Atlanta VAHCS Leader Co-Authors Groundbreaking Study on Mental Health Residential Care Outcomes
By Gregory Kendall, Public Affairs Specialist
Dr. Bethany Ketchen, Program Manager of the Domiciliary Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, recently co-authored a major report published in JAMA Psychiatry.
The publication, titled “All-Cause Mortality Following Veterans Affairs and Community Mental Health Residential Treatment,” examined outcomes for Veterans who received mental health residential care through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) compared with those treated in community-based programs paid for by the VA. Analyses showed that VA mental health residential treatment delivers higher clinical quality, demonstrated by lower posttreatment all-cause mortality rates in the year following care.
“This research underscores the exceptional commitment and expertise of our VA mental health teams,” said Dr. Ketchen. “Our integrated, Veteran-centered approach not only supports recovery but also saves lives.”
An Army Veteran, who completed residential treatment through the Atlanta VAHCS, emphasized the importance of such research for future generations of Veterans. “Studies like this show that the VA truly understands what Veterans need to heal,” the Veteran said. “It gives me confidence knowing that the care we receive is based on real data and focused on what actually helps Veterans live longer, healthier lives.”
The findings highlight the value of VA’s comprehensive residential treatment programs and reinforce the importance of continued investment in evidence-based, coordinated care for Veterans managing complex mental health conditions.
To learn more about the study, click HERE.