VA releases phone application for PTS

Veterans dealing with symptoms of post traumatic stress can now turn to their smart phones for help in coping with the mental affliction commonly associated with combat. The PTSD Coach application, created by VA and DoD, allows phone users to manage their symptoms, links them with local sources of support and provides information on PTS. The application is now available and can be downloaded for free in the iTunes store. An Android release is expected for late spring.

“This is about giving veterans and servicemembers the help they earned when and where they need it,” VA Secretary Eric Shinseki said. “We hope they, their families and friends download this free app. Understanding PTSD and those who live with it is too important to ignore.”

The PTSD Coach is primarily designed to enhance services for individuals who are already receiving mental health care, though it is also helpful for those considering entering mental health care and those who just want to learn more about PTS.

The application is one of the first in a series of jointly designed resources by the VA National Center for PTSD and DoD’s National Center for Telehealth and Technology to help servicemembers and veterans and their families and friends manage readjustment challenges through anonymous assistance. Given the current popularity of mobile devices, VA and DoD hope to reach a large population of the military community with the new suite of applications.