Program evaluation of a peer-led posttraumatic stress disorder psychoeducation group for veterans considering treatment services in a Veterans Affairs specialty clinic.

There is a recognized need for efforts that promote utilization and completion of trauma-focused evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Patients referred to PTSD specialty clinics are often reluctant to engage in EBPs, especially if they are treatment-naive or had prior negative treatment experiences. To address this reluctance, we implemented PTSD101, a psychoeducation group led by peer specialists offered in a specialty PTSD clinic for veterans considering new PTSD services. This present study aimed to conduct a program evaluation of PTSD101 using pre-post data. The structured group consisted of seven 90-min sessions addressing: (a) civilian readjustment; (b) effects of trauma; (c) trust, safety, and self-care; (d) coping/healing; (e) survival strategies and relationships; (d) substance use and medication; and (f) PTSD treatment. Data were collected from 34 veterans across multiple group cohorts. Following completion of the group, over half of the veterans (n = 18) initiated a new behavioral health treatment service, including trauma-focused EBPs (n = 11). Significant improvements were also noted in measures of PTSD symptoms, depression symptoms, and illness management strategies and recovery outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).