Written Exposure Therapy: A Brief PTSD Treatment

Author(s): Denise M. Sloan, PhDBrian P. Marx, PhD

Description

Written Exposure Therapy (WET) is a brief, 5-session exposure-based psychotherapy for PTSD that is recommended by the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline. WET differs from other trauma-focused psychotherapies in its cost-efficiency and low treatment drop out.

This course reviews the theoretical mechanisms and development of WET, presenting the supporting and on-going research for WET as an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. The authors provide a comprehensive description of the WET protocol and its delivery and describe the type of patient who would be a good candidate.

Goals and Objectives

  • Describe PTSD treatment
  • Discuss WET development
  • Describe on-going and future-planned WET studies
  • Identify appropriate patients for WET

Find a Therapist

Available en Español

Good treatments for PTSD are available. Here are some suggestions for finding a therapist, counselor, or mental health care provider who can help your recovery.

Things to Consider

  • If you are a Veteran, see Help for Veterans.
  • Make sure the provider has experience treating people who have been through a trauma.
  • Try to find a provider who focuses on evidence-based medications for PTSD or effective talk therapy for PTSD, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
  • Find out what type(s) of insurance the provider accepts and what you will have to pay (out-of-pocket costs) for care.
  • You may find more than one therapist. Learn about Types of Therapists.

First steps

  • Contact your family doctor to ask for a recommendation. Or, ask friends and family if they can recommend a therapist.
  • If you have health insurance, call to find out which mental health providers your insurance company will cover. Your insurance company may require that you choose a provider from among a list they maintain.

Finding a Provider Using the Internet

These resources can help you locate a therapist, counselor, or mental health provider who is right for you. Note: These resources can be used by anyone, and if you are a Veteran, see the “Help for Veterans” section below.

  • Sidran Institute Help DeskLink will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site. will help you find therapists who specialize in trauma treatment. Email or call the Help Desk at (410) 825-8888.
  • Anxiety and Depression Association of America offers a therapist search by location and mental health disorder. Call (240) 485-1011 or email.
  • EMDR International AssociationLink will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site. has a locator that lists EMDR providers.
  • ISTSS Clinician DirectoryLink will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site. is a service provided by the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) that lets you consider many factors in searching for a clinician, counselor, or mental health professional.
  • American Psychological AssociationLink will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site. has a Psychologist Locator that allows you to search by location, specialty, insurance accepted, and gender of provider.
  • Psychology TodayLink will take you outside the VA website. VA is not responsible for the content of the linked site. offers a therapist directory by location. You can also find treatment centers.
  • Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Behavioral Health Services Locator by location and type of facility (inpatient, outpatient, residential). Call for assistance 24 hours a day 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

GET HELP FOR PTSD

If you need help right away:

  • Call 1-800-273-8255
    Press “1” if you are a Veteran.
  • Chat online with a counselor.
  • Call 911 or visit a local emergency room

Resource: ptsd.va.gov


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Author: Dennis Hickey

I love to learn and I enjoy sharing what I’ve learned. I hope you do too because learning will nourish your personal growth. I hope you enjoy this website and visit often so you too keep learning too.

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