Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Many Veterans struggle with the aftereffects of combat, IED explosions, seeing comrades injured or military sexual trauma. Some may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a result.
Program Eligibility
Any Veteran living in VISN 12 (Wisconsin, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or the upper portion of Illinois) who meets VA eligibility criteria is eligible for an initial consultative assessment interview.
This interview helps Veterans understand their trauma-related difficulties. Afterward, the team will suggest services, which may include the PTSD Clinical Team (PCT) and other VA or community agencies.
Steps for service in the PTSD Clinical Treatment Program
Establish eligibility for VA health care.
For questions, call 800-827-1000.
Complete a consultative interview.
Visit the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., Monday through Friday (excluding federal holidays). The interview lasts about 2 hours. Appointments are encouraged but are not required, and interviews are conducted on a first come, first served basis.
Our clinic is located on the second floor of the main hospital in the A wing. Let the receptionist know you are a new patient.
After the Interview.
If diagnosed with PTSD, you'll be referred to the PTSD Clinic. Other suggested treatments may also be discussed.
Specialty treatments at Madison VA PTSD clinic
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). CPT helps change how you think about trauma, reducing anxiety and anger. You'll do written assignments to challenge unhelpful thoughts and reactions related to trauma. Sessions are weekly, lasting 50-60 minutes, and the therapy runs for 12 weeks.
Prolonged Exposure (PE). PE helps you face and get used to trauma-related memories and situations gradually, reducing PTSD symptoms, especially anxiety. Sessions are 90 minutes each week for 9-12 weeks, with weekly homework.
Written Exposure Therapy (WET). WET is a shorter therapy (5-7 sessions) using writing exercises led by a therapist to reduce PTSD symptoms. It's a quicker option with fewer assignments outside of sessions.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Group. CPT Group follows the same process as individual CPT but in a group setting. It focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts without writing about your most traumatic experience, which is sometimes done in individual therapy. The group meets for 90 minutes each week for 12 weeks, on Tuesdays from 9-10:30 am.
Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR). STAIR is a 12-week, 90-minute closed group for Veterans with trauma histories, emotional regulation issues or relationship problems. The group teaches emotional awareness, regulation and relationship skills. This group is a skills-focused treatment that can be completed alongside or prior to trauma-focused therapy and is not intended as a stand-alone group.