Journal article
Telehealth delivered art therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A single-arm multi-modal feasibility pilot
The Arts in psychotherapy, v 100, p102517
Aug 2026
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment efficacy varies in military Veterans, with reduced responsiveness to Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Art therapy, leveraging non-verbal visual processing of trauma, offers a promising alternative. Additionally, teletherapy delivery is increasingly needed due to healthcare access challenges. This mixed methods pilot study presents findings from a single arm feasibility administration of a telehealth art therapy intervention in Veterans with PTSD, including preliminary efficacy and pre/post fMRI case data. Veterans were recruited from the North Florida/South Georgia VA Health System. An eight-week art therapy program was conducted via telehealth. Outcomes were measured using validated self-report scales, qualitative therapy notes, and resting-state fMRI to examine network changes and predictors of response. 18 Veterans were enrolled; one dropped out due to telehealth issues. Thirteen Veterans (ten men, three women; mean age 40.9) completed the protocol showing an average reliable change index (RCI) of 1.34 in PTSD symptoms (PCL-5 scores), with individual RCIs ranging from 0.11 to -2.92. Improvements were also seen in depression, sleep quality, and mindfulness. Seven Veterans had >30% reduction in PTSD severity. Case analyses of three strong responders and non-responders explored response differences. Telehealth art therapy was feasible and showed potential effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving depression and sleep. Consistent with larger CBT studies, default mode and salience network connectivity appeared relevant to response, suggesting preliminary neural mechanisms. Future research should evaluate these findings in a fully powered randomized controlled trial.
•Art therapy engages sensory and visual processing of traumatic memories•Creative expression helps people externalize and process traumatic experiences•Telehealth art therapy was feasible for military Veterans with trauma symptoms•Participants showed reduced PTSD symptoms, depression, and sleep problems•fMRI suggests therapy may influence brain networks linked to trauma recovery
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Details
- Title
- Telehealth delivered art therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A single-arm multi-modal feasibility pilot
- Creators
- Laura C. Jones (Corresponding Author) - University of Florida Health Science CenterHeather Spooner - Henry M. Jackson FoundationAbigail B. Waters - University of Florida HealthSamantha H. Penhale - University of Florida HealthDamon G. Lamb - University of Florida Health Science CenterCharles Levy - Henry M. Jackson FoundationBani Malhotra - Florida State UniversityKristyn S. Stickley - Drexel UniversityKim Valldejuli - Drexel UniversityGirija Kaimal - Drexel UniversityJohn B. Williamson - University of Florida Health Science Center
- Publication Details
- The Arts in psychotherapy, v 100, p102517
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Number of pages
- 10
- Grant note
- Creative Forces.: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment
The authors declare that financial support was received for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article. This study was funded in part by Creative Forces.: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with the US Departments of War and Veterans Affairs that seeks to improve the health, wellbeing, and quality of life for military and Veteran populations exposed to trauma, as well as their families and caregivers. Creative Forces is managed in partnership with Civic Arts, the Henry M. Jackson Foundation Inc. for the Advancement of Military Medicine, and Mid-America Arts Alliance (PRO00040384).
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Creative Arts Therapies
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001857554400001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-105047794990
- Other Identifier
- 991022201581604721
InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Industry collaboration
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Psychology, Clinical
- Rehabilitation