Therapist-Guided PSP PTSD Course

Who is eligible for this course?

First responders and other public safety personnel (PSP) 18+ residing in NB, NS, ON, PEI, QC, or SK seeking effective ways to manage symptoms of posttraumatic stress.

This course is not suitable for those with severe substance use, psychosis, mania, or suicidal thoughts.

Evidence-Informed: Participants report significant improvement in their symptoms of posttraumatic stress.
Easy & Flexible: 5 online lessons over 8 weeks with ~ 1 hour of course work per week.
Optional Therapist Support: Optional therapist support through secure emails and occasional phone check-ins.
Extra Resources: More information about PSP-related concerns such as anger, sleep, alcohol use, and more!

Can I enroll if I’ve already taken a PSPNET course?

Yes! Please reach out to us and we will assist you with enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Overview

Who developed the PSP PTSD Course?

The therapist-guided PSP PTSD Course was originally developed at Macquarie University in Australia, then adapted to meet the needs of PSP by the PSPNET team at the University of Regina. This course has shown success as a treatment for those with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder.
Why was the PSP PTSD Course developed?
Research shows that 23.2% of PSP report clinically significant symptoms of PTSD, yet many have difficulties accessing care. The PSP PTSD Course was designed to overcome common barriers to treatment, such as:
- Geographical challenges — difficulty accessing care in remote locations or during postings
- Logistical constraints — shift work and busy schedules that conflict with standard service hours
- Stigma concerns — perceptions of being judged or evaluated negatively for seeking mental health support
- Limited resources — insufficient access to mental health services designed for PSP needs
What does the PSP PTSD Course involve?

The PSP PTSD Course teaches evidence-based information and skills specifically for Canadian first responders and other PSP seeking to self-manage their symptoms of posttraumatic stress. There are 5 main lessons, each presented online via slideshows and downloadable guides, that we recommend completing over one or two weeks each. Be sure to check out the additional resources for more information on topics like anger, communication, and worry.
How much time does it take to complete the therapist-guided PSP PTSD Course?

The therapist-guided PSP PTSD Course is designed to take 8–10. We recommend scheduling at least 1 hour to review each lesson content and, following, 1–2 weeks to reflect on and implement changes. Keep in mind that all course materials are accessible and downloadable for up to 1 year after enrollment!
Is the PSP PTSD Course offered in French?

Yes, the PSP PTSD Course is available in English and French.
How long will PSPNET be providing the therapist-guided PSP PTSD Course?

PSPNET is funded through 2028. We’re working on a long-term sustainability plan to ensure we can continue providing mental health support to PSP long-term.
What research is being done on the PSP PTSD Course?

To evaluate and improve the PSP PTSD Course, we ask participants to complete questionnaires at several points: once per week during treatment, then at 8, 16, and 26 weeks after starting. The time required varies from about 5 minutes in some weeks to 20–30 minutes in others.

These questionnaires provide important data on your progress and treatment outcomes. Your responses are reviewed by our research team without any identifying information attached, helping us understand what works well and where we can improve the course for future PSP participants.

Eligibility and Getting Started

Who can take part in the PSP PTSD Course?
You’re eligible if you are:
- A current or former PSP
- 18 years of age or older
- Residing in New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, or Saskatchewan
- Comfortable using the internet and have reliable access
- Able to commit 1 to 3 hours weekly for 8 weeks
- Experiencing concerns with anxiety, depression, and/or posttraumatic stress
- Willing to provide a local medical contact for emergencies
This course is not recommended if you:
- Have severe problems with alcohol or drugs
- Experiencing mania or psychosis
- Are at high risk of suicide
What does the screening process involve?

The screening process has two parts, each taking 20 to 30 minutes:

Online Questionnaires: You will be asked to provide personal contact information (such as name, address, phone, email) and answer questions about your background, mental/physical health, relationships, occupation, treatment history, and emergency contacts.

Telephone Call with a Therapist: You’ll schedule a call with a PSPNET therapist to discuss your questionnaire responses, learn about our research, and identify which course best fits your needs. Our therapists are registered professionals with graduate-level education (such as clinical psychology or social work) who are specially trained to work with PSP.
Is ICBT appropriate for PSP?

Absolutely. PSPNET was built specifically for Canadian PSP, with all materials developed in collaboration with public safety personnel. We actively seek feedback throughout the course to ensure it meets your needs, and our team is committed to providing responsive support if unique concerns arise during your participation.

Therapist Support

What support is available from therapists?

The PSP PTSD Course is therapist-assisted. During the week, you can send questions or comments to your assigned therapist though our secure online messaging portal. Therapists check messages and review your progress one to two times per week, responding based on your needs. While most communication happens through secure messaging, therapists may also contact you by email or phone when appropriate.

Therapist support typically runs for 8 weeks and can be extended up to 16 weeks based on your individual needs.
Who provides therapist support?

Therapists are registered mental health professionals with graduate training in psychology or social work and specialized training in both ICBT and working with PSP. In some cases, graduate students may provide support under the close supervision of a registered mental health professional.

Privacy & Additional Information

Are PSPNET’s services confidential?
Yes. The PSPNET website is hosted and maintained by the University of Regina. All information you share with therapists is encrypted using secure socket layer (SSL) technology — the same level of security as online banking. Messages are securely sent and stored on encrypted servers.

Your participation is confidential, and only members of the PSPNET research team have access to your information. However, confidentiality must be broken in certain circumstances:
- Potential imminent harm to you or others
- Suspected neglect or harm to a child, including witnessing violence
- Court order to release information
- Where required by law
PSPNET is a research facility. As such, when your information is used for research purposes, it is de-identified to protect your privacy. This means it’s analyzed and presented in a way that prevents anyone from identifying you.
Where can I find out more information?

Please contact 306-337-7233 (SAFE) or email pspnet@uregina.ca.