Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder care for Veterans - VA San Diego Healthcare System
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VA San Diego Healthcare System

 

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder care for Veterans

VA San Diego Healthcare System provides comprehensive Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment for Veterans, including screening, evaluation, and treatment.  In addition to clinical care, our Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH) conducts extensive research on PTSD and treatments. VA San Diego also works closely with the three Vet Centers who provide readjustment counseling for Veterans and family. 

If you have any questions and need assistance, please contact your primary care provider.

Enrolled Veterans with PTSD in San Diego:

  • Number of Veterans who have received care for PTSD in San Diego from FY2010 – FY2016):  24,872
  • Total Veterans who have received outpatient care for PTSD in FY2016:  11,384
  • Total number of OEF/OIF/OND enrolled Veterans (2002 - 2016):  70,633
  • % of all Veterans with a diagnosis of PTSD (2010 - 2016):  14.5%
  • % of OEF/OIF/OND Veterans with diagnosis of PTSD (FY2010 - FY2016):  24.9%

Screening and Evaluation

All Veterans enrolling for care with the VA San Diego are screened for PTSD at the time of enrollment.  Veterans screening positive for PTSD are referred to a clinical provider for further evaluation and treatment as needed.

Treatment for PTSD

  • Psychotherapy services – individual treatment
    • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
    • Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    • Supportive psychotherapy
    • Counseling through Vet Centers
    • Couples therapy for PTSD
  • Psychotherapy – group treatment
    • Skills groups
    • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
    • Anger group
  • Psychotherapy programs
    • Recovery from PTSD
    • Recovery from PTSD and Substance Use Disorders
    • Improving sleep
    • Reducing nightmares
    • Treating depression and other mood disorders
    • Reducing anger
    • Reducing guilt related to combat trauma
    • Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Residential PTSD Treatment Residential recovery oriented program to treat PTSD and substance use disorders

Additional Services:

  • Spiritual counseling
  • Peaceful living skills
  • Relationship and family counseling
  • Alcohol/drug treatment
  • Military Sexual Trauma treatment
     
  • Medications for PTSD and related problems
  • Help with housing
  • Skills to succeed in going back to school and work
  • Cognitive rehabilitation after a brain injury (improve memory, concentration, organization)

Research

Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH) Mission
Through clinical and translational research, innovative therapeutic programs, and education and training, the CESAMH aims to be a national resource for cutting-edge understanding and state-of-the-art treatment of stress and trauma-related problems.

Selected Studies and Projects

  • Marine Resilience Study
  • Veterans Transition Center Assessment Packet
  • Treatment of PTSD

Psychotherapy Studies

  • In Home Psychotherapy for PTSD
  • Psychotherapy to Treat PTSD and Alcohol Problems
  • PTSD Psychotherapy Adapted for Veterans with a traumatic Brain Injury

For more information about MIRECC’s and COE’s:
http://www.mirecc.va.gov/ 

 

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Contact Info

Location

  • San Diego VAMC

Contact Number(s)

  • 858-642-3391

Hours of Operation

  • M - F, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Resources