Disclaimer

This Blog is about helping Male disabled veterans find useful information,This is not advice but research and our opinions. The information provided at this website is of a general nature provided for educational purposes, and is not meant to be specific to any veteran or other claimant in matters related to claims for benefits.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

Finding and Choosing a Therapist My story and hints from the VA

When I got my C-file 20 plus years later I started having flash back dreams about the Rape and I then became very depressed and called the Suicide Hotlines: Thats were I started my MST rediscover. So now I had to get help well it was not easy first the rape center I was sent to was for Women who were sexually assault and domestic violence and they said in their info that they worked with women, men and children after 3 visits I was told that the Director said the women did not like a man in the waiting room and I would have to find someone else. I think it was more about no insurance or money. I was talking to my VA  doctor and he said to go to the VA mental health clinic in Brick NJ. My trip to Brick was hard for me first I had to get a appointment with the Mental Health Clinic which was very stressful for me as when I was in Basic Training I was sent to the Mental Health Clinic for a break down from being sick and my rape. I made it to Mental Health and thanks to a great staff I felt welcome and my therapist and
psychiatrist were straight with me that they were not the best people to deal with Military Sexual Trauma which is a event not a disorder and that every VA medical center has a Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator to oversee the screening and treatment referral process so my psychiatrist placed a call to the VA medical center in East Orange NJ who then had her call the VA medical center at Lions NJ  and after 20 minutes with no help she said she would call the VA medical center in Bay Pines Fla and let me know at my next visit she started me on meds for PTSD; and other anxiety disorders; Depression and other mood disorders. When I went back to her she gave me the telephone number at Bay Pines and said good luck! as she was still waiting for a answer I called that day and a very nice social worker gave me the number for the MST Coordinator at Lions and East Orange who referred me to the Vet Center in Bloomfield NJ which is about a hour and a half from my home. I started to go to a therapist but do to many factors it was not working for me. The Vet Center opened a new center in Lakewood NJ which is about 15 minutes from my home and I started with a new therapist there in Oct 2010 I have made great progress with this therapist and now also have group therapy for male survivors. Sorry I tend to be long winded what I was trying to say is you have to find who is right for you. Here is some info from the VA website Finding and Choosing a Therapist  
Listed below are resources to help you choose and locate a therapist who is right for you. A professional who works well with one person may not be a good choice for another person. A special section for Veterans is included.

Finding a therapist

There are many ways to find a therapist. You can start by asking friends and family if they can recommend anyone. Make sure the therapist has skills in treating trauma survivors.
Another way to locate a therapist is to make some phone calls. When you call, say that you are trying to find a provider who specializes in effective treatment for PTSD, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
  • Contact your local mental health agency or family doctor.
  • Call your state psychological association
  • Call the psychology department at a local college
  • Call the National Center for Victims of Crime's toll-free information and referral service at begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              1-800-FYI-CALL      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. This service uses agencies from across the country that support crime victims.1-800-FYI-CALL
  • If you work for a large company, call the human resources office to see if they make referrals.
  • If you are a member of a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), call to find out about mental health services.
Some mental health services are listed in the phone book. In the blue Government pages, look in the "County Government Offices" section. In that section, look for "Health Services (Dept. of)" or "Department of Health Services." Then in that section, look under "Mental Health."
In the yellow pages, therapists are listed under "counseling," "psychologists," "social workers," "psychotherapists," "social and human services," or "mental health."
Information can also be found using the Internet. You may find a list of therapists in your area. Some lists include the therapists' areas of practice. Listed below are some suggested websites:
  • Center for Mental Health Services Locator. This services locator is on the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) website. The site also provides a Frequently Asked Questions about mental health.
  • Anxiety Disorders Association of America* offers a referral network. begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (240) 485-1001      end_of_the_skype_highlighting.(240) 485-1001
  • ABCT Find a Therapist Service*. The Association for Advancement of Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT, formerly AABT) maintains a database of therapists.
  • Sidran* offers a referral list of therapists, as well as a fact sheet on how to choose a therapist for PTSD and dissociative disorders. begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              (410) 825-8888      end_of_the_skype_highlighting. (410) 825-8888
Your health insurance may pay for mental health services. Also, some services are available at low cost according to your ability to pay.

Help for Veterans

VA Medical Centers and Vet Centers provide Veterans with mental health services. These services may cost little or nothing, according to a Veteran's benefits and ability to pay. Following discharge after deployment to a combat zone, you should enroll for VA services. You are then qualified for care for conditions that may be related to your service.
VA PTSD Program Locator: Use this online tool to find a PTSD Treatment program or VA PTSD treatment specialist at a VA facility near you. You can also go online to read more about services at Vet Centers.
Other resources include:
VA Medical Centers and Vet Centers are listed in the phone book. In the blue Government pages, look under "United States Government Offices." Then look for "Veterans Affairs, Dept of." In that section, look under "Medical Care" and "Vet Centers - Counseling and Guidance."

Finding a support group

The National Center for PTSD does not provide PTSD support groups. Many local VA Medical Centers have various types of groups. Listed below is information on how to find support groups online or in your area.

