RallyPoint and University of Utah Partnering to Treat PTSD

WALTHAM, Mass., April 24, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The National Center for Veterans Studies (NCVS) at the University of Utah announced its partnership today with RallyPoint, the premier online network for the military community. This partnership will help NCVS utilize RallyPoint's platform as a tool to increase enrollment in the cognitive processing therapy program.

"I am thrilled to see the leadership exhibited by Dr. Craig Bryan and my alma mater's National Center for Veterans Studies in addressing the mental health needs of our nation's veterans," said Bob McDonald, RallyPoint Chairman, Eighth Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and retired Chairman, President, and CEO of The Procter & Gamble Company. "The connection of Dr. Bryan's treatment with the scale of RallyPoint will improve experiences and outcomes for a much greater number of Veterans in a shorter period than would have been possible otherwise."

Researchers at the National Center for Veterans Studies provide a non-medication psychological treatment to military personnel and veterans struggling with PTSD. The treatment, named cognitive processing therapy or CPT, typically involves 12 one-hour outpatient appointments. CPT is one of only a handful of treatments recommended by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense and other scientific bodies. More than half of individuals who receive treatment recover from PTSD.

"We are doing everything in our power to remove treatment barriers for Veterans and ensure they receive effective treatment," said Craig Bryan, executive director of the National Center for Veterans Studies and Iraq War Veteran. "RallyPoint will help us reach military personnel, veterans and their family members who are in need."

Data from the center, published in a scientific peer-reviewed journal, show that over 70% of participants experienced a significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, and 66% experienced a significant drop in suicidal thoughts after the two-week program. Six months later, over half of participants showed continued improvement in PTSD symptoms and suicidal thoughts.

ABOUT RALLYPOINT
RallyPoint is the online platform where warriors talk. With more than 1.6 million members, RallyPoint is the premier network for military service members and veterans to come together and discuss military life through both professional and personal perspectives. Visit http://solutions.rallypoint.com/ to learn more and follow RallyPoint on Facebook and Twitter @RallyPoint.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CENTER FOR VETERANS STUDIES
The National Center for Veterans Studies engages in research, education, outreach, and advocacy for improving the lives of military personnel, veterans, and their families. The Center, located in the heart of The University of Utah campus, is a national leader in suicide prevention and PTSD research and treatment. Visit http://www.veterans.utah.edu to learn more about the R&R program and other programs and initiatives.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
The University of Utah, located in Salt Lake City in the foothills of the Wasatch Mountains, is the flagship institution of higher learning in Utah. Founded in 1850, it serves over 31,000 students from across the U.S. and the world. With over 72 major subjects at the undergraduate level and more than 90 major fields of study at the graduate level, including law and medicine, the university prepares students to live and compete in the global workplace. Known for its proximity to seven world-class ski resorts within 40 minutes of campus, the University of Utah encourages an active, holistic lifestyle, innovation and collaborative thinking to engage students, faculty, and business leaders.

SOURCE RallyPoint