Volunteers bringing mental health care to post-9/11 veterans in need
Nov 10, 2014, 5:48 AM | Updated: 5:48 am
Many soldiers who return from Iraq or Afghanistan are forced to wait far too long for mental health services, or are afraid to seek them out, says the director of The Soldiers Project, a volunteer non-profit providing free counseling services to post 9-11 veterans. (AP file)
(AP file)
For many veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, coming home is just the start of the battle.
Scores of soldiers return struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD,) depression, anxiety and other mental disorders that can be debilitating.
But when they turn to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), far too often they wait weeks or months for badly needed mental health services, says Marilyn Enright, a social worker and referral specialist with The Soldiers Project Northwest.
“We ask our service members to give everything, and they deserve the best that we can give them. When they need help, they shouldn’t have to wait so long,” says Enright.
That’s where the Soldiers Project comes in. The organization provides free counseling to post-9/11 service members and their families from all branches of the military with volunteer mental health professionals.
The need is critical. Enright handles dozens of calls each week from service members or their families who desperately need help.
“PTSD, depression, anxiety, these are all treatable issues but without treatment it makes it very difficult to participate in everyday life,” she says.
In some cases, it can be life threatening. Many struggle with suicidal thoughts, says Robin Metcalf, a marriage and family therapist who serves as the Washington Chapter Director for the Soldiers Project.
Many more are afraid to reach out for help.
“There’s a perceived stigma that if they get help it’s going to affect their military career, that a diagnosis of some mental condition is going to adversely affect them,” says Metcalf.
Others simply don’t know services are even available to them, especially if they’re forced to wait for VA care.
With a small, all-volunteer team, it can be hard to spread the word, and find a provider quickly when a call for help comes in.
The greatest need is currently in Pierce and Snohomish Counties, because of the high number of service members and lack of volunteer therapists. But Enright works tirelessly to find care for everyone who calls.
“If it takes a week, that’s too long,” she says.
One of the things that makes the Soldiers Project unique is its willingness to provide care to veterans and their families regardless of discharge status. Whereas, the VA might exclude soldiers from services for behavioral or other issues, The Soldiers Project won’t turn anyone away.
“They’ve done their service. They deserve to be taken care of,” says Enright.
The Washington chapter is one of seven across the country, but the organization – founded by a clinical psychologist in Southern California – hopes to grow in the future. The non-profit needs donations and volunteers to expand its offerings, says Metcalf.
The stations of Bonneville Seattle, The Seattle Seahawks, Les Schwab Tire Centers and Carter Subaru are proud to honor The Soldiers Project as our charity of the month.
