The Department of Veterans’ Affairs reports that there are approximately 22.2 million living veterans. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance abuse disorders, depression, and anxiety occur at a higher rate in veterans (Spelman et al., 2012, p. 1200), and every day twenty-two veterans take their own lives. (Department of Veterans Affairs, Kemp, RN PhD, Bossarte, PhD, 2012, p. 15) Sadly, veterans that want mental health treatment cannot get appointments at the V.A., and some who would like treatment do not seek mental health care for a variety of reasons. Without treatment, veterans are at a higher risk of mental health challenges, at risk of family instability, homelessness, and unable to maintain a job (Seal et al., 2009). It is important for social workers to educate the public, institutions, and veterans on the importance of mental health care.
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Senator Joni Ernst representing Iowa. S.841 amends the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 to allow veterans to seek mental health treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) entities, eliminates the 40-mile and V.A. wait time triggers for mental health care only under the Choice act, and prioritizes incentives for the hiring of mental health care professionals at V.A.
To enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people is the primary mission of social workers. Social workers have a dual responsibility not only to clients but the broader society with special attention to vulnerable populations. A core value of social workers is of service to the populations who are in need. Social workers must draw knowledge, values and skills to address the mental health care needs by military veterans to fight for social
Senator Joni Ernst representing Iowa. S.841 amends the Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2014 to allow veterans to seek mental health treatment in non-Department of Veterans Affairs (V.A.) entities, eliminates the 40-mile and V.A. wait time triggers for mental health care only under the Choice act, and prioritizes incentives for the hiring of mental health care professionals at V.A.
To enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people is the primary mission of social workers. Social workers have a dual responsibility not only to clients but the broader society with special attention to vulnerable populations. A core value of social workers is of service to the populations who are in need. Social workers must draw knowledge, values and skills to address the mental health care needs by military veterans to fight for social