Things that Bug Veterans

A group of veterans were watching protesters burning flags on TV. Leonard went crazy, yelling it’s not right for anyone to burn the flag, who do they think they are. That made me think about what Leonard was feeling, and how other veterans felt about various issues in our society. I started talking to other veterans from different generations, as it turns out we don’t look at things the same way. Why do we let some things get to us?  Certain things drive some veterans crazy and some things don’t. I thought I would put a few of them together for everyone to mull over.  Let’s start with what set Leonard off.

The flag of the United states is sacred to most who served. Burning the flag angers most Americans especially veterans. To those of us who served under the flag it is disrespectful. We have fought, defended, and lost friends while serving under the flag. Our flag is special to us and it is demoralizing to see it desecrated in that manner. Another form of disrespect is displaying the flag upside down. We are taught that the flag being upside down is the sign of distress, and displaying the flag upside down is disrespectful unless used in an actual distress situation. Even though we don’t like it, this is what we fought for, the ability of our people to say or do what they want, it is what makes the US special. At times this includes putting up with people who want to burn our flag, or wear our flag upside down. Because we have fought to give them the right we don't feel it’s appropriate for them to be disrespectful to our values, but we have to accept it.

Being respectful is one of the core values of every military branch. Being on time is one of the key elements of that respect. When we were in the service were taught, if you’re not 15 minutes early you are late, this doesn’t hold true to many civilians and it drives allot veteran’s crazy.  Military member feels they respect others and should be respected in return, the problem is many civilians don't feel the same.

Some veterans who have worn the uniform proudly feel disrespected when civilians wear parts of the uniform if they never served. Often times I will walk up to someone wearing parts of the battle dress uniform (BDU) uniform. I usually ask what branch they served in and about 50% of the time they will tell me they never served. They may have gotten the clothes at the surplus store, or given them by family but it still bugs allot of veterans. I understand why they would want to wear the clothing, they are comfortable and great utility work clothing, but it still bugs me and a lot of veterans.

War is not a movie, and telling a veteran that you understand because you have seen a movie is disrespectful. Unless you have served in the military there is no way you can fully understand the culture and brotherhood. The closest a civilian can get is being a spouse or military brat. The media plays a part in the lack of understanding. Countless veterans believe the media does not cover the reality of war. From 1991 to 2009 the media was not allowed to show the flag draped coffins of our fallen. Many veterans and families felt the government was sanitizing the cost of war. The media did not protest loud, they just accepted it. Our fallen were flown in at night when they could not be seen and the media played along. The media did not protest and the cost of war was not seen by the general public. The rules have changed but many media outlets still fail to show the cost of war. Their perception is showing the cost of war, by not showing the coffins of our fallen, is too graphic, war is real and graphic, the media should report the truth. The government played it off as being respectful to the families, but some veterans felt it was to prevent civilians from seeing the true cost of war and eliminate protests against the war and for political gain.  

The military branches are not the same. Many times we don’t even understand each other’s rules and dress codes. Every branch is unique. The Air Force and the Marines are totally different, we share very few commonalities. But that’s ok were family. When outsiders disrespect one branch they are disrespecting all of the military and all branches will join the fight. It’s like a brother and sister relationship, I can do it but an outsider can’t.

Please don’t tell a veteran you were going to join the military. Our comment will be why didn’t you join. Just because you “wanted to join” don’t give a civilian the credit or respect they seek from the veteran, it shows veterans your insecurities and you didn’t think you could serve or had the will to do what it takes to become a member of the military. It’s better to not say anything, thank you might work.  

