Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may emerge after a frightening or traumatic event, such as assault, warfare, a motor vehicle collision, or another threat to a person’s life. Acute stress disorder is a similar reaction to an overwhelming traumatic event, but it lasts for less than a month, whereas PTSD involves symptoms lasting longer than a month.

Cognitive behavioural therapy is a type of psychotherapy often used to treat acute stress disorder and PTSD. As an alternative to in-person sessions with a therapist, cognitive behavioural therapy can be delivered online, with or without guidance from a therapist. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy is considered an option to increase access to this treatment.

This health technology assessment looked at how safe, effective, and cost-effective internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy is for adults with PTSD or acute stress disorder. It also looked at the budget impact of publicly funding internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy, and it looked at the experiences, preferences, and values of people with PTSD or acute stress disorder.