Mental Health Support for Veterans in New Jersey

Research shows that veterans are at higher risk of developing mental health conditions than the general public. Some research suggests veterans may be up to five times more likely to live with trauma, depression, anxiety, and other conditions.

However, many service members do not get the treatment they need to manage mental health problems. Veterans and their families, service members, and other military personnel may face unique barriers in accessing the mental health services they need.

This article will explore where veterans can find mental health care. You will learn:

• The connection between veterans and mental health conditions
• The types and levels of mental health care for veterans
• How to find mental health professionals and programs for veterans
• Where to find comprehensive behavioral health care in Florida

If you or someone in your life requires treatment for a mental health condition, you are not alone. Find comprehensive mental health treatment, resources, and support at New Jersey Behavioral Healthcare. Contact our treatment specialists to learn more about our services or to schedule an intake appointment.

Mental Health and Veterans: Understanding the Issue

Service members and veterans often face unique pressures during training, service, and reintegration. Here are some of the most common mental health conditions among our nation’s veterans.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition. People may develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. Veterans are at higher risk of developing PTSD as a result of training and military service.

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Chronic stress
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks of the event
• Being startled easily
• Depression or hopelessness
• Feeling constantly alert or on edge
• Avoiding situations, people, or objects related to the traumatic event

The symptoms of PTSD can impact a person’s daily life. They may affect a person’s physical health, emotional well-being, relationships, and more.

Military culture

Military culture may encourage ideas of strength, responsibility, or commitment to a team. These ideals may be beneficial to service members in some situations. However, this culture may promote a “tough it out” mentality that can prevent people from seeking help when they need it.

Pain

Many veterans live with physical pain related to their training or service. Chronic or severe pain can cause new or worsening mental health symptoms. People may experience depression, hopelessness, anxiety, and isolation. Living with chronic pain may also increase a person’s risk of suicidal ideation.

Reintegration challenges

Returning to civilian life may come with significant challenges. Veterans often report experiencing isolation. They may struggle to reconnect with family members or experience symptoms of depression. Veterans also have higher rates of homelessness and unemployment, which may contribute to mental health challenges.

Lack of mental health care access

VA mental health providers have specialized training in working with veterans. However, cuts to funding and other factors may limit veterans’ access to mental health services. Research shows that only about 13% of mental health professionals outside of the Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center system have the training to provide competent veterans’ mental health services.

Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Healthcare team to learn about our veterans’ mental health treatment programs. Reach out with questions or schedule an intake appointment.

Levels of Mental Health Treatment for Veterans

Veterans typically require specialized care to manage mental health symptoms. There are many types of treatment programs and levels of care to meet a wide range of veterans’ needs.

Some common levels of mental health treatment for veterans include:

• Inpatient and residential treatment programs
• Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
• Outpatient counseling and medication management services
• Dual diagnosis treatment programs
• Aftercare support, such as individual and group counseling

A mental health evaluation may be the first step of a veteran’s mental health journey. This type of assessment evaluates a veteran’s needs and resources. It can help their treatment team develop the most personalized care plans and recommend the right levels of care.

Contact the New Jersey Behavioral Healthcare specialists to learn about our assessments, treatment plans, and support programs for veterans.

How to Find Mental Health Resources for Veterans in New Jersey

There are many mental health treatment resources available for veterans needing support. Here is an overview of some available mental health resources for veterans.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line offers veterans free, confidential assistance. Veterans experiencing a mental health crisis can access the crisis line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year by dialing “988” then pressing “1.” Veterans can also text 838255 or reach someone online at VeteransCrisis Line.net/Chat.

VA peer support groups

The VA mental health treatment program offers peer support groups. These groups can help veterans connect with others, learn about mental health, develop new skills, and process their experiences in a safe environment.

Vet centers’ counseling programs

The VA offers readjustment counseling programs. These programs support veterans during reintegration. They also provide critical support to address the mental health, personal, and other practical challenges related to reintegration.

Mental health programs at New Jersey Behavioral Healthcare

New Jersey Behavioral Healthcare offers comprehensive treatment programs to help veterans manage mental health conditions. Contact our treatment team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake assessment.

References:

1. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Protecting Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Care
2. Psychiatry Online: Mental Health Care Use Among U.S. Military Veterans: Results From the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study