Veterans of Military Service, particularly those deployed to combat areas, are at increased risk for mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and problems functioning in social and work settings. The long duration and repeated deployments experienced by combat veterans in Iraq and Afghanistan make it more likely that these veterans may experience mental health challenges. (source: JAMA 2006;1023-32)

CDPH encourages all eligible veterans to enroll for health care benefits to make sure they receive all benefits offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s national health care system. VA offers comprehensive medical care, including medical outpatient and inpatient services, and mental health care. VA mental health care is governed by nine guiding principles, including:

• Focus on Recovery – Empowering the Veteran to take charge of his/her treatment.
• Coordinated Care for the Whole Person – Emphasizing roles of physical health, satisfying work, social support, and healthy living in mental health
• Mental Health Treatment in Primary Care – Integrating mental health treatment in primary care treatment team
• Mental Health Treatment Coordinator – Coordinating overall mental health goals
• Around-the-Clock Service – 24/7 availability of emergency mental health care
• Care that is Sensitive to Gender & Cultural Issues – Sensitivity to military culture, gender differences, and ethnic issues
• Care Close to Home - Working with other health care providers in the community
• Evidence-Based Treatment – Providing only those treatments proven to work
• Family & Couple Services – Able to include immediate family or legal guardian in services, such as family therapy, marriage counseling, grief counseling, etc.