The last thing that bugs me is strings. Yes strings on your clothes. It’s crazy but strings on your uniform got you in trouble during inspection and it still drives me crazy to this day. All veterans are brainwashed to a point. We are taught what the military perceives as right and wrong. That sticks with us for most of our lives. This perception of right and wrong can be as small as strings, or as large as burning our flag. I understand why Leonard felt the way he does he, like all who fought under the flag, have differing views of how to look at it. I look at it as being wrong, but I understand that some have given their lives for their rite to burn the flag or protest. I always remind them of that when I get the chance to address protesters. Like everyone else in society veterans are different even though we are the same. We are veterans who have fought for your right to be wrong.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Nature Can Help With PTSD

Kevin came to me one day and asked, what I can do to help me deal with my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The answer I gave him might come as a surprise to some, but not those who work with PTSD clients. I like to tell people outside sports is a great outlet for a lot of folks with PTSD. Outside activity is good for the psyche, especially hiking, camping, or fishing. The idea is to be in the moment and not be in your head where the flashbacks live. When you are outside you focus on the here and now, not the past. I believe sports like basketball, football, soccer, or baseball are not as good because the competition can be a trigger and frustrating. Also, there tend to be a crowd at these events where nature activities can be done with limited crowds.

Hiking can be a great way to deal with PTSD. Going for a walk in the woods can be very therapeutic for most people. Hiking can be done alone, with family, or with a group of trusted friends. Any way you look at it, hiking can keep you in the here and now which is helpful when combating PTSD. Understanding that you are in a safe place can be comforting and helpful. Being in the woods can be relaxing and give someone with PTSD the quiet time they need to slow their brains down and combat their hypervilligance. Like hiking camping can be good too.

Camping is good for PTSD because you can get away from the crowds and have some quality time with your family, friends, or alone. Camping gets you into a comfort zone and connect you with nature, helping you feel safe and secure. Camping is peaceful and quiet especially if you combine hiking into a remote area to camp. When I lived in Alaska there were thousands of veterans who lived in the “bush” for the peace and quiet, they hiked into the wilderness, built a cabin back in the woods where they could be left alone. I am not advocating someone go into the wilderness and be alone, I am advocating that it is healthy from time to time to get out of your head and reconnect with the solitude of nature, especially if it involves fishing.

Fishing is one of the best things for PTSD, especially fly fishing. The quiet and serenity of fly-fishing is one of the most therapeutic things someone with PTSD can do. The cadence and the rhythm of casting the fly, reading the streams, matching the hatch, all place the individual in a trance like state if done correctly. Fly-fishing is proven throughout the years to be successful in helping veterans work through their PTSD. There are several groups dedicated to teaching veterans how to fly fish. During the time they are fly-fishing veterans are in the moment, not worried about the problems or troubles, they are focused on what they’re doing.

If fly-fishing isn’t your thing, bass and trout fishing may be the answer. I’m not talking about throwing the worm out and just sitting on the bank, and drinking beer. I am talking about what a friend calls “fish hunting”. Fish hunting is the art of trying to find the pattern fish are on for that day. Fish move around a lake or river based on temperature, sunlight, weather fronts, water flow and oxygen levels. Finding where the fish are located is a challenge, making them bite is another one. During certain times of the year and certain times of the day fish move around the lake or river and develop a pattern. Trying to figure out that pattern puts someone with PTSD in a focused state and not thinking about their triggers. Reading the bank contour and structure of the lake keeps someone with PTSD in the moment. Fishing is how I get my sanity, and I know it works for other people too, especially those with PTSD. Like so many other people I use fishing as an escape to get away from all the hassles of normal day-to-day life.

I know they’ll be people out there especially spouses who think I am crazy for saying hiking, camping, and fishing can help with PTSD, but it has been proven time and time again. Being in the moment and not worried about all the outside influences that trigger a person with PTSD is good. I told Kevin that he needed to investigate getting out of the house and getting into nature to help him deal with his PTSD. I encourage anyone who has PTSD, or any anxiety disorder to take the time and go into nature and relax. Being in the moment and not worried about the triggers of everyday life is very therapeutic.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

For more information about learning how to fly fish contact

Project Healing Waters

www.projecthealingwaters.org

760-780-7216

jim.owner@projecthealingwaters.org

Things that Bug Veterans

A group of veterans were watching protesters burning flags on TV. Leonard went crazy, yelling it’s not right for anyone to burn the flag, who do they think they are. That made me think about what Leonard was feeling, and how other veterans felt about various issues in our society. I started talking to other veterans from different generations, as it turns out we don’t look at things the same way. Why do we let some things get to us?  Certain things drive some veterans crazy and some things don’t. I thought I would put a few of them together for everyone to mull over.  Let’s start with what set Leonard off.

