The PTSD Recovery Program, developed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), is an intervention based on guidelines for the treatment of combat veterans diagnosed with PTSD that includes group therapy as adjunctive treatment to medication and individual therapy for veterans. Eighteen clients, diagnosed with PTSD, completed ten weekly group therapy sessions in addition to the clinic's individual therapy and medications. An in-service presentation educated providers on the PTSD recovery program and the group therapy intervention. Data was collected using a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire developed by the VA's National Center for PTSD based on DSM 5 criteria. Results were analyzed with the Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired t-test. The statistical analysis of this intervention supports the effectiveness of the PTSD recovery program as an adjunctive treatment for PTSD in the refugee population. Participant statements and provider satisfaction are included as qualitative data in this study. Participant statements about symptom improvement, as well as the providers' reported satisfaction with the PTSD recovery program support this intervention as an effective adjunctive treatment for PTSD in the refugee population.