Choosing a therapist

There are a many things to consider in choosing a therapist. Some practical issues are location, cost, and what insurance the therapist accepts. Other issues include the therapist's background, training, and the way he or she works with people.
Some people meet with a few therapists before deciding which one to work with. Most, however, try to see someone known in their area. Then they go with that person unless a problem occurs. Either way, here is a list of questions you may want to ask a possible therapist.
  • What is your education? Are you licensed? How many years have you been practicing?
  • What are your special areas of practice?
  • Have you ever worked with people who have been through trauma? Do you have any special training in PTSD treatment?
  • What kinds of PTSD treatments do you use? Have they been proven effective for dealing with my kind of problem or issue?
  • What are your fees? (Fees are usually based on a 45-minute to 50-minute session.) Do you have any discounted fees? How much therapy would you recommend?
  • What types of insurance do you accept? Do you file insurance claims? Do you contract with any managed care organizations? Do you accept Medicare or Medicaid insurance?

Who is available to provide therapy?

There are many types of professionals who can provide therapy for trauma issues. Below we describe some of the most common of these professionals.

Clinical Psychologists

Psychologists are trained in the area of human behavior. Clinical psychologists focus on mental health assessment and treatment. Psychologists use scientifically proven methods to help people change their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Licensed Psychologists have doctoral degrees (PhD, PsyD, EdD). Their graduate training is in clinical, counseling, or school psychology. In addition to their graduate study, licensed psychologists must have another 1 to 2 years of supervised clinical experience. A license is granted after passing an exam given by the American Board of Professional Psychology. Psychologists have the title of "doctor," but they cannot prescribe medicine.

Clinical Social Workers

The purpose of social work is to enhance human well-being. Social workers help meet the basic human needs of all people. They help people manage the forces around them that contribute to problems in living.
Certified social workers have a master's degree or doctoral degree in social work (MSW, DSW, or PhD). To be licensed, clinical social workers must pass an exam given by the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW).

Master's Level Clinicians

Master's Level Clinicians have a master's degree in counseling, psychology, or marriage and family therapy (MA, MFT). They have at least 2 years of training beyond the 4-year college degree. To be licensed, master's level clinicians must meet requirements that vary by state.

Psychiatrists

Psychiatrists have a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD). After they complete 4 years of medical school, they must have 3 to 4 years of residency training. Board certified psychiatrists have also passed written and oral exams given by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Since they are medical doctors, psychiatrists can prescribe medicine. Some also provide psychotherapy.

Till next time remember what Winston Churchill said
"IF YOU'RE GOING THROUGH HELL, KEEP GOING"


