Treating Behavioral Health Conditions of OEF/OIF Veterans and Their Families: A State Needs Assessment of Civilian Providers

Abstract

With the return of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq, increasing numbers of civilian behavioral health providers are treating veterans and their families for service-related conditions. However, little is known about civilian providers' capacity to meet the needs of this population. A statewide needs assessment of 1,665 clinicians examined their screening/referral practices, knowledge and confidence in treating 14 veteran conditions, and training interests. Overall, providers had limited knowledge and confidence to treat veteran conditions but reported high interest in training to enhance their clinical skills. Findings informed the training of more than 700 state clinicians to provide culturally competent behavioral health care for veterans and their families.