Atlanta VAHCS Earns National Recognition for Outstanding Rural Mentored Implementation Led by Dr. Sheila Rauch
By Gregory Kendall, Public Affairs Specialist
The Atlanta VA Health Care System is proud to highlight a major achievement in expanding access to high-quality mental health care for Veterans in rural communities.
Dr. Sheila Rauch, a nationally recognized leader in trauma recovery and evidence-based therapies, has been honored with the Office of Rural Health Veterans First Recognition Award for Outstanding Rural Mentored Implementation Project Lead and Team for the Prolonged Exposure for Primary Care (PE-PC) Training and Implementation Initiative.
This initiative focuses on bringing Prolonged Exposure (PE)—a gold-standard, evidence-based psychotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—directly into primary care settings. By integrating PE principles where Veterans already receive the majority of their medical care, the program reduces barriers such as long travel distances, limited specialty mental health access, and scheduling challenges that are common in rural communities.
Under Dr. Rauch’s leadership, the initiative has advanced practical, scalable methods to support clinicians in delivering PE in a primary care framework. Her mentorship has been instrumental in helping providers across rural VA sites gain confidence and competency with this brief, effective approach to treating trauma.
“This work ensures that Veterans in rural areas receive the same high-quality, evidence-based PTSD care as those in major metropolitan centers—and they can receive it in the clinic they already know and trust,” Dr. Rauch said. “Eliminating barriers and delivering care where Veterans are is the heart of this initiative.”
The PE-PC Training and Implementation Initiative has already demonstrated success by improving access, strengthening clinician skills, and increasing the use of evidence-based PTSD treatment in frontline settings. Its impact continues to grow as more primary care teams adopt the model across the country.
With this recognition, the Atlanta VA Health Care System celebrates not only Dr. Rauch’s leadership, but also the dedication of the clinicians and rural sites committed to expanding mental health access. Their work represents a meaningful step forward in ensuring that every Veteran—regardless of ZIP code—has access to proven, effective PTSD treatment.