News Mental Health Providers Not Well Prepared To Care For Military Veterans, Study Finds

[MyPTSD]

Policymakers have expanded military veterans' access to community-based health providers as a way to meet demands, given capacity constraints in the VA health system. But a new study finds that most community-based mental health providers are not well prepared to take care of the special needs of military veterans and their families.

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[anthony]

I'm surprised that they make these statements and such statistics, when the civilian failures far exceed the military ones when it comes to trauma support.

 

[Wounded Scribe]

In 2 years, 2 therapist have told me they are not qualified to treat my PTSD and I am a civilian. 1 of them said she wished she could refer me to Walter Reed Hospital or our local VA but I am not a vet. One doctor, spent 15 minutes with me, did an H&P, diagnosed me with PTSD, and carpet bombed me with anti depressants and said I'll see you in a month. I finally had my PCP refer me to a therapist with experience in treating Vietnam Vets. He's sharing things with me that other therapists never mentioned, or knew how to mention. They said things to me, that were way off the mark... I agree 100% with this article.

 

[tude]

I've had mixed experiences. First civilian therapist out of the gate, treated me for anxiety and panic attacks, not PTSD. I've had good experience with the VA in the treatment of PTSD. I accomplished a lot of progress working with one particular VA psychologist. Unfortunately, she took a position at another VA facility. Went through a couple of mediocre therapists at the VA before I decided to go civilian. I've got too much at stake, to settle for free VA provided therapist which is not therapeutic. I like my civilian therapist- it's closer to home and she's more available 'after hours'. I do believe she can effectively treat trauma. It is costly though and I can't afford it at this time. Also, I can't rationalize paying her when that money could be used to make my car payment!

The VA clinic close to home is understaffed with therapists. The VA hospital is 50 miles away. Looks as though I'll be returning to the VA for therapy. Meanwhile, I have started to attend a therapy group for veterans. It is funded by the county mental health board. Veteran peer support sometimes exceeds what a clinician can provide. About 40 or so veterans attended the mental health board meeting to request funding for this group. Grateful, they approved funding and as such recognize the needs of of our veterans.

 

[Kefira]

I don't have statistics, but from my personal experience I'm inclined to agree with @anthony and @Wounded Scribe. I'm a civilian and experienced long term abuse and torture. Providers seem not to know what to do to treat me. A few of the worse ones have suggested that my diagnosis has to be incorrect because I am a civilian.

I guess on the one hand I agree that community based providers may or may not have a lot of experience treating combat based trauma. On the other hand it is my own observation that people without that experience, even in the mental health field, are more likely to validate a veteran's experience and feel an abuse victim is being overly sensitive and temperamental.

 

[Wounded Scribe]

@Kefira I will say it was a civilian community therapist who originally said to me, "Your Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is screaming at me." I was in denial for about a year. I read up on it, and I went back. We tried to work through it, she finally said, "I am not qualified to help you. You need a specialist." It happened again last month. I was referred to a therapist with back ground in treating Vietnam vets (I live in an older community). So I have 2 therapist working with me, and 1 doctor. The other therapist continues to work with me on the other emotional well being needs, marriage, and family etc,

 

[darrenS]

i have had mixed experiences , the physciatrist that diagnosed me was fantastic, but the therapist that referred me and continued my therapy was inexperienced and caused major problems , at the same time i was making a permanent interstate move, so it intensified all the symptoms etc that were left open. I then found a therapist where i am who stated she was experienced , after 12 mths and many many more problems it was obvious she was not and I confronted her, she stated she had not had much hands on experience. I then found another therapist, who i have seen for a time , and its becoming the same again , when we get to the real hard parts , im left wanting. Im learning now that the only thing you can do , is not expect miracles and to expect at best you may get 70% of your needs met, the rest you have to find yourself.

 

[Sweetpea76]

The article seemed to skim over the fact that a lot of vets have to see civilian psychiatrists because they just plain cannot get an appointment at the VA. My vet has had his psychiatrist appointments cut WAY back... not because of improvement, but because of sheer volume. A half hour of therapy every few weeks is all he can manage to get. He is considering switching to a civilian therapist, but is very leery about finding one he can stand.