Veterans
Understanding Therapy for Veterans
As United States military service members and their families endure decades of warfare, those with personal military connections have raised significant personal, public, and professional concerns about the mental health of service members and veterans. Research shows that approximately 14-16% of US service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq have been affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression. Other issues like traumatic brain injury (TBI)—which is often a main reason for seeking treatment, military sexual trauma, suicide, substance use disorder (SUD), and interpersonal violence can be equally detrimental in this population.
These challenges can affect work, family life, and their mental and physical health. It’s essential we do everything we can to help our returning veterans recover from their combat experiences and mental health issues related to their service.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
According to The National Center for PTSD, veterans are at a higher risk for PTSD compared to civilians. Estimates indicate at least 7% of veterans will develop PTSD with female service members having almost twice as much risk as male veterans. 76% of respondents in Wounded Warrior Project’s most recent survey reported having PTSD due to their military service.
PTSD is a diagnosed condition that can develop after a person is exposed to a traumatic event. Veterans can develop the condition from combat, training, or military sexual trauma.
Symptoms can include disturbing thoughts, feelings, or dreams related to the events, mental or physical distress, difficulty sleeping, and changes in how a person thinks and feels.
If you think you have PTSD, know you’re not alone! You’ve already accomplished the first step of exploring your options at getting help. If you or a loved one has service-related mental health issues, call us to book a session with one of our veterans therapists below.
Secondary Trauma in Active Duty or Veteran Families and Caregivers
The effects of PTSD aren’t always limited to those directly impacted by trauma. Indirect trauma can bring about symptoms like anxiety, depression, irritation, and social isolation in those who care for someone who experienced a military-related, traumatic event.
For instance, injured veterans may lose interest in family activities, leaving family members feeling abandoned. Family members may also adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with the veteran’s inner turmoil during an episode or behavioral breakdown, which could result in neglect of their own needs through self-isolation, self-medicating, anger, or violence.
Caregivers also struggle with feelings of helplessness, frustration, and guilt as they try to support their loved ones while trying to live their own life. Gold Star Families, families of the fallen, are also in need of assistance in working through their grief, honoring the life of their loved one, and navigating their new reality after the loss.”
It’s our job to offer compassion and guidance, helping them build emotional resilience and providing tools to manage the stresses of caregiving, and help veterans, their families, and their caregivers navigate the complexities of trauma and transition by supporting their healing process one conversation at a time.
"As a therapist working with veterans and their caregivers, I understand that healing begins with understanding. Veterans often carry complex emotional burdens from their service—grief, trauma, and the difficulty of transitioning to civilian life. The loss of identity, purpose, and camaraderie that came with their military roles can leave them feeling disconnected and isolated. My goal is to provide a space where they can unpack these experiences without judgment and process the unique challenges they face.”
Taylor Strong
Our Veterans Therapists:
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Taylor Strong