The following training resources are designed to assist service providers who provide non-medical counseling in managing their programs and providing the most comprehensive support to service members and their families.
General Resources
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Information Center Fact sheets and handouts The PTSD Information center provides access to downloadable fact sheets that discuss combat-related stress and PTSD and videos geared towards a general audience.
Guides
The following publications provide additional information on counseling to educate counseling service providers.
DoD/VA Clinical Practice Guideline for Post-Deployment Health Evaluation and Management The Deployment Health Clinical Center offers access to these practice guidelines for clinicians working with military members with deployment-related concerns, including downloadable guidelines, assessment forms, and training videos.
Iraq War Clinician Guide, 2nd Edition This manual, published by the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, details past and recent research regarding the psychological effects of war and established approaches to treatment. The Guide includes comprehensive and detailed information as well as quick reference materials. The guide can be printed or downloaded.
Operation Enduring Families A 5-session family education and support program for veterans who have recently returned from a combat theater and their families. The curriculum (written for professionals) includes sessions on the following topics: family relationships, communication and intimacy, anger, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. The 90-minute sessions for active duty, veterans and/or support persons balance didactic presentation of information with time for group discussion and mutual support. All of the sessions normalize common challenges, describe available resources, and instill hope.
In addition, the following brochures contain information for veterans returning from deployment in Iraq or Afghanistan about PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other emotional and behavioral problems that veterans may face.
The New Warrior: Combat Stress and Wellness This is a downloadable video provided by the National Center of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that was published for health care providers. The video discusses actions that can be taken to prevent chronic mental health problems for service members who have been exposed to combat and war zone-related stress.