Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are at increased risk for sleep disorders, substance abuse, depression, and suicide. The National Center for PTSD estimates that 11-20% of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars suffer from PTSD. Programs are using innovative approaches to increase access to behavioral health services for veterans and their families in order to improve outcomes.

 

The featured Innovations describe an anonymous, online program that enhanced access to behavioral health services and support for veterans who may be reluctant to seek in-person therapy, a collaboration among civilian and Veterans Affairs behavioral health clinicians to provide co-located services to veterans and their family members, and a partnership between academic medicine and a major-league sports team focused on coordinated treatment and support for veterans with PTSD and traumatic brain injury and their families.

 

The featured QualityTools include videos designed to help providers prevent chronic mental health problems resulting from combat and other war-zone stress, and a Web site for clinicians that features treatment tools to support the rehabilitation and recovery of veterans with mental health issues.