A preliminary investigation of VA PTSD residential treatment for veterans admitted from unstable housing or incarceration

Abstract

VA Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (RRTPs) may assuage barriers homeless and justice-involved veterans experience in accessing and benefitting from PTSD treatment. However, the benefit of RRTPs among these veterans has yet to be researched. We conducted an examination of PTSD and depressive symptoms across admission, discharge, and four-month follow-up among 243 veterans admitted from unstable housing and 40 veterans admitted from prison/jail. Both groups experienced reductions in PTSD symptoms from admission to discharge; however, those admitted from unstable housing experienced a recurrence in PTSD symptoms. Veterans admitted from unstable housing experienced reductions in depressive symptoms by discharge, but these symptoms recurred during follow-up. Veterans admitted from jail/prison did not experience significant change in depressive symptoms. This study provides tentative support that homeless and justice-involved veterans can benefit from RRTPs. Understanding of factors driving symptom recurrence, and methods of enhancing post-discharge care, are required for these veterans.