Military Culture and Behavioral Health Care for Veterans

Training Description:

In a recent analysis of America’s veteran population, it was found that the number of veterans (7% of all U.S. adults) and active-duty personnel (less than 1% of all U.S. adults) have dropped significantly over the last 50 years (Pew Research Center, 2021). As the likelihood of having exposure to military service in one’s personal life has decreased, standardized inclusion of military culture in academic curricula is limited. In a survey of 746 healthcare providers in New York, only 13% had participated in formal training regarding military veteran culture and 20% reported routinely screening patients for military service history (Taniellian et al, 2018). Importantly, while the veteran population is shrinking, the veteran population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, March 2017). Mirroring social inequities in the general population, recent surveys highlighted gender and racial disparities in career opportunities and discipline processes (Inspector General Department of The Air Force, 2021). This program aims to address these gaps by providing foundational knowledge about the US Military and military culture, including demographic information about those who serve, and the impact of military service on veteran mental health.

Objectives:

After completing this training participants will be able to:

  • Describe the military hierarchical structure, the differences between active duty and reserve/guard components, and how these contribute to reintegration challenges.
  • Discuss the unique military experiences of Post-911 service members and the deployment cycle.
  • Describe reintegration difficulties postdeployment(s).
  • List common mental health difficulties experienced by veterans following military service

Continuing Education Credits:

Discipline Approval Statement
Licensed Social Worker This program has been approved for 1.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours for re-licensure, in accordance with 258 CMR. NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program, Authorization Number D 92177.
Licensed Psychologist CE credits for psychologists are provided by the Spiritual Competency Academy (SCA) which is co-sponsoring this program. The Spiritual Competency Academy is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Spiritual Competency Academy maintains responsibility for this program and its content. For questions about receiving your Certificate of Attendance, contact Berkshire AHEC at hbruno@berkshireahec.org. For questions about CE, contact Spiritual Competency Academy at info@spiritualcompetencyacademy.com. 1.5 CE Hour(s). 
MA Licensed Mental Health Counselor This program has been approved for 1.5 Category | MaMHCA hours for re-licensure in accordance with 262 CMR. MEACP Authorization 23-0561. 
MA Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor This course has been approved by the Department of Public Health, Bureau of Substance Abuse Services/LADC Unit for 1.5 contact hours for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors and Assistants. 
MA Registered Nurse Program meets the requirements for nursing contact hours as specified by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing 244 CMR 5.04 
MA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist This activity has been certified by NEAFAST on behalf of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Allied Mental Health & Human Services Professions, for LMFT professional continuing education. Certification # PC- 042076 
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Please allow 3-4 weeks for email delivery of any CE Credit certificates from Berkshire AHEC, the CE Credit provider.