Veterans: Assessment and Screening for PTSD & Suicidality

The high incidence of PTSD and suicide among veterans has spurred some of the best research on assessment and treatment by the Defense Department (DoD) and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA). Their reports on assessment and treatment protocols are vital reading for any psychotherapist treating PTSD or treating clients at risk for suicide. Because of the high rates of suicide and PTSD among veterans, states such as Connecticut have begun requiring psychotherapists to earn continuing education credits in the area of PTSD, suicide and veterans.

This introductory level course introduces psychotherapists to the material put out by DoD and VA concerning assessment and treatment of PTSD and suicidal thinking. The VA is encouraging private psychotherapists to provide mental healthcare to veterans, and this course contains information on how both veterans and private psychotherapists can participate under the auspices of VA healthcare benefits. It also includes the recent changes in eligibility criteria for veterans seeking VA healthcare benefits. Additional resources and references are provided for further study, but they are not part of the course.