PE Coach 2 app | By US Department of Veterans Affairs |
Features
|
|
Country of origin | USA |
Clinical review |
|
Security and privacy | Does the app:
Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: |
Cost | Free |
How to get the app |
Low or no data? Visit zero.govt.nz, scroll down the page then click on our logo to return to our site and browse for free.
PE Coach 2 app
PE Coach 2 app
- An app to support people with PTSD who are undergoing prolonged exposure therapy for CBT with a therapist.
PE Coach 2 app is for CBT therapists providing prolonged exposure (PE) therapy to people experiencing PTSD. The app follows the Veteran Affair’s 5 session protocol for PE. It will be useful for clinicians to download the clinician’s guide to the app before using it. The therapist’s client downloads the app, which allows users to:
- set up and track therapy sessions, including reminders
- do tasks to prepare for therapy sessions
- record sessions in a secure way
- complete assessment tools in real time.
For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link), Google Play(external link), App Store(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see reviews below.
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
✔ Provides good information about avoidance and anxiety and how to address these. |
✘ The ‘About’ tab needs to be more obvious, with better instructions for how the app works. Therapy clients may wish to watch an instructional video about the app found here: myvaapps.com,(external link)(external link) while therapists will do better if they read the clinicians' guide to the app.(external link)(external link) |
Clinical review
Reviewer: Kris Garstang, Clinical Psychologist, Life Mind Psychology
Date of review: April 2022
Platform: Android
Version: 1.1.5
Comments: Overall, PE Coach 2 app is for specific use in prolonged exposure (PE) therapy with a CBT therapist who is familiar with this particular treatment protocol. It will be useful for those using it in this way to guide and structure sessions and support homework completion, which is extensive under this protocol. It will be very useful for therapists working with limited sessions and will aid in keeping the treatment on track. It would be improved if more information on its use was provided, but this is available online, if searched for. It is not terribly useful for individuals wanting self help for PTSD but does contain some useful information about PTSD and treatment with PE as well as a useful breathing exercise.
NZ relevance: The app is largely to support American veterans undergoing a specific treatment protocol in therapy but the functions will still be useful for those undergoing similar therapy in New Zealand. Emergency contact numbers are only relevant to US citizens.
Safety concerns: None, but emergency telephone numbers are for US veterans only.
Clinical review
Reviewer: Tina Earl, Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
Date of review: May 2020
Platform: Apple
Version: 2.0
Comments: PE Coach 2 app is a prolonged exposure (PE) strategy to address the PTSD symptom of avoidance and the anxiety this creates. It is most useful for people experiencing avoidance and anxiety symptoms of PTSD who are not recovering and aims to address avoidance symptoms that may in turn reduce anxiety or depression. Overall, if the app’s graphics, session structure and content, and navigation, was improved then it would be more easy to use, as the content is good and it is the presentation that lets it down.
Safety concerns: A cautionary statement is needed regarding who this app might not be suitable for, and that this technique may be risky for some and therefore therapist assessment is needed. Also a statement about personal safety and risk. Although they do mention this under the ‘Guilt and Shame’ tab.
New Zealand relevance: Suitable for a New Zealand audience, but may not be appropriate for cultural groups unless adapted.
Prolonged exposure (PE) therapy(external link) American Psychological Association
This app has been reviewed by other independent websites:
PE Coach 2(external link) PsyberGuide
Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly. |
Factsheets – using health apps safely
How to choose a health app
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Privacy and security tips for using health apps
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ
Credits: Healthify editorial team. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.