How can you find out if a mental health provider is able to evaluate you for PTSD?

2016-02-15T14:27:03-05:00

RP Members what providers have you used - share with other RP Members if you feel comfortable sharing.

Many providers specialize in assessing and treating people who have experienced trauma. Providers who specialize in trauma will likely have expertise in evaluating PTSD. Some providers may specialize in working with certain kinds of trauma survivors.

Response by SFC Derrick Harris made Feb 15 at 2016 3:47 PM

2016-02-15T15:47:55-05:00

I use the VA Doctors at the VA hospital.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Feb 15 at 2016 4:42 PM

2016-02-15T16:42:16-05:00

Interesting thing is if a health care professional cannot provide the service to acceptable State standards, they are required by law to refer you to one who can. It's a constraint on their basic license. PTSD isn't a military only thing but the shopping list of causes and some symptoms are. Therefore, I'd recommend sources that are either VA or DoD/VA endorsed in hopes of not getting any snake oil into the equation. You're not expected to know and administer the drill VA did on providers that meet their standard.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Feb 15 at 2016 8:18 PM

2016-02-15T20:18:25-05:00

One of the simplest ways to find out if a mental health provider is able to evaluate you for PTSD COL Mikel J. Burroughs is to ask them. The same goes for most other mental health and physical disease and injury issues. Most doctors have significant experience in certain areas and less experience in others. Good doctors keep up with relevant information.

Response by COL Mike Humphrey made Feb 15 at 2016 9:16 PM

2016-02-15T21:16:36-05:00

My primary M.D. referred me to my psychologist. The first one just wanted to hear war stories and gave me a CD that he made with his voice and bells. The second asked me if I was drafted or volunteered, as soon as she said that I walked out. Going thru several I met one that just wanted to know who I am. About my family, what I like to do. I felt very comfortable with this doc and he is the one who has helped the most. He is a Kaiser Permanente provider that was military and VA. I feel that you must clique with your provider, if not move to the next.

Response by SP6 Rick Gallaher made Feb 16 at 2016 12:30 PM

2016-02-16T12:30:16-05:00

A QEEG is a good tool to look at the brain however it does not show how the brain impacts your daily action. I do highly recommend anyone with PTSD contact Dr. Esty at the Brainwellness center in the DC ares. Three maybe free treatment for those who qualify -- Drug free ..

Response by Sgt Sherry Taylor-Bruce made Feb 16 at 2016 4:05 PM

2016-02-16T16:05:52-05:00

I live in a daily small community, two hospitals cover the county. We have an AF and Navy Base here too. I've asked around and found most of the civilian psychiatrist offices work mostly with medication therapy. I believe that our VA mental health care is outstanding when it comes to individual and group talk therapy.

You should start with your local VA Facility.

Response by MSG John Melville made Feb 16 at 2016 6:33 PM

2016-02-16T18:33:08-05:00

I suggest that civilian providers are more open to treating PTSD because of acceptance trauma for fatal car accidents, fatal storms, and the rest. The VA is much more stringent about what markers qualify for a PTSD diagnosis. Also, I have found that the VA is overstressed with patient load.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 16 at 2016 10:46 PM

2016-02-16T22:46:16-05:00

Someone from the in-transition program recommended http://www.goodtherapy.org to look for providers and their specialties. It's helpful if they have worked with vets or trauma. I also utilized the vet center, who said that they won't diagnose you with PTSD unless you have had your symptoms for at least 6 mths.

GoodTherapy.org - Therapy, Find a Therapist or Marriage Counselor

GoodTherapy.org is the most trusted resource to find the right therapist, counselor, psychologist, marriage counselor or psychotherapist and to learn about healthy therapy

Response by Maj Bill Bergeron made Feb 17 at 2016 12:41 AM

2016-02-17T00:41:08-05:00

I remained on active duty for 17 years after Viet Nam and was under care of the medical doctors at my bases with medications for depression as well as other ailments After my retirement in February 1985 i checked with the VA to register for medical treatment as needed. Under care of Civilian, Tricare and Military Primary Care Providers included treatment for depression with various medications. A Clinical Psychologist at the VA , Biloxi, MS recommended that I attend the PTSD class that was forming to commence soon and presented by Dr. Kathy, a highly respected staff psychologist who will be transferring from VA Biloxi to a new assignment. Having been training since 1953 for combat assignment I felt that I wasn't a candidate for PTSD. I enrolled in the group class. I found it to be very interesting. When Doctor Kathy covered the symptoms of PTSD and explained each one in detail, I found something else, ME. I could relate to every symptom. I was actually happy that I identified the fact that PTSD was the Demon tormenting me. I notified Dr. Harvey. the Staff Psychiatrist that I had found myself. Dr. Harvey provided a treatment for me to strive for relief which included new medication and attendance with the PTSD Group Meetings on a weekly schedule.

The group meeting is where I get my most valuable relief. The Group meeting is the only place that you can speak freely of the problems that bother you because many of the attendees, if not all, understand because similar problems may have occurred during their tour. We are just like a family and we have concern for one another. Out of our group we have lost three members to disease since I joined the group. The group attended the funerals of the deceased members who were interred in the Biloxi National Veterans Cemetery, which is located on the hospital Grounds. I didn't realize that I didn't have the room to list the symptoms but this is one of my favorite subjects . In my opinion the VA Mental Health Department is the best place to start for combat related PTSD consult.
First I would recommend learning the symptoms thru the internet or library. Respectfully Submitted Semper Fi

Response by SP6 Rick Gallaher made Feb 17 at 2016 9:41 AM

2016-02-17T09:41:35-05:00

Please read the stories of Success http://nrdafund.org/success-stories/

Success Stories | NRDA

Veterans returning home are suffering the tragic effects of PTSD in staggering numbers. It is believed by many experts that the current reports of 22 PTSD-related suicides per day is grossly underestimated. BWB is having great success in reducing and eliminating many, if not all, of the symptoms associated with this devastating condition. Listen as one such veteran tells his amazing story.

