Has anyone had bad experiences with VA psychologists?

Cpl Jeff Buckman — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 01:33:08 -0400

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.

Response by Maj Kim Patterson made Jul 3 at 2016 1:45 AM

Maj Kim Patterson — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 01:45:24 -0400

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.)

Response by SPC James Harsh made Jul 3 at 2016 1:53 AM

SPC James Harsh — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 01:53:20 -0400

Most I've met with have never served in the military. What they do is take little notes for the computer, so it seems more of an interrogation than helpful. I don't know what it'd be like to work there on a daily basis.

Response by SGT Tracey "Tra" Cooper-Harris made Jul 3 at 2016 1:57 AM

SGT Tracey "Tra" Cooper-Harris — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 01:57:45 -0400

To add to what the MAJ posted:
If you're worried about it, you can use a Vet Center for couseling/psych services. I have been going to the Vet Center for almost a year. At first, I didn't think I was eligible. But it is a more relaxed environment where they listen, understand a bit more because they HAVE served, & push you to work on yourself. Here's the link to the Vet Centers: http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

Vet Centers are community based and part of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. I was told they're the "red-headed stepchild" of the VA-still in the VA system, but can help veterans more on a one-on-one basis. They provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to eligible veterans in order to help them readjust to civilian life. The majority of counselors and doctors are fellow veterans. Combat veterans from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, 1st Gulf War, OEF/OIF, as well as victim of Military Sexual Trauma are eligible to use their services.

The family members of all veterans listed above are eligible for Vet Center services as well. Vet Centers also provide bereavement counseling services to surviving parents, spouses, children and siblings of service members who die of any cause while on active duty, to include federally activated Reserve and National Guard personnel.

Vet Center Program Home

Vet Center Program

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jul 3 at 2016 2:30 AM

PO1 John Miller — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 02:30:31 -0400

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!

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Jul 3 at 2016 5:03 AM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 05:03:23 -0400

I think of a vet knows the shrink is also a vet, then there will be a more relaxed atmosphere. I know the VA sent me to a civilian shrink in Germany, no choice. I was a little unsure, but she turned out to be good and I could tell she'd been working with vets/service members for a long time.

Go for it.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 10:46 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 10:46:41 -0400

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.

Response by TSgt Jackie Jones made Jul 3 at 2016 12:54 PM

TSgt Jackie Jones — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 12:54:48 -0400

The VA needs dedicated employees, and the VA needs to make keeping employees a priority. I wish you luck!

Response by LCpl Cody Batroff made Jul 3 at 2016 2:30 PM

LCpl Cody Batroff — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 14:30:03 -0400

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

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 2:43 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 14:43:19 -0400

my psych never served or dosnt have a clue. the best bet is a vet

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 3 at 2016 4:02 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:02:54 -0400

100% better

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Jul 3 at 2016 4:29 PM

SFC Pete Kain — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 16:29:28 -0400

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.

Response by SGT Larry Prentice made Jul 4 at 2016 6:30 AM

SGT Larry Prentice — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 06:30:26 -0400

Personally I would rather deal with Veterans all of the time about everything, but, that can never happen!

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jul 4 at 2016 9:20 AM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 09:20:09 -0400

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......

Response by Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM made Jul 4 at 2016 9:28 AM

Kim Bolen RN CCM ACM — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 09:28:00 -0400

Have a Mindful moment, sit under this tree, look up........breathe in the good and out the bad.......breathe, just concentrate on breathing for this moment. Breath in the Good, deeper.....okay now blow out those toxins as hard as you can...Start again.....breathe...until to reach that spot inside that is still there waiting for you to pick it up........let yourself relax, you are in a safe place....breathe.......Now just BE PRESENT, feel the breeze, the warmth on your face, breath....stay in the moment. I have you!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 4 at 2016 7:37 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 04 Jul 2016 19:37:25 -0400

I have had some pretty horrible experiences with VA psychologists, and one good experience. Unfortunately the good psychologist I had retired and no longer works for the VA, causing me to not want to go for a few years and having a reasonably large relapse. So I would say that yes a Vet is 100% better 100% of the time.

Response by SP5 Joel McDargh made Jul 6 at 2016 9:39 AM

SP5 Joel McDargh — Wed, 06 Jul 2016 09:39:43 -0400

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.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Feb 19 at 2018 12:12 PM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 12:12:53 -0500

Psychological testing needs to be conclusive evidence rather than inconclusive blot analysis. Comprehending why PTSD developed in a particular case is far more important than a psychological inconclusive and very time consuming test. We understand each other; veterans can understand because we listen and assess carefully. Vet2Psychiatrist program in VA is essential. Thanks.

Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Feb 20 at 2018 10:13 AM

CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana — Tue, 20 Feb 2018 10:13:30 -0500

I was ordered to an EMHE in reprisal for submitting a Complaint and this is documented by medical professionals. However, no doctor considered that Medical Consultation Form before they violated me and threw me into solitary confinement for eight days in a psychiatric ward, in an Army sanatorium. No one considered my legal rights either and no one allowed me my due process. The SAIG remained mute, as though all this was being done with its consent or consent of its superior officers. The Army kept claiming that my Commander pleaded ignorance of the law, but the Army corrected nothing.

In 2014; I was diagnosed with partial PTSD. However, I relive those episodes daily of how my Commander, whom I trusted, stabbed me in my back with one retaliatory action and it was an action contemplated by his XO, who had been plotting this conspiracy against me for over a year. This XO attempted to fix me on fake charges of Prescription drug abuse and behavioral changes, but that trial run backfired on him. He then suggested an MHE against me thru the chain of command, but again this failed. Finally; without consulting and without due process this XO fixed me with the EMHE, in reprisal, which he had carefully planned using fake charges. The evidence doesn't lie. This was the wrath of the XO with which the XO threatened me over one year prior to the EMHE, in September 2001, on the heels of 9/11.

I mentally plot my revenge against those criminals in our Armed Forces, who screw up and move up the ranks. Then; I self-counter my own plot knowing I can't become another criminal like them, because that too will be my dishonor.

There needs to be law against such unlawful command activities and these rules must be enforced to prevent any future violations of our laws, rules and regulations.

Thanks for listening to me weep over our own negligent system.