Indications
Primary Indications
Post Traumatic Stress DisorderAcute Stress Disorder
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is a structured, research-backed cognitive-behavioral treatment that helps you face and work through trauma-related memories, feelings and situations to reduce PTSD symptoms.
Reviewed by the HeyPsych Medical Review Board · Reviewed November 24, 2025
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Used for
Also prescribed for (off-label)
Common use
Prolonged Exposure Therapy is used for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The full guide below has the details.
About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)How many people in 100 notice each one in clinical studies. Many early side effects fade within a few weeks.
Dropout due to distress
Re-traumatization if improperly delivered
Thoughts of suicide? Call or text 988, any time.
Everything we know about Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), section by section.
14 chapters · about 14 min to read it all. Open any one.
Frequency: Typically weekly.
Duration: 8–15 sessions of 60–90 minutes.
Review of homework, monitoring distress levels.
Engagement in imaginal exposure or in vivo exposure planning and processing.
Reflection on experience, assignment of exposure-based homework.
typical session cost: $120–$250 per session
total treatment cost: $1,200–$3,500 for full protocol
insurance coverage: Typically covered under mental health benefits
cost effectiveness: Cost-effective due to durable symptom improvement and reduced healthcare utilization
Many people drop out because it can be distressing; it works less well for people with strong dissociation or complex trauma unless it is adapted.
This treatment information is for educational purposes only. Treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified healthcare professionals based on individual circumstances, symptoms, and medical history. Do not attempt treatment without professional guidance.
Thinking about Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)? A prescriber can tell you if it fits.
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