Preliminary evaluation of treatment outcomes at a military intensive outpatient program.

Abstract

Recent U.S. Army policy has established intensive outpatient programs at several installations as part of a comprehensive behavioral health system of care. This study presents retrospective program evaluation data from a case series without randomization or a control group at 1 recently established intensive outpatient program for active duty service members at a joint military installation. Out of 240 patients referred to the program at 1 installation, 200 enrolled in treatment. Of these, 169 completed treatment in a Skills & Resiliency Track (n = 97), Trauma Track (n = 34), or both (Combined Track; n = 38). Patients completed measures of posttraumatic stress symptoms and general distress throughout program enrollment. First year preliminary results show significant decreases in distress for those in the Skills & Resiliency and Combined groups. Trauma group patients showed significant decreases in posttraumatic stress symptoms. Patients in the Skills & Resiliency and Combined groups showed significant decreases in rates of psychiatric hospitalization. These results show potential for treating high-risk or treatment-resistant patients in a half-day intensive outpatient program. Lessons learned and recommendations for establishing intensive outpatient programming for the military are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).