An Investigation of a Community-Based Phase-I Online Group Trauma Intervention

This study examined the feasibility of online group therapy for trauma survivors. Community-based participants (N = 178; 64% women; mean age = 43) self-referred for an eight-week psychoeducational, skills-based trauma therapy group, which was offered via secure video conferencing. Participants were diverse in terms of socio-economic status and ethnic identity. Participants completed the PCL-5 at registration (T0), pre-treatment (T1), and post-treatment (T2). T0-T1 reflected a waitlist period; T1-T2 represented the treatment phase. Mixed effects models showed significant overall PCL-5 reductions from T0-T2, with clinically meaningful change during treatment (T1-T2). PTSD symptom subtypes as measured by the PCL-5 (reexperiencing, avoidance, negative cognition/mood, arousal) also improved. Findings support telemedicine as a feasible option for fostering stabilization skills and reducing barriers to trauma treatment.