Are Communities Ready? Assessing Providers’ Practices, Attitudes, and Knowledge About Military Personnel

Abstract: One potential barrier to helping returning military personnel and their families is a lack of community providers skilled to help these groups. Although capacity and competence have expanded within the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), it is unknown if community agencies have the interest, capacity, and competence to help service members, veterans, and their families postdeployment. This study used an online survey to examine the knowledge, common practices, attitudes, and training needs of community mental health providers, in order to determine if needs are adequately addressed. Assessment and treatment practices with veterans and service members varied greatly in community practices. Additional training opportunities are needed, particularly for helping military personnel with traumatic brain injuries and providing evidence-based practice. Furthermore, clinicians in the community need to systematically assess new clients for military service.