Tuning into what matters during PTSD recovery

Dr. Kristine Sudol, a VA psychologist since 2006, serves as Coatesville VAs PCT Director and works directly with the National Center for PTSD as a regional mentor and point of contact who oversees the local implementation of PTSD-related Measurement-Based Care at the facility. Dr. Sudol also serves as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) trainer and consultant for our region. CPT is a core component of the Veteran PTSD treatment program.

"In the past, patients could be engaged in treatment for long periods of time without really ever knowing how they were doing," explains Sudol. "Evidence-based psychotherapy and Measurement-Based mental health care practices allow clinicians to have goal-driven and meaningful conversations with Veterans to track their progress over time."

What Measurement-Based Care looks like
Veterans seeking care for PTSD at Coatesville VA routinely fill out surveys based on the symptoms identified during their consultation. That information guides the conversation with each Veteran. Clinicians discuss their findings with the Veteran and agree on the course of treatment via a process called shared decision making.

Curtis Hopp, U.S. Army Veteran, was introduced to MBC when he sought help for his PTSD at Coatesville VA more than two years ago and says he found the questions helpful. That is when he realized, "this is not how I want to be. [The program] presented me with the opportunity, to be honest with myself."

The surveys also let the PCT clinicians know where the current treatment plans are working or whether they need to adjust treatments to help Veterans like Hopp get back on track.

Learn more about Measurement-Based Care at the Office of Research & Development website.

PTSD was an anchor dragging me down
Hopp joined the U.S. Army at the age of 18 and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he was engaged in combat as an Infantryman. After leaving active duty, Hopp wanted to stay close to family and returned to Pennsylvania making a point to always be present at family events.

Unfortunately, over the next 12 years, Hopp continued to rely on the techniques that proved effective for him in combat but, rather than help him reconnect with his family and thrive in the civilian world, they did more to isolate Hopp from his family and friends. "I have always, always been at family events but just kind of a shell," explained Hopp. "I was there for other people but not emotionally invested. I just didn't want to invest the energy and emotion."

Hopp found good work and earned his bachelor's degree from Penn State. In 2014, he secured a job in financial services. "Whether I was drinking excessively to self-medicate or whatever, I've always been able to hold myself accountable, to push myself and make sure I'm accomplishing things and progressing."

While Hopp was outwardly successful in achieving his goals, internally his behaviors were distancing him from his friends and family and eroding his support network. "It was like going through life dragging an anchor," said Hopp. PTSD was just holding me back, weighing me down."

The Catalyst to reach out
After 12 years, Hopp finally decided he needed to try something different. It's no coincidence he decided to reach out for help two years ago.

"The birth of my son was actually a catalyst for me to seek out a higher level of help. I was having trouble connecting and expressing my emotions, said Hopp. "I was determined to do something, and I was tired of living that way."

Hopp completed his PTSD treatment program this past summer and reflected on what it means to him. He said the change it has brought to his life is more important than any college degree or financial professional designation.

"I'm able to experience the full spectrum of the joys that that come with parenthood and fully be in tune with my emotions and the gratitude that I can express from having close relationships with the people in my life."

MBC's future at Coatesville VA
Implementation at Coatesville VA has gone so well that, according to the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, the Coatesville PCT was recognized for their efforts during fiscal year 2021 because they achieved and are sustaining MBC best practices well above the national average.

Dr. Sudol said she has every expectation that Coatesville VAs PCT will continue to successfully track PTSD recovery as they transform their MBC processes during these challenging times.

If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who has experienced or witnessed a life-threatening or traumatic event and could benefit from the PTSD treatment programs offered at the Coatesville VA, talk to your primary care team.