Tier Three trainings offer behavioral health professionals specific clinical skills that focus on evidence-based treatment to address specific behavioral health issues facing service members. Tier Three trainings are two-day workshops offered in-person and online. Participants must attend both days in their entirety. To attend Tier Three trainings, you must be accepted into the registry and have completed Tier One and Tier Two. You may, however, register for the training after completing a Tier Two before being accepted into the registry in order to reserve your spot.
Below you will find an overview of each of the courses for Tier Three. Please note that, while these topics are offered under Tier Three training, these courses are independent and conducted separately. To be listed as a Tier Three trained provider, you need only take one training; however, you may find it beneficial to attend several as it will offer you additional tools and resources.
Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) for PTSD
This intensive two-day workshop provides training in Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy, an evidence-based treatment for PTSD described in the manual, Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD, Emotional Processing of Traumatic Experiences–Therapist Guide, 2nd edition, by Foa et al., 2019. It covers the empirical and theoretical support for PE and reviews the main clinical techniques used in this structured protocol. Step-by-step instructions for conducting PE therapy sessions, including in vivo and imaginal exposure, along with strategies for working with over- and under-engaged patients and other difficult cases, are shared. Videotaped examples of PE cases are used to demonstrate therapist skills, and participants are expected to do role-plays in class to practice PE techniques. Additionally, participants are responsible for acquiring a copy of the PE therapist guide prior to the start of the workshop, and attendance both days is required as the course material is cumulative.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
This intensive two-day workshop provides training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), an evidence-based treatment for PTSD described in the manual, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual, 1st edition, by Resick et al., 2016. It presents theory underlying CPT, a brief overview of CPT’s empirical support, and step-by-step instructions in CPT protocol techniques. Throughout the workshop strategies for conceptualizing and dealing with co-morbidity, managing avoidance, and keeping patients optimally engaged are provided. Video clips of expert therapists demonstrate CPT skills, and participants are expected to do role-plays and other assignments to learn concepts and practice skills. Additionally, participants are responsible for acquiring a copy of the CPT manual prior to the start of the workshop, and attendance both days is required as the course material is cumulative.
Assessment and Treatment of Sleep Disturbances in Military Populations: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I)
This intensive two-day workshop provides training in the assessment of military-related sleep disturbance and treatment of insomnia via Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), an evidence-based approach to treating sleep problems. The workshop begins with a broad foundation of normal sleep, including sleep mechanisms and theories, which builds to instruction on sleep-focused differential assessment with a focus on functional analysis. From this perspective, we explore the etiology of insomnia and introduce clinical interventions within a step-by-step CBT-I protocol. Experiential and interactive elements develop practical skills for using Stimulus Control, Sleep Restriction, and cognitive therapy. Military case examples are incorporated to illustrate key concepts and techniques. Participants are expected to engage in case discussion and role-plays in class to practice CBT-I techniques. Attendance both days is required as the course material is cumulative.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Suicide Prevention (CBT-SP)
This intensive two-day workshop provides training in the assessment and treatment of suicidal ideation and behavior, and is designed for behavioral health providers working with Service members and Veterans. The workshop begins with a detailed review of the epidemiology of suicide both in the civilian population and within the military/Veteran community. Participants will be introduced to the Self-Directed Violence Classification System (SDVCS), a nomenclature supported by the DoD/VA for self-directed violence and suicidal behavior. Major theories of suicide are reviewed as a foundation for understanding this behavior. The course provides training in suicide risk assessment, identifying risk and protective factors for suicidal behavior and utilizing risk assessment to develop appropriate treatment plans. Risk assessment is followed by in-depth training in cognitive-behavioral therapy for suicide prevention. Participants will have the opportunity to practice assessment and intervention strategies throughout the training. Video demonstrations are provided, and participants are expected to do role-plays to practice key assessment and treatment techniques. Attendance both days is required as the course material is cumulative.