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Evidence-Based Treatments for PTSD and Suicide Risk Reduction

The Connection Between PTSD and Suicide Risk 

  • PTSD is a significant risk factor for suicide, particularly among veterans and those with chronic or untreated trauma.
  • Evidence-based PTSD treatments not only reduce trauma symptoms, but have been shown to lower suicidal thoughts and behaviors, even when suicide is not directly addressed in therapy.
  • Treating PTSD is a powerful suicide prevention strategy.

What is It?

This is a set of evidence-based, trauma-focused psychotherapies proven to reduce symptoms of PTSD and associated risks, including suicidal ideation and behavior. The three treatments described below are short-term, structured, and designed to help individuals process traumatic experiences and regain control of their lives.

These treatments are recommended by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, and the American Psychological Association as first-line interventions for PTSD

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) 

  • A 12-session cognitive-behavioral treatment that helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to trauma.
  • Focuses on themes like safety, trust, power, and self-worth.
  • Delivered in individual or group formats, in-person or via telehealth. 

Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy 

    • An evidence-based treatment that helps individuals gradually confront trauma-related memories and avoided situations in a safe, therapeutic setting.
    • Reduces fear, avoidance, and intrusive symptoms over time.
    • Typically delivered in 8–15 weekly sessions by a trained therapist.

Written Exposure Therapy (WET) 

  • A brief, 5-session treatment where clients write about their trauma experiences in a structured format.
  • Effective, time-efficient, and well-suited for resource-limited settings. 
  • Minimal therapist time needed, making it scalable in busy clinics. 

Who is It For?

These treatments are for individuals diagnosed with PTSD, especially those at elevated risk of suicide. This includes:

  • Veterans and service members 
  • Survivors of assault, disaster, or combat trauma 
  • Individuals with co-occurring depression, anxiety, or substance use 
  • Clients presenting with PTSD and suicidal ideation or recent suicide attempts

All three therapies can be used across settings: outpatient clinics, primary care behavioral health, telehealth, and integrated care environments. 

Effective PTSD care depends on clinician training and implementation support at the organizational level.

What is the Intended Outcome and Impact? 

For the organization:

  • Stronger treatment outcomes and symptom reduction for PTSD
  • Reduced suicide risk through direct trauma recovery
  • Alignment with clinical practice guidelines and payer expectations
  • Staff confidence in delivering structured, effective care

For the individual:

  • Decreased PTSD symptoms including nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance
  • Improved daily functioning and quality of life
  • Reduction in suicidal ideation and behavior, supported by multiple clinical trials
  • Hope, connection, and control restored through trauma resolution

How Technical Assistance Can Support Organizations Implementing Crisis Response Planning:

The UT Health San Antonio Technical Assistance Team is here to help your organization determine which evidence-based PTSD treatment(s) best fit your setting, providers, and clients — and how to get started.

We can support you with: 

  • Selecting the right treatment for your team and population 
  • Identifying training opportunities for clinicians 
  • Planning for sustainable implementation 
  • Ongoing coaching, resources, and outcome support 

Schedule a conversation with our Technical Assistance Team to explore what works for your agency.

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