
Some practical ways to advocate for veteran clients include communicating treatment goals and progress with their other providers (such as primary care physicians and other providers within the Department of Veterans Affairs) and linking these clients to other community resources.
Full Answer
How should counselors approach military service member clients?
It is important for counselors to approach military service member clients from this perspective, not from a traditional Western individualistic lens. Mental health professionals also are warned not to be discouraged if rapport is more challenging to build than expected.
Why don’t military service members seek mental health treatment?
Unfortunately, researchers suggested that service members were hesitant to access mental health treatment, citing the stigma of labels (Kim, Britt, Klocko, Riviere, & Adler, 2011).
What are the different types of therapies for veterans with mental health issues?
Certain types of therapies--such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT) or prolonged exposure therapy (PE)--may also be used to promote positive thought patterns and behaviors in veterans experiencing mental health issues.
How can counselors treat combat veterans effectively?
To maintain multicultural relevance and effectively treat combat veterans, counselors and other mental health clinicians must possess knowledge about spirituality and faith as well as the spiritual effects of war.

Can active military go to therapy?
In-person, free counseling sessions are available to active-duty, National Guard and reserve members of any activation status, their immediate family members and survivors. All counselors have a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health field and a license to practice independently.
What are 4 common types of treatment strategies?
A Guide to Different Types of TherapyPsychodynamic.Behavioral.CBT.Humanistic.Choosing.
How can I get in touch with someone in the military?
How to Locate U.S. Military Personnel and VeteransBy phone at 1-877-272-7337.Through an online request (You'll first need to create an account.)Using its Hero Care app on your mobile device.
Where can soldiers receive treatment for mental health issues?
The TRICARE Military Treatment Facility Locator is the locator tool for military treatment centers. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information on a variety of mental health topics and list current clinical trials that allow persons to access treatment for free. Call (866) 615-6464.
What are the 5 therapy methods?
Types of TherapyAccelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP)Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.Adlerian Therapy.Animal-Assisted Therapy.Applied Behavior Analysis.Attachment-Based Therapy.Bibliotherapy.Brain Stimulation Therapy.More items...
What are the different therapy approaches?
Approaches to psychotherapy fall into five broad categories:Psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies. ... Behavior therapy. ... Cognitive therapy. ... Humanistic therapy. ... Integrative or holistic therapy.
How do you know if a military guy is real?
Verification of Military Service Please use the Defense Manpower Data Center's (DMDC) Military Verification service to verify if someone is in the military. The website will tell you if the person is currently serving in the military. The site is available 24-hours a day.
Can soldiers video call when deployed?
The military doesn't stop service members from using video chat. In fact, they encourage deployed soldiers to stay in contact with family and friends. There are phone centers and video chat stations set up in many locations.
How can you tell if someone is a military scammer?
Military Scams: What to Look ForThey say they are on a "peacekeeping" mission.They say they are looking for an honest woman.They note that their parents, wife or husband is deceased.They say they have a child or children being cared for by a nanny or other guardian.They profess their love almost immediately.More items...
Can you report someone in the military?
Complaints of fraud, waste and abuse in the Department of Defense or any military service can be reported separately through a hotline that has been set up. Complaints can be called in Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm EST, at 1-800-424-9098. You can also email your complaint.
How does the military deal with mental health?
According to the Department of Defense, you're disqualified from serving in the U.S. military if you have a current diagnosis or a history of most mental disorders. The presence of any disorder with psychotic features, such as schizophrenia or a delusional disorder, does not allow one to serve.
What medical conditions will get you kicked out of the military?
8 surprising medical conditions that could bar you from serviceFood Allergies. If you have a history of food allergies, you might be disqualified from joining the military. ... Celiac Disease. ... Contact dermatitis. ... Asthma. ... Braces or dental ailments. ... Motion sickness. ... Acne. ... Too tall.
How can counselors show respect for military clients?
On the other hand, one practical way that counselors can show respect for their military clients is to honor all military holidays in their own practice or clinical setting.
How to advocate for veterans?
