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Veterans experience a variety of mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, aggression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia (Wooten, 2015). More specifically, statistics indicate that up to 50% of veterans experience PTSD (Institute of Medicine [IOM], 2013). These problems often stem from exposure to combat. Mental health problems among veteran are further compounded by other problems such as financial difficulties, joblessness, marriage problems, social isolation, and homelessness (Smith et al., 2017). These problems are major risk factors for suicide and substance abuse. Indeed, approximately 22 veterans commit suicide every day (American Public Health Association [APHA], 2014). This paper focuses on this social justice problem, specifically highlighting the oppression faced by veterans with regards to access to mental healthcare, the ethical dilemmas associated with the problem, and policies enacted to address the problem.For Veterans, access to mental healthcare remains a major challenge, with veterans in rural areas as well as those facing financial difficulties being the most affected. For instance, reports indicate that 56-87% of military service members undergoing psychological distress following deployment do not get psychological help (APHA, 2014). These are startling figures without a doubt, underscoring the need for improved access to mental healthcare by veterans.
Shortage of mental health providers...
With shortage of mental health practitioners, veterans often grapple with delay or even cancellation of appointments. In most cases, veterans have to wait for months before seeing a doctor. By the time one receives help, it is often too late. In fact, the problem of delayed appointments is so serious that the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) has in the last few years been undergoing extensive changes within its health system in an effort to ensure timely access to quality care.
Access to mental healthcare by veterans is also hindered by the requirements associated with VA benefits. To receive VA health benefits, veterans must have either an honorable or general discharge (APHA, 2014). In other words, only veterans honorably discharged from duty or those who have served actively for not less than two continuous years are eligible for VA benefits. This means that veterans released from duty prior to the end of their call-up period or due to reasons of hardship or disability sustained in the line of duty cannot receive VA health benefits. Therefore, for veterans experiencing financial difficulties, seeking healthcare becomes an overwhelming burden. Other factors that may hinder access to mental healthcare among veterans include stigmatization, insufficient training on evidence-based practice on the part of VA healthcare personnel, as well as demographic factors such as…
Current status in implementing the affordable care act with regard to veterans' mental health problems The Affordable Care Act's enactment gave rise to major concerns with regard to greater healthcare expenditure and reduced benefits for the defense population. This has led to the VA (Department of Veteran Affairs), the White House and TRICARE authorities expending efforts towards public education. Veteran Affairs believes the Act (popularly called Obamacare) has no effect on
Does Gender Affect the Utilization of Mental Health Care Services among Veterans? The decision one makes when choosing a career poses a lifelong effect on his own life as well as of his family members. The deployment decision of a career that the person has to face sometimes harms his mental health and family both (Brooks & Chopik, 2020). For example, if the person belongs to the army, he might be
It promised to be a very important resource to the primary care setting, but at present, the performance has not been considerable and there have been lack of funds and local consensus, which thwart its implementation (Pidd). Shared Care Between GP Practices and Community Health Teams This initiative aimed at developing cooperative partnership between these teams as well as establishing systems for proactive, structured care at the practice level (Pidd 2004).
The outcome of post-combat rehabilitation counseling is directly dependent on the development of specific techniques and approaches conducive to their needs. Conceptual Relevance to Mental Health Counseling and Professional Practice: Antiquated or outdated conceptual approaches to rehabilitation counseling are less effective than those that correspond more closely to the actual needs of patients. As a professional counselor, it is important to understand the specific needs of patients to best assist them
New findings show that the spouses of veterans also experience mental health disorders, and the prevalence increases with the length of deployment (Mansfield, Kaufman, Marshall, Gaynes, Morrissey & Engel, 2010). When spouses are considered to be clients of health services, the need for improved and more robust resources becomes apparent. Moreover, spouses with mental health disorders present unique issues and questions for treatment. Returning soldiers may find that they
National Council for Behavioral Health (n.d.) points out, at least thirty percent of active duty military personnel suffer from a serious mental health disorder that requires treatment, but less than half of these individuals receive treatment. However, there are a variety of state and national mental health services specifically for individuals and families affiliated with the military. The state of Washington maintains a list of mental health resources including