3 - (SYM 38) Veteran Preferences Towards Tech-based Modalities of PTSD Care

            The rapid expansion and dissemination of digital mental health interventions are changing the landscape of mental healthcare for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) care. Beyond face-to-face psychotherapy, Veterans may now choose to receive PTSD care through telehealth, web-based programs, or mobile apps. Web and app-based modalities, in particular, are easily accessible, cost-effective, and can be self-administered, thereby reducing common barriers to receiving PTSD care. However, preferences for web or app-based care options for PTSD are not well understood. As such, the current study sought to better understand attitudes toward tech-based modalities of PTSD care among Veterans. The overall sample included Veterans (N = 615, M_age = 48, 68.3% men, 72.4% White) with clinically significant PTSD symptoms (as determined by a score of ≥ 31 on the Posttraumatic Stress Checklist for the DSM-5). Participants completed an online survey assessing barriers, facilitators, and attitudes toward the different modalities of PTSD care. Almost half the sample (n = 290, 45.9%) reported interest in web or app-based PTSD care modalities. Most participants had never heard of app-based (n = 453, 71.7%) or web-based (n = 397, 62.8%) care. Among those who were interested in web- or app-based PTSD care, convenience was a highly rated factor impacting their interest, in web-based care, M = 4.13, SD = 1.98, and app-based care, M = 4.08, SD = 2.08 (4 = strongly agree, 5 = agree). Affordability was also rated highly for web-based care, M = 4.38, SD = 1.87, and app-based care, M = 4.36, SD = 1.89 (4 = strongly agree, 5 = agree). Additional planned analyses will evaluate the perceived value of web- and app-based PTSD care and explore how past experiences with these modalities may be related to perceptions. Given that dissemination and implementation of alternative modalities are dependent upon an informed understanding of the demand for the type of service, a better understanding of Veteran preferences may facilitate delivering patient-centered care by recognizing which barriers are most salient for each modality and for whom.