Meeting the Behavioral Health Needs of Returning Veterans

Outline:
Section 1: Introduction A. About This Course B. Learning Objectives Section 2: The Unique Aspects of Our Recent Wars and Our Returning Veterans A. The Unique Aspects of Our Recent Wars B. The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq C. Characteristics of Soldiers and Their Service D. Additional Characteristics of Soldiers and Their Service E. Review F. Summary Section 3: The Impact of War on Veterans and Their Families A. The Impact of War on Veterans and Their Families B. Hidden Injuries C. Similar Symptoms D. Repeated Exposure and Lack of Tracking Impacts E. Review F. Summary Section 4: Behavioral Health Issues A. Behavioral Health Issues B. Additional Behavioral Health Issues C. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder D. Symptoms E. Experiencing Trauma F. Suicide G. Substance Use Disorder H. Economic and Social Costs of Military Service I. Family Stress J. Review K. Summary Section 5: Lessons Learned A. Lesson #1: Understanding Military Culture Is Key B. The Importance of Battlemind C. Battlemind: Further Defined D. Barriers to Seeking Care E. Lesson #2: The Military and Veterans Affairs Behavioral Healthcare System F. Active Duty Military: The Department of Defense G. Review H. VA Medical Centers and Clinics I. Vet Centers: A Place for Combat Veterans J. Women Veterans Health Programs K. Lesson #3: The Gap Between Resources and Needs Is Growing Wider L. The Need to Access Care M. Lesson #4: Veterans and Family Members Are Your Best Allies N. Support Networks O. Lesson #5 : Carefully Train and Deploy Staff P. More about Training and Deploying Staff Q. Review R. Summary Section 6: Treatment of the Returning War Veterans A. Treatment of the Returning War Veterans B. What Has Been Learned from Veterans of Past Wars C. The Goals of Early Intervention and Treatment D. The Goals of Early Intervention and Treatment E. Preventing Substance Use Disorder F. The Goals of Early Intervention and Treatment G. Person-centered Care H. Considerations in Care I. Attend to the Broad Needs of the Person J. Review K. Summary Section 7: Methods of Care: Overview A. Methods of Care: Overview B. Education about Posttraumatic Stress Reactions C. Coping Skills D. Exposure Therapy E. Cognitive Restructuring F. Review G. Family Counseling H. Toxic Exposure, Physical Health Concerns, and Mental Health I. Family Involvement in Care J. Outpatient Treatment K. Residential Rehabilitation Treatment L. Pharmacologic Treatment of Acute Stress Reaction M. Practitioner Issues N. Review O. Summary Section 8: Conclusion A. Summary B. Congratulations! C. Course Contributors D. Resources E. References

Scott R. Swaim, USAFV, MA, LMHC is the Director of Veteran services at Valley Cities Counseling, a contractor for the Washington Department of Veterans Affairs (WDVA), war trauma and post-traumatic stress program. Swaim is also President of Milspec Advisory Group, a consulting and service agency that focuses on military and veteran needs, including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and criminal justice involvement through Veteran Treatment Courts. Swaim has successfully managed and directed programs in community mental health for 20 years. He has focused on unique populations and programs that make significant changes in systems of care and improved quality of life. He has written and consulted for numerous governmental and private agencies on services to the military, veterans, and their families. He has authored the Quick series guide on Military and Veteran Culture and is a member of the joint Department of Defense (DOD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) workgroup on Military Culture Training for mental health clinicians. Swaim is a US Air Force, Gulf War Veteran and licensed mental health counselor. He is a member of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans. Disclosure: Scott R. Swaim, USAFV, MA, LMHC has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.

Naju Madra, M.A. is an internal subject matter expert and clinical content writer for Relias' Behavioral Healthcare library. She earned her Master's degree in Psychology with specific study in neuropsychological assessment for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. She brings with her a wealth of experience in clinical assessment, along with expertise in large-scale clinical research project management, recruitment, training, as well as in-person and web-based curriculum development.

In addition to scholarly activities such as writing manuals and preparing manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, Ms. Madra has over 15 years of behavioral healthcare experience ranging from crisis counseling and job coaching for individuals with severe mental illness and co-occurring disorders, to community college instruction, and trauma specialist at the Veterans Health Administration. In her current role, Ms. Madra has contributed authorship to over 100 behavioral healthcare course offerings for both licensed and non-licensed professionals in the Health & Human Services market.

Disclosure: Naju Madra, M.A. has declared that no conflict of interest, Relevant Financial Relationship or Relevant Non-Financial Relationship exists.