Department of Mental Health making effort to help MO returning vets | Health

JEFFERSON CITY, MO (KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Mental Health is pushing to better train behavioral health professionals on how to help returning veterans and their families with the stress readjusting to everyday life.

The department is asking its contracted providers and other behavioral health care professionals to take special training in military culture, the impact of combat stress, the effects of deployment on children and families and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 

Officials say the goal is to get 2,000 professionals in the mental health and substance abuse fields to complete this important, free training by September 30.

“Service members from Missouri and their families have made huge sacrifices for their country,” stated Dr. Keith Schafer, Department of Mental Health Director.  “Now we need to strengthen our support for behavioral health professionals in Missouri who help these heroes overcome the invisible wounds of war.”

“The more professionals understand the military culture and unique problems of veterans and their families, the better they can be helped to lead healthy, satisfying lives here in Missouri,” said Dr. Keith Schafer, Department of Mental Health Director.

Officials say the training is free online and is nationally accredited. If you are a Missouri behavioral health professional or if you know one, please visit the website  to sign up for  training and help bring our local heroes the rest of the way home.

For additional information, contact Debra Walker with the Missouri Department of Mental Health, (573) 751-1647.

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