Culturally Competent Care for Veterans Facing Addiction and Mental Health Challenges

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it is alarming that over 10% of Veterans are grappling with substance use disorders. Compounding this crisis, many of these individuals also suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and PTSD, which can significantly contribute to worsening their substance use.

“The heartbreaking truth is that too many Veterans are struggling alone with addiction and trauma,” asserted Kristin Berg, the Executive Director of Desert Hope Treatment Center. “It is critical that Veterans can access culturally competent care that meets them where they are and takes into account their backgrounds and unique needs. This new certification helps us deliver this kind of care.”

Cultural competency significantly enhances the likelihood of achieving successful treatment outcomes. According to the Rand Corporation, a renowned global think tank and research institution, staff members trained specifically in Veteran care are more adept in understanding the multifaceted factors that contribute to a Veteran’s substance use. This heightened understanding often leads to stronger and more positive relationships between providers and patients.

The PsychArmor certification requires that a minimum of 85% of a program’s clinicians and healthcare personnel successfully complete specialized training. This initiative is the latest effort by the Las Vegas treatment facility aimed at bolstering support for Veterans. For years, Desert Hope Treatment Center, which is integrated into the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Community Care Network, has been offering a dedicated program for Veterans known as Salute to Recovery. This program focuses on trauma-informed care and includes clinical groups and programming that are specifically tailored for Veterans.

“We value our healthcare partners who are actively working to enhance healthcare competence through education and training. Cultural awareness training for providers assists in reducing or eliminating barriers to care,” remarked Dr. Tina Atherall, CEO of PsychArmor.

Desert Hope Treatment Center proudly boasts a history of treating over 16,000 patients, offering a wide array of services such as medical detoxification, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient treatment for addiction as well as co-occurring mental health disorders.

For more information about Desert Hope Treatment Center and its specialized program for Veterans, kindly visit www.deserthopetreatment.com or reach out through the Veteran hotline at 888-902-VETS or 888-902-8387.

About Desert Hope Treatment Center:

Desert Hope Treatment Center, an esteemed facility operated by American Addiction Centers, stands as a leading provider of addiction treatment services in Las Vegas, NV. The center delivers a comprehensive range of care options for addiction and co-occurring disorders while emphasizing specialized treatment programs tailored for Veterans. Its commitment to offering high-quality, compassionate care ensures that individuals grappling with addiction receive the support they need. To discover more, visit deserthopetreatment.com.

About PsychArmor:

As a nationally recognized nonprofit leader and preferred training provider focused on military cultural awareness, PsychArmor serves the military-connected community and anyone seeking to engage more effectively with them. Their team, composed of clinical psychologists and social workers well-versed in military culture, creates tailored learning journeys that range from ongoing education to specialized training, including online courses, curricula, podcasts, webinars, live speaking engagements, and social media outreach.

Contact:

Amanda Lautieri
Brand & Communications Manager
[email protected]

**Interview: Addressing Addiction Treatment for Veterans**

**Host:** Welcome to our program! Today,​ we ⁣have the privilege of speaking⁤ with Kristin Berg, Executive Director of Desert Hope‌ Treatment Center, and Dr. Tina Atherall, CEO of PsychArmor.⁤ They are here to discuss the concerning issue of substance use‍ disorders among veterans and the new Addiction Treatment in Military & Veteran Culture Certificate that aids practitioners in providing better care. Welcome, Kristin and Dr. Atherall!

**Kristin Berg:** Thank you for having us!

**Dr. Tina Atherall:** It’s great to‌ be here.

**Host:** Kristin, let’s start with you. The National Institute on‍ Drug Abuse reports that over 10% of veterans⁤ are grappling with ​substance ‌use disorders. What do you see as the primary ⁣challenges veterans face in ⁣accessing treatment?

**Kristin Berg:** ‍The heartbreaking truth ⁤is that many veterans ​are struggling alone with addiction and trauma. They often face barriers to care that​ stem from a lack⁢ of understanding of‍ their unique ⁢backgrounds and experiences. It’s​ critical that we​ provide culturally competent care‌ that acknowledges these challenges. This⁤ new certification helps us do just that.

**Host:** Can you elaborate on how ⁣cultural ​competency ⁢enhances treatment outcomes ⁣for veterans?

**Kristin Berg:** Absolutely. Cultural competency means understanding the ⁤multifaceted factors that contribute to ‍a veteran’s substance use. Staff who are specifically trained ⁣in veteran care can build stronger ⁢relationships with their patients, ⁢which is essential in the⁢ recovery process.

**Host:** Dr. Atherall,‌ you mentioned in prior statements that the certification‌ requires ⁣a​ minimum of 85% of program clinicians to ⁢have completed specialized training. How does this requirement impact the quality of ‌care?

**Dr. Tina Atherall:** This requirement ensures⁤ that a significant portion of our healthcare providers are equipped with the knowledge and skills ⁤needed to cater ‌to veterans’ specific needs.⁢ This⁣ level of training reduces‌ barriers to care, enhances ‍communication, and builds ⁤trust, which all contribute to better treatment outcomes.

**Host:** Kristin, Desert Hope Treatment Center has a history ⁤of treating over 16,000 patients. Can you ​tell us about the Salute to Recovery ‌program and how it ​supports veteran patients?

**Kristin Berg:** The Salute to Recovery program is dedicated to ‍trauma-informed care. It offers clinical groups⁤ and programming specifically tailored for ⁤veterans,⁣ and‌ we integrate this into our continuum of care, including medical detox and outpatient services. This holistic approach is vital ⁣for addressing the complex issues many veterans‍ face.

**Host:**⁢ Before we close, what would you like ⁢veterans⁣ who​ are struggling ‍with substance use disorders to know?

**Dr. Tina Atherall:** We ⁤want‍ them to know they are not alone, and there are ‍resources ⁢available⁣ to ⁤help them through this difficult time. Culturally competent care is available ⁣to meet their unique needs.

**Kristin Berg:**‍ Yes, we encourage veterans to reach out ​for help. At Desert Hope, we’re here to‍ support them⁤ every step​ of the way.

**Host:** Thank you, Kristin and Dr. ​Atherall, for sharing your‌ insights⁢ today. If you or someone you know needs assistance, please ‍visit‍ www.deserthopetreatment.com or contact the⁣ Veteran hotline at 888-902-VETS.