Free “PE Coach” mobile app is available for Apple and Android devices.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy is a treatment where patients approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations to help emotionally process an intense or uncomfortable experience. It’s considered one of the most effective treatments for post-deployment psychological concerns. “PE Coach” is a new mobile application featuring a variety of tools to help users advance their prolonged exposure therapy. It was developed by National Center for Telehealth and Technology (T2), a Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury center, and the Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for PTSD.

“While prolonged exposure therapy is the gold standard for treating posttraumatic stress disorder, patient’s engagement in homework is important. This valuable between-session homework involves revisiting their memory and confronting uncomfortable situations, such as going to the mall for 45 minutes when one may typically avoid crowds,” said Dr. Greg Reger, T2 lead clinical psychologist. “The tools offered by the ‘PE Coach’ app help users stay proactive with their homework and track progress.”

The app records sessions where a provider guides a patient to revisit and face traumatic experiences. Users can also check-in on their feelings and behavior using a posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for 17 different trauma symptoms. The app provides a homework toolbox for each session, including stress-management techniques, such as a breathing retrainer, as well as specific activities designed by the provider and patient to help decrease stress and manage symptoms related to the trauma.

“Before this app, patients would use paper to document what they did between sessions to face uncomfortable situations, and often they’d come to therapy without their worksheets,” said Reger. “Now, users can just tap on the homework tool in the app, partake in an activity that exposes them to a situation, learn about common reactions to trauma, rate their experience and easily give their provider this vital feedback.”

Featuring a calendar that reminds users of the next appointment or homework assignment, the app’s unique accessibility makes it easier for service members and veterans to get the help they need by supporting their prolonged exposure therapy.

“Avoidance is a prominent symptom of patients. They avoid situations that may remind them of their traumatic experiences, and they may also avoid therapy sessions because it is not particularly a ‘fun’ exercise,” said Reger. “We’re all human and we know what it’s like tackling a tough issue. This device helps users stick with their therapy, engage in tasks that support their recovery and see the outstanding progress they can have.”

Download the free “PE Coach” app and check back to see new developments and mobile apps from T2.