Return-to-Work Outcomes for Public Safety Personnel with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Strategic Insights -

Investigations into Traumatic Stress Disorders have yielded new insights into the effectiveness of mental health treatment programs for public safety personnel disabled by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to a recent report, a mental health treatment program for PSPs disabled by work-related PTSD showed mixed results in terms of return-to-work outcomes. The study found that among the 472 referrals to the treatment program eligible for inclusion, 54.4% initiated treatment. However, there was no significant difference in return-to-work outcomes between those who initiated treatment and those who did not.

Key Takeaways:

  • The mental health treatment program received 582 referrals over the period November 2021 to June 2023 for PSPs disabled by work-related PTSD.
  • 54.4% of the referrals initiated treatment, while 45.6% did not.
  • There was no significant difference in return-to-work outcomes between the referrals who initiated treatment (29.9%) and those who did not (32.5%).
  • The study found that return-to-work outcomes were more positive among the matched non-referral comparison group (41.9%).
  • The research concluded that the development and testing of novel evidence-based treatments and opportunities to support employers' commitment and capacity to provide suitable accommodation are essential for improving return-to-work outcomes among public safety personnel disabled by PTSD.
  • The study's findings emphasize the need to explore alternative treatment approaches and accommodations to support the rehabilitation of PSPs with PTSD.
  • The report highlights the importance of collaboration between mental health providers, employers, and policymakers to develop effective strategies for supporting PSPs with PTSD.

Statistics:

  • 582 referrals to the mental health treatment program over the period November 2021 to June 2023.
  • 54.4% of referrals initiated treatment, while 45.6% did not.
  • 472 referrals were eligible for inclusion in the study.
  • 29.9% of referrals who initiated treatment returned to work over the follow-up period.
  • 32.5% of referrals who did not initiate treatment returned to work over the follow-up period.
  • 41.9% of the matched non-referral comparison group returned to work over the follow-up period.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Reports from Institute for Work and Health Highlight Recent Findings in Traumatic Stress Disorders (Return-to-Work Outcomes Following Mental Health Treatment Among Public Safety Personnel Disabled by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Mental Health Weekly Digest. October 20, 2025; p 768.
  • Institute for Work and Health. Return-to-Work Outcomes Following Mental Health Treatment Among Public Safety Personnel Disabled by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, 2025.
  • Cameron A. Mustard, Institute for Work and Health, Suite 1800 400 University Ave, Toronto, M5G 1S5, Canada.
  • Kathleen G. Dobson, Yu-Chun Chien, Walter P. Wodchis, and Peter M. Smith.