How can a therapist help veterans?
Therapists can offer support surrounding a variety of topics that impact veterans, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders. They can help diagnose mental health challenges as well as connect clients to other resources, such as Veterans Affairs services or community support groups. Therapists can also provide counseling to the family members of veterans who may be impacted by the challenges associated with military life or caregiving for a veteran family member.
What qualifications do therapists for veterans and military personnel hold?
Therapists who see veterans can hold a number of different degrees and qualifications. Many therapists are Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Professional Counselors, or Psychologists. Veterans may also benefit from seeing medical doctors (MDs), such as Psychiatrists or Family Medicine physicians, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) who can help with psychiatric medication management. Veterans may also seek counseling from therapists who have special certification in a certain topic, such as therapy for trauma, or a certain modality, such as EMDR or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Do VA counselors accept insurance?
Many veterans and military personnel qualify for free or significantly reduced cost counseling sessions as part of their Veterans Administration benefit package. Even veterans who do not qualify for VA health care may still be eligible for counseling sessions for topics such as military trauma. Veterans may also have access to a number of other resources through the VA, such as readjustment counseling or substance use treatment referral assistance. Contacting the Veterans Administration directly is the best way to access therapy and confirm any potential treatment costs, as well as find a counselor who accepts VA insurance.
How can I recognize a good therapist for veterans?
Finding a therapist who is a good fit is essential for successful therapy for veterans. Therapists who specialize in veterans should be knowledgeable about the unique mental health challenges faced by veterans, such as trauma or adjustment challenges. They should also be aware of resources that veterans and their families can access to improve mental health. Veterans can ask to schedule an initial phone call screening appointment with a potential therapist to ask questions about the therapist's approach and therapeutic style to determine whether a therapist is a good fit for them.