Resources
include:
The
24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center: 1-877-927-8387 (WAR-VETS)
VA
Mental Health for Returning Veterans
VA Returning
Service Members (OEF/OIF/OND) Page
Many
VA Medical Centers and Vet Centers have various types of support
groups. Use the information in the "Help for Veterans"
section above to find out more.
Anxiety
Disorders Association of America* offers a self-help group
network.
National Alliance
for Mental Illness* (NAMI) has a website with information
for those with mental health problems. You may also find family
support groups in a state or local affiliate of NAMI.
About.com's
PTSD Forum* An online discussion forum.
Choosing
a therapist
There
are a many things to consider in choosing a therapist. Some
practical issues are location, cost, and what insurance the
therapist accepts. Other issues include the therapist's background,
training, and the way he or she works with people.
Here
is a list of questions you may want to ask a possible therapist.
What
is your education? Are you licensed? How many years have you
been practicing?
What are your special areas of practice?
Have you ever worked with people who have been through trauma?
Do you have any special training in PTSD treatment?
What kinds of PTSD treatments do you use? Have they been proven
effective for dealing with my kind of problem or issue?
What are your fees? (Fees are usually based on a 45-minute
to 50-minute session.) Do you have any discounted fees? How
much therapy would you recommend?
What types of insurance do you accept? Do you file insurance
claims? Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid insurance?
These
questions are just guidelines. In the end, your choice of
a therapist will come down to many factors. Think about your
comfort with the person as well as his or her qualifications
and experience treating PTSD. And keep in mind the importance
of evidence-based, trauma-focused treatments like Cognitive
Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Eye Movement Desensitization
and Reprocessing.
Paying for therapy
If
you have health insurance, check to see what mental health
services are covered. Medicare, Medicaid, and most major health
plans typically cover a certain number of mental health counseling
sessions per year, though you may have a small additional
amount you will have to pay called a co-pay. Call your insurance
company to see what they cover so you won't be surprised by
a big bill.
If
you don't have health insurance that will cover your therapy,
you may still be able to get counseling, even if you can't
afford to pay full price. Many community mental health centers
have sliding scales that base your fee on what you are able
to pay.
Who is available to provide therapy?
There
are many types of professionals who can provide therapy for
trauma issues.
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical
psychologists focus on mental health assessment and treatment.
Licensed psychologists have doctoral degrees (PhD, PsyD, EdD).
Their graduate training is in clinical, counseling, or school
psychology. In addition to their graduate study, licensed
psychologists must have another 1 to 2 years of supervised
clinical experience. Psychologists have the title of "doctor,"
but in most states they cannot prescribe medicine.
Clinical Social Workers
The
purpose of social work is to enhance human well-being. Social
workers help meet the basic human needs of all people. They
help people manage the forces around them that contribute
to problems in living. Certified social workers have a master's
degree or doctoral degree in social work (MSW, DSW, or PhD).
Master's Level Clinicians
Master's
Level Clinicians have a master's degree in counseling, psychology,
or marriage and family therapy (MA, MFT). They have at least
2 years of training beyond the 4-year college degree. To be
licensed, master's level clinicians must meet requirements
that vary by state.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists
have a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD). After they complete
4 years of medical school, they must have 3 to 4 years of
residency training. Board certified psychiatrists have also
passed written and oral exams given by the American Board
of Psychiatry and Neurology. Since they are medical doctors,
psychiatrists can prescribe medicine. Some also provide psychotherapy.
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