Find a Veterans Psychiatrist

Veterans face many unique mental health challenges that can stem from military service and the difficulties of transitioning back to civilian life. Common mental health conditions among veterans include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). While some adjustment challenges after military service may be expected, persistent symptoms that interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or work may indicate the need for professional mental health support. Psychiatrists who specialize in veteran mental health understand the unique experiences of veterans and can provide necessary support to address the complex psychological challenges that veterans may face, usually through a combination of both psychotherapy and medication. Psychiatrists can also be essential in helping veterans connect with available community resources, such as referrals to social service agencies that provide care for veterans or connecting clients with VA benefits.

Veterans may benefit from multiple types of therapy, depending on the mental health challenges they are facing. Therefore, psychiatrists often begin sessions with an assessment of a veteran's medical history and current symptoms. This can help diagnose or confirm any mental health conditions, as well as inform a treatment plan. Veterans seeking therapy for anxiety or depression may benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which encourage clients to understand how certain thought patterns may contribute to harmful behaviors. Veterans with PTSD may seek other more specialized forms of therapy to treat trauma symptoms, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) or exposure therapy. The prescription of any medications also depends on a client's specific symptoms.

Because not all psychiatrists have expertise in treating veterans, it's important to find a psychiatrist who is knowledgeable and equipped to treat veterans and the unique mental health challenges they face. The Psychology Today online directory can be used to find a psychiatrist who is a good fit by using the "filter" function to search for professionals with expertise in challenges commonly faced by veterans. When searching for a provider, ask about their specific expertise in treating veterans and inquire about their approach to medication and behavioral therapy. It is also important to determine whether their office is accessible (either nearby or via telehealth) and if they accept insurance or VA benefits.