Perceived Stigma and Barriers to Mental Health Care Utilization Among OEF-OIF Veterans

Reducing Barriers to Mental Health and Social Services for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans: Outcomes of an Integrated Primary Care Clinic

“…OEF/OIF veterans have a high prevalence of mental health problems, yet significant barriers to accessing mental health treatment prevent adequate treatment of these disorders 4,14,16,30 . Prior reports have suggested that OEF/OIF veterans may prefer to receive mental health services within a primary care setting 21,31 .…”

“…Despite population-based mental health screening by the military and VA 13 , most OEF/OIF veterans with mental health problems, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), do not access or receive an adequate course of mental health treatment 3,4,14,15 . OEF/OIF veterans continue to report numerous barriers to mental health care, most notably stigma 4,14,16,17 . Nevertheless, OEF/OIF veterans with mental health disorders have significantly higher rates of primary care utilization than those without mental health disorders 18,19 .…”

Enhancing entrance into PTSD treatment for post-deployment veterans through collaborative/integrative care

“…Furthermore, OEF/OIF/OND veterans have significantly lower rates of session attendance and higher rates of dropout when compared to a similar Vietnam veteran cohort [6]. Perceived stigma, which is substantially higher among OEF/OIF Veterans, likely contributes to these low adherence rates, as individuals with negative beliefs about mental health care have a decreased likelihood of engaging in mental health counseling as well as a decreased likelihood of medication compliance [8]. In addition to these barriers, some research suggests that racial disparities may exist with regard to the diagnosis and treatment of PTSD within the VHA.…”

“…Despite the significant commitment to address these issues, substantial barriers to treatment engagement remain [6][7][8]. The OEF/OIF/OND population has been found to be particularly skeptical of mental health treatment, difficult to engage, and hesitant to maintain treatment.…”

Integrating a Systemic Paradigm When Treating Combat Veterans with PTSD

“…Combat veterans often fear the stigma associated with receiving a mental health diagnosis [9]. While veterans recognize the difficulties, they experience due to PTSD, they often resist being labeled as mentally weak [10]. In order to better serve this population, it is critical that mental health professionals consider new approaches to provide a less-stigmatizing environment and increase the likelihood of treating the many veterans and families who suffer.…”