The newest patients to the VA have been returning combat soldiers, men and women who served in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. (OEF/OIF). In a recent study, Dr. Karen Seal and colleagues at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and USC, reviewed records for over 100,000 veterans, who separated from active duty between 2001-2005 and sought care from VA medical facilities. The most common combination of diagnoses found was post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Young soldiers were three times as likely as those over 40 to be diagnosed with PTSD and/or another mental health disorder. Most mental health problems were first identified during visits with primary care doctors, not with mental health professionals.
Getting help early can prevent PTSD and other problems from becoming chronic. VA is expanding counseling and mental health services to meet the needs of the returning veterans and provide early treatment. For more information on PTSD and its treatment, please visit the National Center for PTSD.
At the Pittsburgh VA Highland Drive location, the Community Based Care section offers an Aftercare program as an extension of the Domiciliary Comprehensive Homeless Center. The coordinator of this program is Licensed Social Worker, Kori Colangelo, and it is her belief that, "Aftercare is an essential part of helping veterans help themselves". By conducting "A Weekel Wednesday Evening AFTERCARE Group between 5PM-7PM called, "THE RECONNECTION" , current residents and alumni of the program can meet in an informal group setting to discuss the road ahead. This is not a 12-step program or a mandatory meeting or even a formalized group, but rather a means for the former and current residents to drop in and discuss relapse prevention, 12-STEP Recovery, mental health, self-esteem, relationship issues, along with housing and job issues to assist them in coping with life on life's terms.
Current DOM residents are also encouraged to set up individual Aftercare sessions with Ms. Colangelo starting 1 month prior to discharge, to continue with outpatient Aftercare sessions after graduation from the Homeless program and leaving a structured enviroment. This helps Vets keep in checks/balances and maintain a strong recovery program.
The Domiciliary Program itself is a 3-5 month work/rehabilitation program that is designed to aid veterans who are homeless, as well as unemployed within the community. Ninety-nine percent of these veterans struggle with a chemical dependency to alcohol and/or other drugs. Veterans go through Phase I and Phase II treatment process while in the Dom program. These phases deal with dependency/recovery issues, mental health, as well as housing and job opportunities. Once a veteran has almost completed Phase II, he/she is encouraged to participate in the Aftercare Program, consisting of the Wednesday group, along with individual Aftercare sessions with Ms. Colangelo on an Outpatient basis.