The flag of the United states is sacred to most who served. Burning the flag angers most Americans especially veterans. To those of us who served under the flag it is disrespectful. We have fought, defended, and lost friends while serving under the flag. Our flag is special to us and it is demoralizing to see it desecrated in that manner. Another form of disrespect is displaying the flag upside down. We are taught that the flag being upside down is the sign of distress, and displaying the flag upside down is disrespectful unless used in an actual distress situation. Even though we don’t like it, this is what we fought for, the ability of our people to say or do what they want, it is what makes the US special. At times this includes putting up with people who want to burn our flag, or wear our flag upside down. Because we have fought to give them the right we don't feel it’s appropriate for them to be disrespectful to our values, but we have to accept it.

Being respectful is one of the core values of every military branch. Being on time is one of the key elements of that respect. When we were in the service were taught, if you’re not 15 minutes early you are late, this doesn’t hold true to many civilians and it drives allot veteran’s crazy.  Military member feels they respect others and should be respected in return, the problem is many civilians don't feel the same.

Some veterans who have worn the uniform proudly feel disrespected when civilians wear parts of the uniform if they never served. Often times I will walk up to someone wearing parts of the battle dress uniform (BDU) uniform. I usually ask what branch they served in and about 50% of the time they will tell me they never served. They may have gotten the clothes at the surplus store, or given them by family but it still bugs allot of veterans. I understand why they would want to wear the clothing, they are comfortable and great utility work clothing, but it still bugs me and a lot of veterans.

War is not a movie, and telling a veteran that you understand because you have seen a movie is disrespectful. Unless you have served in the military there is no way you can fully understand the culture and brotherhood. The closest a civilian can get is being a spouse or military brat. The media plays a part in the lack of understanding. Countless veterans believe the media does not cover the reality of war. From 1991 to 2009 the media was not allowed to show the flag draped coffins of our fallen. Many veterans and families felt the government was sanitizing the cost of war. The media did not protest loud, they just accepted it. Our fallen were flown in at night when they could not be seen and the media played along. The media did not protest and the cost of war was not seen by the general public. The rules have changed but many media outlets still fail to show the cost of war. Their perception is showing the cost of war, by not showing the coffins of our fallen, is too graphic, war is real and graphic, the media should report the truth. The government played it off as being respectful to the families, but some veterans felt it was to prevent civilians from seeing the true cost of war and eliminate protests against the war and for political gain.  

The military branches are not the same. Many times we don’t even understand each other’s rules and dress codes. Every branch is unique. The Air Force and the Marines are totally different, we share very few commonalities. But that’s ok were family. When outsiders disrespect one branch they are disrespecting all of the military and all branches will join the fight. It’s like a brother and sister relationship, I can do it but an outsider can’t.

Please don’t tell a veteran you were going to join the military. Our comment will be why didn’t you join. Just because you “wanted to join” don’t give a civilian the credit or respect they seek from the veteran, it shows veterans your insecurities and you didn’t think you could serve or had the will to do what it takes to become a member of the military. It’s better to not say anything, thank you might work.  

