Web-Based Provider Training for Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPEWeb)
PTSD and substance use disorders (SUD) are two of the most common and debilitating mental health conditions afflicting military Veterans. PTSD and SUD frequently co-occur and are associated with poorer treatment outcomes. The investigators' team developed a trauma-focused intervention, Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure (COPE), which is identified by the VA as a gold standard of behavioral healthcare and was designated as a first-line treatment in the 2025 APA Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD. However, a critical barrier to ensuring that Veterans with co-occurring PTSD/SUD receive evidence-based treatment is a lack of provider training. This project directly addresses this critical gap by developing a new web-based training program for providers (COPEWeb).
• currently a provider in a behavioral health field (e.g., psychology, psychiatry, counseling)
• at least 18 years old
• English speaking
• able to consistently obtain reliable internet access
• willing to attend a 2-day live in-person (or virtual) COPE training if randomly assigned to that condition
• willing to engage in a standardized patient assessment after training
• has no prior formal training in the COPE therapy