In continuing coverage, a story for the “Uncounted Casualties” series by the Austin (TX) American-Statesman (10/2) reports, “Although US military forces have left Iraq and are winding down in Afghanistan, the buildup in mental health services for soldiers who served there continues to surge.” For example, Veterans Affairs has been adding mental health workers. But a recent review by VA’s “Office of Inspector General found that 12 percent, or 1.2 million appointments, had wait times of up to 60 days.” The Statesman adds, “Still, the VA…fully intends to become the national leader in providing specialized psychotherapy on a massive scale to treat PTSD, said Bradley Karlin, the VA’s national mental health director for psychotherapy and psychogeriatrics.” Karlin’s agency recently announced that $100 million will be spent to study treatments for both PTSD and traumatic brain injuries.
Related Links:
— “Treating injuries that cannot be seen, “American-Statesman Investigative Team, Statesman.com, October 1, 2012.