The last thing that bugs me is strings. Yes strings on your clothes. It’s crazy but strings on your uniform got you in trouble during inspection and it still drives me crazy to this day. All veterans are brainwashed to a point. We are taught what the military perceives as right and wrong. That sticks with us for most of our lives. This perception of right and wrong can be as small as strings, or as large as burning our flag. I understand why Leonard felt the way he does he, like all who fought under the flag, have differing views of how to look at it. I look at it as being wrong, but I understand that some have given their lives for their rite to burn the flag or protest. I always remind them of that when I get the chance to address protesters. Like everyone else in society veterans are different even though we are the same. We are veterans who have fought for your right to be wrong.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Knowledge: The Key to Helping Veterans & Their Families

I was eating breakfast with my wife and railing about the Veterans Administration (VA) system. She asked me, don’t you get tired of beating the drum? After 21 years of marriage I assumed she understood why I do what I do, but she didn’t. I explained the reason I spend so much time trying to help veterans and their family is because I didn’t have the knowledge I needed to deal with the system when I needed it. I failed in my most important missions since I retired from the Air Force. I lost my best friend (Josh) to the opioid crisis because I did not understand the VA system, or where to turn in the community.    

A little background on Josh, he was one of my troops who separated from the Air Force about four years before my retirement. Josh was like one of my kids to us while we were in Alaska. He spent a lot of time at our house and was like an older brother to my kids. While responding to a fire truck accident at Eielson AFB AK he hit a moose. Josh received a concussion and injured his back. Once he got out of the Air Force, I tried to get him to file a claim for his back injuries. Like so many veterans he refused because he was OK, others needed the benefits worse.

I continued to talk to Josh every week he had gotten a good job in Denver, had medical insurance, gotten married, and bought a house. He continued to insist he did not need to file a claim. One day Josh bent over to pick up his mothers’ dog, and his back went out again. Josh went on a 5-year downward spiral that would change a lot of lives. I continued to talk to him and could see the downward spiral. It was a year or so before I started to realize Josh had a drug problem. Josh called me one day and told me he was losing his job, his wife was leaving, and he was losing his house. I found out later Josh was drug seeking by going to multiple doctors to get opioids. My wife and I made the decision to fly Josh to California from Denver in hopes of getting him help from the VA. I had him talked into getting help, so he came to California.

Josh arrived in Ontario on a Thursday and I took him to the VA that Friday morning. Because Josh had never utilized the VA at Loma Linda, he had to work through the eligibility process.  After the interview Josh came out and told me the VA could not get him into the drug program because he had made too much money the prior year and did not file a claim for his back. After the VA incident we offered to let Josh stay in our camper at our house. We offered to feed him, give him something to drive, we were prepared to help him in any way. The only stipulation was he had to work on getting clean. Josh declined to stay and went back to Colorado after a week. About 3 weeks later I got a call from Joshes mom, Josh was found dead in his house, cause of death, drug overdose. This was the phone call that changed my life. At first, I blamed the VA for turning him away. As time went on and I started to remove the emotion I figured out it was not the VA’s fault, it’s the systems fault and the VA system is controlled by congress. Joshes death is why I became a therapist.    

Probably the most important thing I have learned is how the system works. While preparing for Josh's arrival I started doing research on the VA I found out how confusing the VA’s website is. I was so tired of always hearing, it depends on the situation, but it does because every VA is run differently, contact the VA and make them tell you no. At the time, I took Josh to the VA there was a limit on income, that has now changed. It would not have mattered if Josh had filed a claim like I insisted, his addiction to opioids would have fell under his disability for his back. I did not know what was in the community. If I had only understood and known what was in the community, I might have been able to get Josh help. I also did not understand how much drug addicts lie. One of my biggest failures was trusting Josh to tell the truth to get the help that he needed.

Like most incidents there were several factors that played into Joshes death. Josh downplayed his addiction during the VA interview, I should have gone in with him. I did not know how bad substance abusers lie and tell you what they think you want to hear. He did not file a claim. I did not know about the income limit, and I did not know where to turn for help outside of the VA. I now work with the VA Choice program and see the VA’s overflow. I started writing about 5 years ago to help other veterans, their families, and civilians understand the importance of knowing how the system works. I am dangerous now, I have education and knowledge.  