Some practical ways to advocate for veteran clients include communicating treatment goals and progress with their other providers (such as primary care physicians and other providers within the Department of Veterans Affairs) and linking these clients to other community resources.
Why is it important to be comfortable with veterans?
Therefore, being comfortable with veterans exploring their faith and/or spirituality during a counseling session is vital to building trust and effectively treating this population.
Why do I need to accompany my client to appointments?
At times, clients have asked me to accompany them to their physician appointments so I could help articulate their needs. Because I work with clients in an intensive outpatient program, it is possible for me to meet that request. Depending on your practice setting and the level of care you provide, accompanying your client to appointments may not be convenient or even possible. But you might be able to help articulate your client’s needs to other providers by writing a letter that the client presents at these appointments.
What did my late father say to Vietnam veterans?
My late father, a World War II Navy combat veteran, would become both angry and empathetic when viewing TV footage of Americans belittling, mocking and even spitting on returning Vietnam veterans. He would exclaim, “How dare those people spit on our troops’ faces when those are the same people for whom they lost their lives!”
What are the Army values?
It states, “Army Values: Loyalty — bears true faith and allegiance to the U.S. Constitution, the Army, the unit, and other Soldiers ; Duty — fulfills their obligations; Respect — treats people as they should be treated; Selfless Service — puts the welfare of the nation, the Army, and subordinates before their own; Honor — lives up to all the Army values; Integrity — does what is right legally and morally; Personal Courage — faces fear, danger, or adversity.” Each branch of service has its own set of values by which its members are expected to live and conduct themselves, but they all speak to an overarching theme of maintaining a high moral and ethical code.
Is there evidence based treatment for military?
There is sound research available that demonstrates the efficacy of certain evidence-based treatments when working with the military population. However, most of that research seems to disregard the necessary prerequisite for counselors in achieving reliable treatment outcomes — the ability to build trust with a client population ...
Why are military personnel at higher risk for post traumatic stress?
Military personnel are at higher risk for developing posttraumatic stress because service members are intimately involved in wartime incidents that may be frightening, horrifying, and at times, life-threatening. One emotionally overwhelming incident may be enough for PTSD to develop, but combat often facilitates prolonged and repeated exposure to traumatic events.
What are the mental health issues veterans face?
These conditions may include posttraumatic stress (PTSD), depression, anxiety, traumatic brain injury (TBI ), and substance abuse, among other issues. Due to the traumatic environment in which active military combatants ...
What are the causes of MST?
Primary among these are depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, substance dependency, and an increased risk of suicide. Roughly 50-60% of female veterans who experience MST eventually develop posttraumatic stress.
Why are veterans at a higher risk for mental health issues?
Due to the traumatic environment in which active military combatants serve, veterans are at a significantly higher risk for developing these health concerns. These concerns can often be addressed and resolved with the support of a mental health professional. PTSD in Veterans. Sexual Abuse in the Military. Depression and Anxiety in Veterans.
What are the treatments for traumatic brain injury?
Common treatments for TBIs include rehabilitation therapies (for example, speech-language therapy), medication, assistive devices, and learning strategies to address cognitive, emotional, and behavioral deficits.
How many people have PTSD?
Only a small percentage of people who go through trauma experience PTSD. The lifetime prevalence of PTSD among American women is 10%, while only 4% of American men will experience PTSD at some point during their life. American combat veterans have a much higher prevalence of PTSD than American civilians.
What is the American Psychological Association?
American Psychological Association. (2010). Mental health and related resources for assisting service members, veterans, and their families. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/about/gr/issues/military/resources.aspx
What is military family support?
The Military & Family Support Services team identifies optimal treatment solutions for active-duty service members who have been struggling with trauma, substance use disorders, or other mental and behavioral health concerns.
What is a PT?
Yoga. Daily physical therapy (PT) Service members who have been struggling with substance use and addiction may be referred to facilities that also incorporate medical detoxification, 12-Step education and support, and the SMART Recovery model into treatment.
Is tricare approved for military?
The treatment providers we recommend for active-duty military personnel are all TRICARE-approved programs. The MFS team will work directly with TRICARE to ensure that the service member’s care is covered by their policy.
