Care for Military Members and Their Families

Course overview

This edition of SAMHSA News begins with a focus on the military and their families. Guidance is provided to private behavioral health-care providers on what military patients want civilian providers to know because sometimes these clients seek behavioral healthcare outside of the Department of Defense or Department of Veterans Affairs. Online resources valuable to this population are provided. The newsletter then turns to a few other short news items, including how block grants are being used to respond to state needs. Results of a survey showing a rise in illicit drug use are reviewed. The newsletter wraps with an overview of National Recovery Month (September), celebrating benefits for all. This course is based upon material published by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the United States Government and is available as an open access article. This course on private-sector health care for military clients is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop their understanding of the special needs experienced by military families. The course material includes a review of topics common to the military which may be unknown by private sector health care providers. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. Authors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA. Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding behavioral health care for military members and their families. Specifically, a professional will: • Identify the incidence of substance use disorder among US veterans • Describe what military patients want civilian providers to know • Recognize online resources available to service members and their families Citation: SAMHSA News, Volume 19: 3, Fall, 2011. Visit us online for a full year of unlimited online CEUs at www.CE-Classes.com