By now everyone knows that the rates of PTSD and suicidal thinking among veterans is significantly higher than the rates among those who have not been to war. Not so well known is that the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have significantly ramped up their response to treating these pervasive conditions. Their reports on assessment and treatment of PTSD and trauma-related conditions and of potential suicides contain information on the latest research, assessment instruments, treatments, and assessment and treatment algorithms.
What is of particular relevance to psychotherapists in private practice is that the VA is making a big push to provide healthcare benefits to veterans who seek treatment outside of VA facilities. Because of this, psychotherapists should routinely inquire of new clients whether they are veterans, whether their veteran clients meet VA healthcare benefit requirements, and how to encourage veterans to apply for the recently updated VA healthcare benefits card. Therapists also need to know how to apply for eligibility as a VA healthcare provider in private practice.