Columbia VA Health Care System LPMHCs, LMFTs Help with Growing Mental Health Care Needs
Military service can be a challenging and traumatic experience for many Veterans. After serving in combat or experiencing other traumatic events, it is common for Veterans to struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Columbia VA Health Care System’s (VA HCS) Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselors (LPMHC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT) can help Veterans address these challenges and lead happier, healthier lives.
“Many of our counselors are trained in several specific types of therapy specifically researched and designed to help alleviate mental health concerns,” said Supervisory LPMHC Amanda Brown. “Which treatment is used depends on the counselor’s training and the mental health concerns presented by the Veteran.”
According to a 2022 Congressional Report, the number of Veterans provided mental health care services through VA increased by 85%, with another 30% of projected growth by 2030.
In 2010, in response to the increased need for mental health care professionals, the VA hired its first LMPHCs & LMFTs. Columbia VA HCS currently employs 11 of the 700+ professional therapists and counselors now working across the VA.
“Mental health treatment is growing rapidly nationwide, within the VA and outside,” said Brown. “The value of getting help for mental health is being seen and mental health providers are in demand. I am not sure of the numbers, but I can tell you that increasing mental health treatment options for veterans is happening.”
One benefit of counseling services for Veterans is that they provide a safe space for Veterans to talk about their experiences. Often, Veterans may feel like they cannot talk to their friends or family members about what they have been through, either because they do not want to burden them or because they feel like they won't understand. However, in counseling, Veterans can talk to trained professionals who understand the unique challenges that come with military service.
“Individual counseling is a great way to address individual concerns or practice skills one-on-one with a trained professional,” said Jennifer Botsch, LPMHC, Outpatient Therapist. “It is a great way to tackle mental health symptoms, work on skills to improve relationships with others, and to work on ensuring our relationship with ourselves is also balanced. It can be a forgiving space to grow and make improvements in different areas of our lives.”
Columbia VA HCS’ LMFTs can also help Veterans improve their relationships with loved ones. Many Veterans struggle to reconnect with family members or friends after returning from military service. This can be due to a variety of factors, including PTSD symptoms, feelings of isolation or disconnect, or difficulty readjusting to civilian life. Counseling services can help Veterans work through these issues and improve their relationships with loved ones. By addressing underlying issues and learning communication skills, Veterans can build stronger, healthier relationships with those around them.
In addition to individual counseling, Columbia VA HCS also offers group counseling sessions. Group sessions can be particularly beneficial for Veterans, as it allows them to connect with others who have had similar experiences and can provide a sense of community and support that can be difficult to find elsewhere. Veterans can share their experiences and learn from one another, which can be empowering and healing.
“Sometimes people can view group treatment as less valuable than individual, but research shows that is not true,” said Brown. “Both modalities are helpful. One of the major benefits of group therapy is the connection to other group members who often have similar struggles. This can help veterans feel that they are not alone with their struggles, and they can encourage each other.”
Counseling services can be a valuable resource for veterans who are struggling with mental health issues, relationship problems, career transitions, or substance abuse. By providing a safe space to talk, coping mechanisms, and support, counseling services can help veterans lead happier, healthier lives. If you are a veteran who is struggling, or if you know a veteran who is struggling, consider reaching out to a counseling service for help.
To stay up to date on everything happening at the Columbia VA HCS, visit the https://www.va.gov/columbia-south-carolina-health-care/, or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.