A Mobile Health Intervention to Improve Psychosocial Functioning in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression Symptoms

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are the two most common mental health conditions among Veterans. When Veterans experience both, there is a negative impact on their functioning, making it difficult to function at work or at home and socially with other people. Although talk therapies can result in improvements in functioning, they are difficult to access because there are limited clinicians who can provide them. As most US adults now own a smartphone, mobile apps are a way for Veterans to access content traditionally delivered through talk therapies at their own pace. This study will test a mobile app based on a trauma-informed talk therapy that has helped Veterans with PTSD and depression make large improvements in functioning, through learning skills to navigate emotions and relationships. Additionally, through answering brief surveys and enabling passive tracking on their smartphones, Veterans will see real-time information on their functioning and mental health and on potential benefits from using these skills.