Importance of Asking the Question

Mental health and substance use disorder service providers encounter Veterans, service members, and military families, but they don't always know it. Veterans do not always identify themselves. They can be proud and stoic, and don’t always ask for help themselves…..even when they need it. Military experience can impact an individual's mental health, habits, and relationships. Appropriate diagnosis and treatment depends on understanding a client's history. The best way to ensure service members and veterans get the best possible care is to ASK!

When the Answer is YES

By asking, you can have a better understand of their challenges and facilitate accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and referrals.  Asking further questions will also help to:

• Build rapport and demonstrate interest by listening to the Veteran
• Link a Veteran to any needed military and veteran resources and referrals, including both VA and non-VA programs
• Identify any past and present service-related stressors and mental health concerns

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