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Nature Can Help With PTSD

Kevin came to me one day and asked, what I can do to help me deal with my Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The answer I gave him might come as a surprise to some, but not those who work with PTSD clients. I like to tell people outside sports is a great outlet for a lot of folks with PTSD. Outside activity is good for the psyche, especially hiking, camping, or fishing. The idea is to be in the moment and not be in your head where the flashbacks live. When you are outside you focus on the here and now, not the past. I believe sports like basketball, football, soccer, or baseball are not as good because the competition can be a trigger and frustrating. Also, there tend to be a crowd at these events where nature activities can be done with limited crowds.

Hiking can be a great way to deal with PTSD. Going for a walk in the woods can be very therapeutic for most people. Hiking can be done alone, with family, or with a group of trusted friends. Any way you look at it, hiking can keep you in the here and now which is helpful when combating PTSD. Understanding that you are in a safe place can be comforting and helpful. Being in the woods can be relaxing and give someone with PTSD the quiet time they need to slow their brains down and combat their hypervilligance. Like hiking camping can be good too.

Camping is good for PTSD because you can get away from the crowds and have some quality time with your family, friends, or alone. Camping gets you into a comfort zone and connect you with nature, helping you feel safe and secure. Camping is peaceful and quiet especially if you combine hiking into a remote area to camp. When I lived in Alaska there were thousands of veterans who lived in the “bush” for the peace and quiet, they hiked into the wilderness, built a cabin back in the woods where they could be left alone. I am not advocating someone go into the wilderness and be alone, I am advocating that it is healthy from time to time to get out of your head and reconnect with the solitude of nature, especially if it involves fishing.

Fishing is one of the best things for PTSD, especially fly fishing. The quiet and serenity of fly-fishing is one of the most therapeutic things someone with PTSD can do. The cadence and the rhythm of casting the fly, reading the streams, matching the hatch, all place the individual in a trance like state if done correctly. Fly-fishing is proven throughout the years to be successful in helping veterans work through their PTSD. There are several groups dedicated to teaching veterans how to fly fish. During the time they are fly-fishing veterans are in the moment, not worried about the problems or troubles, they are focused on what they’re doing.

If fly-fishing isn’t your thing, bass and trout fishing may be the answer. I’m not talking about throwing the worm out and just sitting on the bank, and drinking beer. I am talking about what a friend calls “fish hunting”. Fish hunting is the art of trying to find the pattern fish are on for that day. Fish move around a lake or river based on temperature, sunlight, weather fronts, water flow and oxygen levels. Finding where the fish are located is a challenge, making them bite is another one. During certain times of the year and certain times of the day fish move around the lake or river and develop a pattern. Trying to figure out that pattern puts someone with PTSD in a focused state and not thinking about their triggers. Reading the bank contour and structure of the lake keeps someone with PTSD in the moment. Fishing is how I get my sanity, and I know it works for other people too, especially those with PTSD. Like so many other people I use fishing as an escape to get away from all the hassles of normal day-to-day life.

I know they’ll be people out there especially spouses who think I am crazy for saying hiking, camping, and fishing can help with PTSD, but it has been proven time and time again. Being in the moment and not worried about all the outside influences that trigger a person with PTSD is good. I told Kevin that he needed to investigate getting out of the house and getting into nature to help him deal with his PTSD. I encourage anyone who has PTSD, or any anxiety disorder to take the time and go into nature and relax. Being in the moment and not worried about the triggers of everyday life is very therapeutic.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

For more information about learning how to fly fish contact

Project Healing Waters

www.projecthealingwaters.org

760-780-7216

jim.owner@projecthealingwaters.org

Things that Bug Veterans

A group of veterans were watching protesters burning flags on TV. Leonard went crazy, yelling it’s not right for anyone to burn the flag, who do they think they are. That made me think about what Leonard was feeling, and how other veterans felt about various issues in our society. I started talking to other veterans from different generations, as it turns out we don’t look at things the same way. Why do we let some things get to us?  Certain things drive some veterans crazy and some things don’t. I thought I would put a few of them together for everyone to mull over.  Let’s start with what set Leonard off.

