New mental health care option for Washington Veterans

[eridani]

http://www.thenewstribune.com/front/topstories/story/360924.html


A group of mental health care providers in Washington is offering free help to Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families who either can’t or don’t want to go through traditional channels for care. The Soldiers Project Northwest is modeled after a similar effort in Los Angeles, where volunteer therapists since 2004 have seen clients without charge for help with their war-related problems.
“The war just feels so big. The problems of the country feel so big. This is something that I can do,” said Tim Mallon, a University Place mental health counselor who is taking part in the Northwest effort. “I’ve got the training to do it, and the need is there. It’s pretty simple, really.”

Organizers say they’re offering help to people who might not be covered under the military’s health care system or who aren’t eligible for care through the Veterans Affairs Department.

They also say they suspect many active-duty service members in the area might not seek care through the military because they’re afraid it will hurt their careers. This option may offer more peace of mind.

“It’s not going through the insurance, so there are no records,” said Trisha Pearce, a Skagit County psychiatric nurse who has taken the lead in organizing the Soldiers Project. “It’s really confidential on a level they won’t get in other places.”



For more information about Soldiers Project Northwest or to be referred to one of the project’s therapists, e-mail soldiersprojectnw {at} yahoo.com or call 206-290-1035.

[frebrd]

1. K&R n/t