This page is a post from Veterans Health Matters the Wellness Publication from the VA Sierra Pacific Network (volume 3, 2007) and the DCoE Outreach Center two separate sources.

VA Brings Mental Health Programs to Primary Care Settings

Addressing a special mental health forum with the top VA clinicians and researchers, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson has announced plans to begin locating some of the Department's mental health programs closer to places where primary care is provided.

"Given the reluctance of some veterans to talk about emotional problems, increasing our mental health presence in primary care settings will give veterans a familiar venue in which to receive care - without actually going to an identified mental health clinic," he said.

"The wounds of war are not always the result of explosions and rocket fire," he added. "They can sometimes be unseen and cloaked in silence. If left untreated, they can be just as lethal." (A Mothers Struggle)

Focusing on PTSD

VA is a world leader in treatment and research concerning post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The Department's National Center for PTSD is internationally recognized for its research into PTSD, other combat-related mental health issues and non-combat mental health trauma. Each VA medical center has a PTSD Clinical Team or a specialist who focuses on the treatment of PTSD.

Acknowledging that VA officials expect to see increasing numbers of newly returned combat veterans with PTSD and other mental health issues, Nicholson also announced plans to begin a series of regional conferences about providing mental health care to veterans with "our partners at the state, local and community levels."

(VA Facilities by State)

Recent expansion of the Department's mental health services include:

1.) Greater availability of "telemental health" programs, which treated about 20,000 patients last year;

(T2 Virtual PTSD Experience)

2.) Integrating mental health services into geriatric programs;

3.) Adding psychologists and social workers to the staffs of VA's polytrauma centers;

4.) Increasing the number of Vet Centers from 209 to 232;

5.) Adding 100 new combat veterans to run outreach programs to their former comrades.

"As the newest generation of combat veterans returns home, we want to ensure that we're providing them the very best in mental health care and treatment possible. They deserve nothing less," Nicholson said.

The experiences of war can lead to unique psychological symptoms.

Even servicemembers who don't have physical scars can suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury or other symptoms that affect their psychological health. Experiencing combat, witnessing death, grieving the loss of buddies or feeling guilty about surviving can all be very challenging psychological situations.

(DCoE Webinar Operational Stress)

Of course, simply coming home from a deployment overseas doesn't make these problems disappear. In fact, rebuilding relationships or facing financial burdens can cause additional stress for servicemembers, veterans and military families.

Fortunately, there is hope. From the Vietnam war onward, medical science has made huge strides in understanding - and treating - the physical and psychological wounds of war.

The DCoE Outreach Center can provide the answer to your questions about post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain Injury and other psychological issues that can sometimes affect servicemembers. Our trained health resource consultants can provide you with information on the latest treatment options for building and maintaining psychological strength.

Service Features of the DCoE Outreach Center

1.) Trained, professional health resource consultants with expertise is psychological health and traumatic brain injury, available 24/7

2.) Information provided by phone, chat or e-mail

3.) Individual responses to your specific questions and needs

(Link to DCoE contact form)

4.) A trusted source of information on psychological health and traumatic brain injury issues and resources

5.) Ability to determine the most direct approach to answering your questions. This may include referring callers to services and information provided by the Department of defense, other federal agencies and civilian organizations

Who They Serve

Servicemembers, Families and Friends, Military Leaders, Clinicians, Educators, Support Personnel, Clergy, Researchers, and Deployed Government Civilians

The DCoE Outreach Center is staffed 24 hours a day by trained professionals who can answer questions you may have. There is never a charge for this service.

How to Reach Them

There are three easy ways to get in touch with the professionals at the DCoE Outreach Center:

Call Toll Free 1-866-966-1020

E-mail: resources@dcoeoutreach.org

Live Chat: www.dcoe.health.mil/24-7help.apex

For more information about DCoE please visit their website www.dcoe.health.mil