Posted on Jul 3, 2016
Has anyone had bad experiences with VA psychologists?
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I am seriously considering becoming a VA psychologist, I start graduate school next year. I was just wondering some of the experiences some of you have had, and if you think it would be better dealing with a psychologist who is a veteran.
Posted in these groups: 
PTSDPTSD Survivors of America
PTSDPTSD Survivors of America
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 18
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Cpl Jeff Buckman I worked as a nurse on the civilian side of mental illness and many of my coworkers are now at the VA, including several veterans. I can personally vouch for their excellence and know many other vets that would do the same. I have also worked with civilians that transferred over and many of them are so overworked for the sheer number of clients they currently see and group therapy that is available here in Kansas. Not everyone is a good fit and it does take a while to develop trust. Think about what you already know and what you are learning. Sometimes, it's easier to talk to a stranger. Sometimes, you want someone you don't have to start at square one with, especially if you are at a crucial point (deciding to ask for help or becoming one of the statistics people are so fond of quoting now, although I believe that number 22 is in flux.)
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Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM
Maj Kim Patterson - You are not invisible! The system stinks. and the #22 is wrong, it is the way that the DOD has decided to utilize and people are stuck on, unfortunately it is much higher.
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Maj Kim Patterson
Maj Kim Patterson - the computer documentation alone takes more hours than there are in a day.
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Cpl Jeff BUckman, Kudos to you! It has been my experience as a Civilian in this arena, that it depends on the individual. PTS is not owned by the Military. It is an equal opportunity predator, that strikes domestic violence, children of abuse etc. That being said to answer you directly, I say if you know yourself well enough to place yourself aside from being that inevitable sponge to help just one ithan go for it. But I can only caution you that you will meet and find more VA PSYCH doctors that need help, than the patients themselves. Always remember DO NO HARM. Good Luck and God Speed. This is what gets me through some of the tough ones......
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Cpl Jeff Buckman
The VA always needs more qualified psychologists, and I also feel that more of them should be veterans. I strongly encourage you to follow your dreams and make a difference in even one fellow vet's life!
The VA always needs more qualified psychologists, and I also feel that more of them should be veterans. I strongly encourage you to follow your dreams and make a difference in even one fellow vet's life!
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Maj Kim Patterson
PO1 John Miller Great advice! And going back in time, I am reminded of the phrase "We might not be able to save them all, but even saving one is worth it." Ever see the movie "Saving Private Ryan?" Or "Lone Survivor?"
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PO1 John Miller
Maj Kim Patterson
Saving Private Ryan yes. Didn't see Lone Survivor but I read the book.
Saving Private Ryan yes. Didn't see Lone Survivor but I read the book.
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I have had several bad experiences with VA psychologists. The first came out to tell me after two years of treatment that I was all better and to go home and have a good life. I had no follow ups to deal with the PTSD and spiralled out of control. Had another who blamed me for where I was at. Then there was the Asian dude who spent more time on the internet than dealing with me. I'm finally finding my way back, but in no large part a result of the VA psychologists. I did have some excellent VA counselors and a wonderful support group in the way of family and other veterans. Might I add that none of the psychologists or psychiatrists who treated me were ever active military or veterans.
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Personally I would rather deal with Veterans all of the time about everything, but, that can never happen!
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yes. the one I had is a dick head civilian. The P.A I got after him was great. Too bad he moved on up to a better position , well bad for me, Sigh back to self medication.
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SP5 Mark Kuzinski
Maj Kim Patterson - thank you and I can only hope that you are having a great 4th of July.
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Maj Kim Patterson
SP5 Mark Kuzinski - Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM Today, I am good. Today I am free to go anywhere I like, pray anywhere I want, have friends from any country, culture or color and any gender; all ages. And I am grateful.
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MSG (Join to see)
been there done that tm, focused meditation, accupuncture worked only for short time, why you might ask, its not covered under civi health care, could'nt afford it
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MSG (Join to see)
the va medicates me substandard, it was'nt until i doulbled my legal meds did i get some relief, again we are just guinnea pigs, in the big picture
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Yep they suck they told me I was fine then I woke up in hospital a few weeks later. I got black out drunk and shot myself in the head with a 45. I went there telling them all the crazy shit I was thinking and all they did was give me a bunch of pills. Fuck that place I'll never go again
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Cpl Jeff Buckman
This is the kind of stuff I want to prevent, you were failed by the psychologists at the VA. Drugs should be a last resort for the most part, sometimes you need it at the beginning of therapy but if anyone says you needs drugs for life.... time to look for a new therapist. I am sorry that happened to you Cody, all I can say is don't give up!
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MSG (Join to see)
been on them since 2009 they help a bit, my group we like to refer ourselves as the va guinnea pigs, i have had many med changes, went thru ptsd counsilling, hand 3 diferent shrinks in 7 years, even went thru cbt, a new therapist really all i got to do is wait 6 more months, i have'nt given up i've been doing it on my own, detox, outside counselling and increasesing my meds because the people dont unerstand in the va,, they may have never served, dont blame them some are only contracted for back fill, counsellors can only do so much, its the medical staff that needs guidence and trainging to deal with the complex issues of veterans, i have good civi insurance and the rehab centers out there have good success, my question 50% ptsd/alcohol abuse why doesnt the va, right now i'm doing it on my own, and doing better than the va did
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The VA needs dedicated employees, and the VA needs to make keeping employees a priority. I wish you luck!
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I think it is great. Do it! I'm sure that Veterans would feel better talking and opening up it if they knew you were a Veteran. And because your a Veterans, you would have a better understanding of where they are coming from. It would be a win/win.
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