Barriers for Veterans: Raising Awareness
PTSD stigma and awareness are two huge obstacles our Veterans face as they return from deployment.
When we started the PTI, we built our foundation as a service for veterans who encountered mental health challenges after returning from deployment. We found that our “secret formula,” which is providing quality care and treating people like people, worked so well that we’ve expanded to serve anyone who walks through our doors.
However, just like anyone else, it’s important for us to remember our roots and honor the service men and women who have paid untold sacrifices for our country and the world at large.
Statistics About Veterans And Mental Healthcare
A 2013 study through the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) concluded that at least 30% of veterans who have participated in WWP have reported difficulty getting mental health care. The study also concluded that barriers to care included “inconsistent treatment or treatment lapses, discomfort with DoD or VA resources, concern about negative effects on career, and concern about being viewed as weak.”
Statistically, about half of the returning service men and women who need mental health treatment are seeking care. However, the same survey found that of those who were actively seeking care, over half were receiving care that was minimally adequate. It’s kind of like going to the drive-thru for lunch, you’ll get your calories but the nutrition is hardly adequate. For those who are receiving minimally adequate care, if they were to have access to a higher quality of treatment which is supported by scientific research and technology, their recovery rates would skyrocket.
We understand that some days are better than others and, for those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress, that everyday activities, keeping appointments, and sometimes even leaving the house can be a challenge. We’re not here to shame or berate. We’re here to help because we care. We want to honor your time and the energy that you put into seeking mental health care so that you don’t have a “DMV experience” while waiting at the doctor’s office.
Our mission here at the PTI is to remove barriers and provide the highest quality mental health care. Our staff believe in the mission and we have sought out a treatment team with a diverse talent pool so that you don’t have to spend all day driving all over town. Our specialty is putting people first. If you are experiencing barriers to receiving the best mental health treatment please give us a call today and we’ll see what we can do to help.