PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after someone has experienced a traumatic event. PTSD symptoms usually start soon after the traumatic event, but they may not happen until months or years later. They also may come and go over many years. Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the event, avoiding places or things that remind you of the event, feeling numb, and feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal).

PTSD is one of the challenges that your Veteran students may face. Below are some good resources for learning how to address the unique needs of your Veteran students who may have PTSD.

VA National Center for PTSD

NCPTSD aims to help America’s veterans and others through research and education on the prevention, understanding and treatment of trauma and PTSD. The Providers and Researchers* section contains training materials for counselors as well as information about evidence-based assessment and treatment for PTSD.

Iraq Clinician Guide 2nd Ed 

The Iraq War Clinician Guide was developed by members of the National Center for PTSD and the Department of Defense. It was developed specifically for clinicians and addresses the unique needs of veterans of the Iraq war.

PTSD 101 Site 

PTSD 101 is a web-based curriculum that offers a range of relevant and timely topics related to PTSD and trauma. The goal is to develop or enhance practitioner knowledge of trauma and its treatment. Courses are presented by a faculty of recognized experts in the field of traumatic stress. We specifically recommend the following three courses; finding them particularly relevant for Campus Counseling Professionals:

• What is PTSD
• Military Culture
• Combat Stress Injuries

Post Deployment Adjustment Information for Veterans and their Families 

For veterans, their friends and families, the return home is often just the first step in a longer re-adjustment process. This site provides resources on a wide range of issues to help vets following deployment, topics such as transitioning to life at home, uncovering signs of emotional problems, and dealing with war trauma.

Helping a Family Member with PTSD 

This fact sheet from the National Center for PTSD provides information to help family members understand PTSD, why it happened, how it is treated, and what you can do to help.

 

Click on the map below to locate a VA facility.

VHA provides a variety of psychiatric services at medical centers and outpatient clinics. Use the quick links to jump to a specific center to find out what service they focus on.

Services:

Select Compensated Work Therapy MIRECC My Healthe Vet National Center for PTSD Vet centers Homelessness OEF/OIF Returning Veterans Substance Abuse Women Veterans

 

 

*Links will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs web site. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.