The flag of the United states is sacred to most who served. Burning the flag angers most Americans especially veterans. To those of us who served under the flag it is disrespectful. We have fought, defended, and lost friends while serving under the flag. Our flag is special to us and it is demoralizing to see it desecrated in that manner. Another form of disrespect is displaying the flag upside down. We are taught that the flag being upside down is the sign of distress, and displaying the flag upside down is disrespectful unless used in an actual distress situation. Even though we don’t like it, this is what we fought for, the ability of our people to say or do what they want, it is what makes the US special. At times this includes putting up with people who want to burn our flag, or wear our flag upside down. Because we have fought to give them the right we don't feel it’s appropriate for them to be disrespectful to our values, but we have to accept it.

Being respectful is one of the core values of every military branch. Being on time is one of the key elements of that respect. When we were in the service were taught, if you’re not 15 minutes early you are late, this doesn’t hold true to many civilians and it drives allot veteran’s crazy.  Military member feels they respect others and should be respected in return, the problem is many civilians don't feel the same.

Some veterans who have worn the uniform proudly feel disrespected when civilians wear parts of the uniform if they never served. Often times I will walk up to someone wearing parts of the battle dress uniform (BDU) uniform. I usually ask what branch they served in and about 50% of the time they will tell me they never served. They may have gotten the clothes at the surplus store, or given them by family but it still bugs allot of veterans. I understand why they would want to wear the clothing, they are comfortable and great utility work clothing, but it still bugs me and a lot of veterans.

War is not a movie, and telling a veteran that you understand because you have seen a movie is disrespectful. Unless you have served in the military there is no way you can fully understand the culture and brotherhood. The closest a civilian can get is being a spouse or military brat. The media plays a part in the lack of understanding. Countless veterans believe the media does not cover the reality of war. From 1991 to 2009 the media was not allowed to show the flag draped coffins of our fallen. Many veterans and families felt the government was sanitizing the cost of war. The media did not protest loud, they just accepted it. Our fallen were flown in at night when they could not be seen and the media played along. The media did not protest and the cost of war was not seen by the general public. The rules have changed but many media outlets still fail to show the cost of war. Their perception is showing the cost of war, by not showing the coffins of our fallen, is too graphic, war is real and graphic, the media should report the truth. The government played it off as being respectful to the families, but some veterans felt it was to prevent civilians from seeing the true cost of war and eliminate protests against the war and for political gain.  

The military branches are not the same. Many times we don’t even understand each other’s rules and dress codes. Every branch is unique. The Air Force and the Marines are totally different, we share very few commonalities. But that’s ok were family. When outsiders disrespect one branch they are disrespecting all of the military and all branches will join the fight. It’s like a brother and sister relationship, I can do it but an outsider can’t.

Please don’t tell a veteran you were going to join the military. Our comment will be why didn’t you join. Just because you “wanted to join” don’t give a civilian the credit or respect they seek from the veteran, it shows veterans your insecurities and you didn’t think you could serve or had the will to do what it takes to become a member of the military. It’s better to not say anything, thank you might work.  

The last thing that bugs me is strings. Yes strings on your clothes. It’s crazy but strings on your uniform got you in trouble during inspection and it still drives me crazy to this day. All veterans are brainwashed to a point. We are taught what the military perceives as right and wrong. That sticks with us for most of our lives. This perception of right and wrong can be as small as strings, or as large as burning our flag. I understand why Leonard felt the way he does he, like all who fought under the flag, have differing views of how to look at it. I look at it as being wrong, but I understand that some have given their lives for their rite to burn the flag or protest. I always remind them of that when I get the chance to address protesters. Like everyone else in society veterans are different even though we are the same. We are veterans who have fought for your right to be wrong.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.

Politics is a Part of the VA Mental Health System

Jose was discussing his dealings with the VA during one of our sessions. He is a Vietnam veteran with a Purple Heart and finally sought help after 30 years of self-medicating with alcohol to relive his Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD). Vietnam veterans are starting to age and the wounds are becoming more prevalent and life altering so they have finally started seeking help. Jose was one of many Veterans that is trying to get the help he has earned.     

