Some people who live through traumatic experiences, such as the 9/11 WTC attacks or their aftermath, suffer from mental and physical problems that occur as a result of the incident and can persist over time. These problems are known as post-traumatic stress reactions or symptoms, and may include sleep disturbances, feelings of guilt and shame, persistent nightmares or upsetting memories of the incident, avoidance of reminders that might trigger upsetting memories, loss of interest in activities, concentration difficulties, and feeling distant from other people.

People who experience persistent PTSD symptoms often receive treatment in person in an outpatient clinic. However, recent findings suggest that Internet-based treatment can also yield positive treatment effects. The Internet offers people the opportunity to receive psychological support from home. For some people, it is easier to communicate without direct visual contact with another person about their experiences. Despite the distance, people can reflect on their situation or concerns with the help of a personal therapist.

In this study, communication between participant and therapist is conducted exclusively across the Internet, in written form, through our secure Web platform. Through guided writing, online therapy aims to help WTC responders process their traumatic experiences or better manage current life problems. Participants will have an equal chance of being given one of two therapies: Internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy or Internet-based supportive therapy. Each participant will be assigned a personal therapist to work with throughout the treatment. All information transmitted during the course of treatment is kept strictly confidential.

The study is being conducted at Mount Sinai under the direction of Dr. Adriana Feder and is funded by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Dr. Feder has extensive experience in the treatment of WTC rescue, recovery and clean-up workers with PTSD and other posttraumatic symptoms. All treating therapists are social workers or psychologists who are specially trained in the application of these online therapies.

Download PDF