With our nation’s longest war having just come to an end in Afghanistan, our military and veterans are once again front and center in the news and media outlets. Maybe you’ve already treated a veteran at your civilian practice. Even if you haven’t, chances are at some point a veteran or their family will find themselves in your office seeking your help as a civilian clinician. The need for mental health resources for veterans will continue to increase year-over-year. At the completion of this course, you will be in a better position to serve the needs of those who have served us.
This six-week course provides civilian clinicians a framework of military culture, ethos and the challenges faced by active-duty military, reserves, National Guard, and veterans, to include their families. The clinician completing this course will be introduced to common clinician concerns of veterans, treatment issues, testing, and available resources. Civilian clinicians who are interested will also learn how to apply and become qualified mental health treatment providers with TRICARE and the Veterans Administration (VA).
Course Objectives: Upon completion of the course, civilian clinicians will be able to:
1. Identify key characteristics of military culture and ethos.
2. Identify the major challenges that military personnel and their families encounter.
3. Understand the value and process of screening patient’s military history.
4. Articulate how they can collaborate their practice with the VA in treating military veterans.
Course Content:
Module 1: Understanding Military Culture & Ethos
Module 2: Common Treatment Issues, Including Traumatic Brain Injury, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use Disorder, & Chronic Pain
Module 3: Marriage & Family Issues
Module 4: Screening Technique for Mental Health Issues
Module 5: Testing for PTSD Used for Clinical Treatment & Forensic Evaluations
Module 6: Connecting with the Veterans Administration & TRICARE
