Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is an evidence-based intervention that helps improve health outcomes for people with HIV who are also living with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Adapted by HIV experts in collaboration with community members, CPT uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to reduce PTSD symptoms. Through structured sessions with a behavioral health therapist, clients learn to recognize and address the impact of trauma on their thoughts, emotions, and overall well-being.

This Implementation Guide was developed as part of the Using Evidence-Informed Interventions to Improve Health Outcomes among People Living with HIV (E2i) initiative, which tested CPT in Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) settings and evaluated its effectiveness.

The guide provides practical tools, tips, and resources to support replication of CPT in RWHAP and other HIV service organizations.

Download the CPT Implementation Guide.