Response by SSgt Billy Chisum made Feb 17 at 2016 10:52 AM

2016-02-17T10:52:59-05:00

Good luck going through the air force for them is "Pretend This Shit Don't exist"

Response by SGT Marvin Luciano made Feb 17 at 2016 2:01 PM

2016-02-17T14:01:03-05:00

Honestly I dont have an affirmative answer to your question mainly because here in Puerto Rico the VA system as a whole is a total DISASTER. However, I must give the Medical Center just 1 notch above the Benefits and Claims Administration which deserves a -0. As far as PTSD, I present all the symptoms, have been prescribed all the designated medication, yet here (I don't know if this is national protocol) I was given a questionnaire and based solely on my answers the Mental Hygiene clinic determined I did not have PTSD. So I ask, was I suppose to answer truthfully (which I did) or simply answer according to what I thought would rate me as PTSD ??? Answers on a piece of paper in no way present the constant nights without sleep, when able to sleep vivd nightmares, anxiety all day, unexpected episodes of depression without explanation, abrupt mood and anger swings, complete alieanation from friends and family, etc.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 17 at 2016 3:35 PM

2016-02-17T15:35:02-05:00

I recommend the Vet Centers. Eligibility is a combat tour or military related sexual trauma and active duty are eligible while still serving. Most of the therapists are Vets and all have PTSD specific training

Response by SP6 Rick Gallaher made Dec 29 at 2016 3:19 PM

2016-12-29T15:19:20-05:00

If you think you have PTSD --- look for the guidance and things you may experience. In civilian life see http://nrdafund.org/ ---

NRDA | FINDING WAYS TO HEAL WITHOUT DRUGS

NRDA: Saving Our Heroes was formed to address the large numbers of veterans returning from combat areas with concussion and blast-related injuries, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Military Sexual Trauma. This population includes those recently returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as those still suffering the results of previous conflicts, such as the Gulf War and Vietnam. Many of our...

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Dec 29 at 2016 5:26 PM

2016-12-29T17:26:16-05:00

I saw a private psychologist years ago, didn't have to pay at that time, she was funded by a private system, had a few sessions, best help I got though was from friends and family.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Dec 29 at 2016 5:48 PM

2016-12-29T17:48:58-05:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs, the easiest way I found was to just ask them if they had experience with military members and in particular, military with possible PTSD issues. Also, many areas have on-line review boards and state licensure sites you can check a provider's credentials with.

Response by CPT Joseph K Murdock made Dec 29 at 2016 6:51 PM

2016-12-29T18:51:38-05:00

This is a good question as no two specialists are identical.

Response by SSG Shavonde Chase made Dec 29 at 2016 9:36 PM

2016-12-29T21:36:26-05:00

I think a better question is, "what should we be asking our doctors?" As military personnel, we generally don't have the luxury of choosing our doctors. Additionally, many people with PTSD aren't aware of their actions and how the actions affect their life. I understood my PTSD symptons but was unaware of my TBI symptoms. There were times when I was "off" more than my norm but didn't think that much into it. Thankfully, my company commander noticed the difference and called the brigade surgeon. I was referred to the TBI clinic. The neurologist, sleep specialists, physical medicine, social worker, occupational therapist, physical therapists, and rheumatologist all helped me battle both the physical impairments along with my PTSD.

Response by SSgt Clare May made Dec 29 at 2016 10:54 PM

2016-12-29T22:54:48-05:00

Difficult subject... No easy answer...no easy questions either. It is a subject that needs constant attention. I am not the one to hold a conversation with as I have limited "book smarts"...and only about 30 years of life as a street civilian cop and a few thousand hours of training. I don't hold a degree in mental fitness, nor in psychology. I survived numerous encounters of violent situations, both physical and mental...and what I learned can be summed up in a one liner...

"Your physical condition is as critical as your mental situation, both need attention to continue to manage your individual needs and your quality of life".

Recon thats as simple as I can put it. ...n...b safe ya'll.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2016 6:36 AM

2016-12-30T06:36:42-05:00

I live in that unfortunate idiocracy of "Who counsels the counselor?" I have tried a few in the past and found that I only end up studying there text book questions and will usually resort in answering as expected. I opened up only once and had a short spark of hope only to be told after a short few sessions he was no longer going to be contracted there. My doors were re sealed and I have just decided that God is not ready for me to let go. Perhaps he will be merciful enough to grant me Alzheimers and I will go back to living a life in my child hood. One can only hope.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Dec 30 at 2016 11:07 AM

2016-12-30T11:07:32-05:00

I was diagnosed with "adjustment disorder" by the VA at my initial eval back in 06. When I listed PTSD on the initial paperwork, I was looked at sideways until they found out what I did, where I'd been, and all my qualifications and what I'd done to earn those quals. Then the head of the mental health section sat down with me for over 2 hours. Yeah, I'm a bit twisted mentally. I'm rated at 50% so no big deals. Get the check every month, use the health care, very satisfied with how I've been treated, and the response from the VA in Fargo and Grand Forks. Great primary care Doc, went through 4 years of counseling for "adjustment disorder", and am trudging the road of happy destiny. Still can't stand most civilians, but who knows, might get a little bit different, that's enough for me

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Jan 1 at 2017 1:11 AM

2017-01-01T01:11:56-05:00

I will weigh in on this when I have the proper time to give it.