Psychological services
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Psychological services · Aug 2017
ReviewSuicide among American Indian/Alaska Native military service members and veterans.
Many American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities experience high suicide rates. However, there is little discussion in epidemiological and empirical literature about suicide-related outcomes among AI/AN military service members or veterans. ⋯ Discussion includes the potential for unique cultural protective and risk factors that could inform prevention efforts and some of the novel existing efforts to support AI/AN veterans are reviewed. Given concerning suicide rates among military service members and veterans, it is important for future research to clarify the risk to AI/AN military service members and veterans and how to best develop and implement effective suicide prevention/interventions. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Psychological services · Feb 2016
ReviewThe psychologist's role in transgender-specific care with U.S. veterans.
Psychologists are integral to the care of transgender individuals. This article details the many roles for psychologists in transgender-specific care, including diagnosing and treating gender dysphoria; providing treatment for comorbid conditions; referring to medical services such as gender confirmation surgeries, voice modification, and cross-sex hormone therapies; serving as consultants within health care systems; and advocating for addressing barriers in systems in which transgender individuals live and work. ⋯ In this article, the authors describe the experiences that many trans-vets have faced, identify the importance of treatment for gender dysphoria (and draw the distinction between gender identity disorder and gender dysphoria) as well as psychologists' roles, and clarify which transgender-related services are available to eligible veterans though VHA per policy and how VHA providers have access to training to provide that care. In addition, we describe how veterans can connect to the VHA, even if they have (and want to continue working with) non-VHA psychologists or other community providers.
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Psychological services · Nov 2012
ReviewPosttraumatic stress disorder in veterans and military personnel: epidemiology, screening, and case recognition.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that affects 7-8% of the general U. S. population at some point during their lifetime; however, the prevalence is much higher among certain subgroups, including active duty military personnel and veterans. In this article, we review the empirical literature on the epidemiology and screening of PTSD in military and veteran populations, including the availability of sensitive and reliable screening tools. ⋯ S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Given the prevalence and potential consequences of PTSD among veterans and active duty military personnel, development and continued evaluation of effective screening methods is an important public health need.