MIRECC / CoE

New Resource for Selecting Major Depressive Disorder Psychotherapy and Updated Resource for Treating Sexual Trauma

Our Clinical Educator Grant program helps VISN 16 and 17 mental health providers create and share resources that improve treatment for rural and other Veterans who face barriers to care. We give these products to Veterans, VA providers, and the public for free. Visit our Clinical Educator Products webpage to access all of our products.

Major Depressive Disorder: Selecting a Psychotherapy that's Right for You

Developed by Drs. Jessica Grogan, Melissa Pinson, & India Gray-Schmiedlin

Selecting a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) is a personal decision. There is no one treatment that is “right” for everyone. This guide helps Veterans learn about different treatments for MDD and then consider the pros and cons of each. It defines MDD and psychotherapy options for treatment in the VA and helps Veterans talk to their providers about when psychotherapy and/or medication is needed to treat MDD based on the severity of their symptoms. It also includes self-management strategies for mild levels of MDD that can be used by Veterans and highlights treatment options for co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD, pain, and insomnia.

Access Guide

 

Courage Group

Developed by Drs. Derrecka Boykin, Natalie Hundt, & Dana Foley

This educational group draws on cognitive and behavioral principles to promote healing, self-discovery, and self-efficacy. The revised manual includes specific information about the experience of military sexual trauma (MST) and its impact on functioning. Four new topic areas have been added on surviving MST, grief and loss, self-forgiveness, and moving forward. It has a modular design that allows clinicians to vary the length of treatment according to specific group needs or the clinical setting (e.g., specialty mental health, primary care) and removes imaginal exposure from the treatment protocol. It features a new companion patient workbook that includes all in-session activities and recommended homework assignments. This workbook is intended to supplement treatment. It should NOT be used as a self-help guide.

Access Manual

 

Last updated: April 22, 2021