July 12, 2010 New Regulations on PTSD Claims

1
July 12, 2010
New Regulations on PTSD Claims
Quick Facts: This new rule is for Veterans of any era.
The new rule will apply to claims:
o received by VA on or after July 13, 2010;
o received before July 13, 2010 but not yet decided by a VA regional office;
o appealed to the Board of Veterans' Appeals on or after July 13, 2010;
o appealed to the Board before July 13, 2010, but not yet decided by the Board; and
o pending before VA on or after July 13, 2010, because the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims vacated a Board decision and remanded for re-adjudication.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
“Stressor Determinations for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder”
1. What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition resulting from exposure to direct or indirect threat of death, serious injury or a physical threat. The events that can cause PTSD are called "stressors” and may include natural disasters, accidents or deliberate man-made events/disasters, including war. Symptoms of PTSD can include recurrent thoughts of a traumatic event, reduced involvement in work or outside interests, emotional numbing, hyper-alertness, anxiety and irritability. The disorder can be more severe and longer lasting when the stress is human initiated action (example: war, rape, terrorism).
2. What does this final regulation do?
This final regulation liberalizes the evidentiary standard for Veterans claiming service connection for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Under current regulations governing PTSD claims, unless the Veteran is a combat Veteran, VA adjudicators are typically required to undertake extensive record development to corroborate whether a Veteran actually experienced the claimed in-service stressor. This final rulemaking will simplify and improve the PTSD claims adjudication process by eliminating this time-consuming requirement where the claimed stressor is related to “fear of hostile military or terrorist activity,” is consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of their service, and a VA psychiatrist or psychologist, or contract psychiatrist or psychologist confirms that the claimed stressor is adequate to support a diagnosis of PTSD.
3. What types of claims for VA benefits does the final regulation affect?
The final regulation will benefit Veterans, regardless of their period of service. It applies to claims for PTSD service connection filed on or after the final regulation’s effective date, and to those claims that are considered on the merits at a VA Regional Office or the Board of Veterans’ Appeals on or after the effective date of the rule.
4. Why is this final regulation necessary?
The final regulation is necessary to make VA’s adjudication of PTSD claims both more timely and consistent with the current medical science.
5. How does this final regulation help Veterans?
The final regulation will simplify and streamline the processing of PTSD claims, which will result in Veterans receiving more timely decisions. A Veteran will be able to establish the occurrence of an in-service stressor through his or her own testimony, provided that: (1) the Veteran is diagnosed with PTSD; (2) a VA psychiatrist or psychologist, or a psychiatrist or psychologist with whom VA has contracted confirms that the claimed stressor is adequate to support a PTSD diagnosis; (3) the Veteran's symptoms are related to the claimed stressor; and (4) the claimed stressor is consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of the Veteran’s service and the record provides no clear and convincing evidence to the contrary. This will eliminate the requirement for VA to search for records, to verify stressor accounts, which is often a very involved and protracted process. As a result, the time required to adjudicate a PTSD compensation claim in accordance with the law will be significantly reduced.
6. How does VA plan to monitor the need for examiners in various regions of the country, and how does VA plan to respond if is determined that more examiners are needed in a particular region?
The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has written in to the FY11-13 Operating Plan the need for additional staff to support doing adequate, timely exams. VHA proposes: “A8. Increase mental health field staff to address the increase in C&P examinations and develop monitoring system to ensure clinical delivery of mental health services does not decrease in VHA.“ Specifically, VHA has requested 125 clinicians for FY11 with additional 63 staff in FY12 if the need exists. If the Operating Plan and the proposed budget are approved, VA proposes asking the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) to develop plans for distributing the funds in order to ensure adequate coverage at sites based on number of claims being processed; the VISNs are well positioned to determine these regional needs.
7. How does the regulatory revision affect PTSD service connection claims where an in-service diagnosis of PTSD has been rendered?
The new regulation does not apply to the adjudication of cases where PTSD has been initially diagnosed in service. Rather, under another VA rule, 38 CFR § 3.304(f)(1), if a Veteran is diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder during service and the claimed stressor is related to that service, in the absence of clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, and provided that the claimed stressor is consistent with the circumstances, conditions, or hardships of the Veteran's service, the Veteran's lay testimony alone may establish the occurrence of the claimed in-service stressor.
8. Is the new regulation applicable only if the Veteran's statements relate to combat or POW service?
No. The rule states that the stressor must be related to a “fear of hostile military or terrorist activity,” and the claimed stressor must be “consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of the veteran’s service.”
9. What circumstances will still require stressor verification through DoD’s Joint Services Records Research Center (JSRRC) , VBA’s Compensation &Pension Service (C&P Service), or other entity if a Veteran claims that his or her stressor is related to a fear of hostile or terrorist activity?
The regulatory revision will greatly lessen the need for undertaking development to verify Veterans’ accounts of in-service stressors. Now, stressor development may only need to be conducted if a review of the available record, such as the Veteran’s service personnel and/or treatment records, is inadequate to determine that the claimed stressor is “consistent with the places, types and circumstances of the veteran’s service.” In such circumstances, the Veterans Service Representative (VSR) will determine on a case-by-case basis what development should be undertaken.
However, it is anticipated that in the overwhelming majority of cases adjudicated under the new version of § 3.304(f), a simple review of the Veteran’s service treatment and/or personnel records will be sufficient to determine if the claimed stressor is consistent with the places, types, and circumstances of the Veteran’s service. We also believe that, in some cases, a Veteran’s separation document, DD-Form 214, alone may enable an adjudicator to make such a determination.
10. As the regulatory revision seems to require an enhanced role for the examining VA mental health professional, whose role is it to determine whether the claimed stressor is consistent with the Veteran’s service?
VA adjudicators, not the examining psychiatrist or psychologist, will decide whether the claimed stressor is consistent with the Veteran’s service.
11. Is a Veteran's testimony about “fear of hostile military or terrorist activity” alone sufficient to establish a stressor?
Yes, if the other requirements of the regulation are satisfied, i.e., a VA psychiatrist or psychologist confirms that the claimed stressor is adequate to support a PTSD diagnosis and that the Veteran's symptoms are related to the claimed stressor, and the stressor is consistent with the “places, types, and circumstances of the Veteran’s service.”
12. Are the stressors accepted as adequate for establishing service connection under new § 3.304(f)(3) limited to those specifically identified in the new regulation?
No. The examples given in the revised regulation do not represent an exclusive list in view of the use of the modifying phrase “such as” that precedes the listed examples. Any event or circumstance that involves actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of the Veteran or others, would qualify as a stressor under new § 3.304(f)(3).
13. How will the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) work with Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) on the new regulation?
VHA was actively involved in discussion with VBA of the new regulation and fully supports the new regulation. The new regulation will provide fair evaluation for Veterans whose military records have been damaged or destroyed, or for whom no definitive reports of combat action appeared in their military records, even though they can report such actions and it is reasonable to believe that these occurred, given the time and place of service. This will be especially beneficial to women Veterans, whose records do not specify that they had combat assignments, even though their roles in the military placed them at risk of hostile military or terrorist activity. This means that more Veterans will become eligible for VA care and thus be able to receive VA care for mental illness related to their military service, as well as receiving full holistic health care.VHA will work actively with VBA on implementing the regulation. VHA staff’s main role is as clinicians conducting C&P interviews to establish diagnoses and obtain other information to be used by VBA raters to determine the outcome of claims. The new regulation will not change the diagnostic elements of the C&P interview, but may change what additional data are collected for use by VBA raters.http://www.va.gov/PTSD_QA.pdf