Jose discussed his mental health experience with the VA and was not happy. After waiting 2 months he was finally called for a counseling group at the VA. He started group sessions and completed a 16 week program but felt he needed more. It is improbable to expect someone to become whole after years of living with PTSD or multiple deployments in 16 weeks. But that is the VA system they said he was done and was removed from the group. He started working with me because he was still struggling with his PTSD and the firefight where he was wounded and lost 2 buddies.  He lives with this every day and his memories have become a bigger part of his life as he ages.

Jose is not alone. Recent combat veterans as well as Vietnam veterans are coming forward in droves seeking mental health help. As a counselor at a local college veteran center I hear a lot about the Veterans Administration (VA). The complaints and skepticism have increased since the exposure of the systemic problems in the scheduling system a couple years ago. The disclosure of the VA issues has managed to piss off veterans more than they already were. The fact that the VA had problems was not a shock, the severity of the allegations was the shock. Part of the backlog in the mental health field at the VA is their hiring policies for mental health professionals.

The VA is having problems getting psychologist and mental health professionals to work there because of their hiring practices. Because of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) lobby in congress the VA has limited their pool of doctorate level psychologist to just over 28% of licensed and licensed eligible Psychologist. The VA requires all psychologist to attend an APA school and have an APA internship. Even if you were an Active Duty, National Guard, or Reserve psychologist you could not work for the VA if you did not attend an APA college with an APA internship. Under the VA requirements 72% of all licensed and licensed eligible psychologist do not meet the VA requirements. These jobs could be filled if the VA would hire qualified licensed psychologist and stop bowing to the APA lobby.     

In 2014 less than 2,500 positions were available for APA internships in the US and Canada. These internships are one year in length and are located throughout the United States. The APA estimates there are 8,700 doctorate level psychologist who graduate each year. For these 8,700 psychologist there were only 2,474 APA internships leaving 6,226 psychologist annually without APA internships disqualifying them from working at the VA. According to the APA the expectation of increasing APA internships is not promising. It cost and enormous sum of money and red tape for those that apply to become an APA internship so many internship sights don’t even try. The same can be said for the Social workers. Like psychologist the social workers lobby have used their political capital the same way the APA has.  

 For a Social worker to be hired must have attended a college that are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), this accreditation is limited to 231 LCSW Schools nationwide. Just like psychologist, if you were an active duty social worker but did not attend a CSWE school you are ineligible to work at the VA. Again the VA is limiting their resources to a select few. Both the APA and CSWE use their influence to ensure that those that pay to be a part of their organizations can work for the VA. The VA is having trouble filling the open mental health positions while our veterans are waiting weeks or months in many cases to receive help because of the APA and CSWE influenced lobby on congress and the VA.

With an average of 20 veterans committing suicide each day many find it unethical that the VA is not employing those that are qualified and licensed. Many licensed clinicians who are veterans can’t work at the VA, this is a real concern. I am aware of 2 veteran psychologist and multiple veteran Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) that the VA will not hire. Instead they hire peer counselors with little or no training in psychology, their requirement is they have had to be in the VA system as a patient. This is a good first step for veterans having someone who can help navigate the VA system but it is not the answer to the problem with veteran’s PTSD. The VA will hire minimally trained peer support specialist but not licensed mental health professionals, this makes no sense.     

The income differential between the public sector and the government sector is also a problem. In California the starting salary for psychologist who works for non-profits pay more than the VA in most areas. Why should the 28% of licensed psychologist work for the VA for less pay? For veterans that are waiting for services, qualified licensed people are available if the VA would hire them. The only way we can make a change is contact our local politicians, and national veterans groups and voice your opinion. The VA needs to hire the people who are qualified and available. Until this change is happens I will have to keep getting pissed off about the 20 veterans a day that commit suicide and thousands waiting in line for help. It is unethical to maintain the status quo when there are qualified therapist available.

For questions or comments, I can be reached at afterdutyvets@gmail.com or visit our website at marriedtoptsdpro.com and like us on Facebook at Married to PTSD Pro.