Prolonged Exposure (PE)

What it is

Repeated, supported approach toward the trauma memory (imaginal) and avoided places (in vivo). Demanding on purpose.

Evidence

Strong-for in the VA/DoD PTSD guideline. Large effects when people complete it. Dropout is a real issue in veteran settings.

Access for veterans

VA PTSD clinics and trained civilian clinicians. VR-PE / Bravemind is still PE with a headset — see exposure-tech.

Cautions

Not a consumer VR app. Needs a trained clinician. Incomplete exposure can leave people worse without a plan.

Evidence reviewed September 2026. Named sources are being added room by room; start with VA/DoD PTSD guideline (2023) for first-line care.

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