Mental Health Care For Veterans: Breaking Barriers, Building Hope

Specialized care for those who served our nation

At Greene Mental Wellness in Wake Forest, NC, we understand that serving our country is both an honor and a profound responsibility that can leave lasting impacts on mental health. Under the compassionate guidance of Dr. Catina Greene, our practice is committed to providing veterans with the specialized, culturally competent mental health care they deserve—care that honors their service while addressing their unique psychological needs.

Veterans face distinct mental health challenges that require understanding, expertise, and a treatment approach that recognizes both the strength and vulnerability that military service can create. Today, we want to address these challenges head-on and discuss how proper mental health support can transform lives.

Understanding the Veteran Mental Health Landscape

The Numbers Tell a Story

Over 1.7 million Veterans received mental health services at VA last year, yet this represents only a fraction of those who could benefit from care. Research consistently shows that approximately 60% of military personnel who experience mental health problems do not seek help, despite the fact that many of them could benefit significantly from professional treatment.

The reality is that veterans experience mental health conditions at higher rates than the general population:

• PTSD: Veterans are at significantly higher risk for PTSD compared to civilians

• Depression and Anxiety: Common co-occurring conditions that often develop alongside PTSD

• Substance Use Disorders: Frequently used as coping mechanisms for untreated trauma

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Often accompanied by mental health symptoms

• Military Sexual Trauma (MST): Affects both male and female service members

The Unique Nature of Military Trauma

Military service exposes individuals to experiences that are fundamentally different from civilian trauma. Combat exposure, military sexual trauma, training accidents, and the constant stress of deployment create a unique psychological profile that requires specialized understanding and treatment approaches.

At Greene Mental Wellness, Dr. Greene recognizes that veterans don't just carry individual trauma—they carry the weight of shared experiences, brotherhood, loss of comrades, and the challenge of transitioning from a highly structured military environment to civilian life.

Common Mental Health Challenges Faced by Veterans

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is perhaps the most recognized mental health condition among veterans. According to the National Center for PTSD, there are four main symptom clusters:

Re-experiencing Symptoms:

• Flashbacks that make you feel like you're reliving the traumatic event

• Bad dreams or nightmares related to the trauma

• Physical symptoms like racing heart or sweating when reminded of the event

Avoidance Symptoms:

• Avoiding thoughts, feelings, places, activities, or objects that remind you of the traumatic event

• Emotional numbing or feeling disconnected from others

Arousal and Reactivity Symptoms:

• Being easily startled or feeling constantly "on guard"

• Feeling tense or having trouble sleeping

• Difficulty concentrating

• Angry outbursts or aggressive behavior

Negative Cognition and Mood Symptoms:

• Negative thoughts about yourself, others, or the world

• Feelings of guilt, shame, or blame

• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed

• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions

Depression and Anxiety

Depression often co-occurs with PTSD and can manifest differently in veterans than in civilians. Military culture's emphasis on strength and resilience can make veterans particularly skilled at masking depressive symptoms, making professional assessment crucial.

Anxiety disorders in veterans may present as:

• Generalized anxiety about safety and security

• Social anxiety related to reintegration challenges

• Panic attacks triggered by trauma reminders

• Specific phobias related to military experiences

Adjustment Disorders

The transition from military to civilian life represents one of the most significant life changes a person can experience. Veterans may struggle with:

• Loss of structure and clear mission

• Identity challenges outside of military roles

• Difficulty forming civilian relationships

• Employment and career transition stress

• Financial concerns and housing instability

Breaking Down Barriers to Care

The Stigma Challenge

One of the most significant barriers veterans face in seeking mental health care is stigma. Research shows that across military studies, one of the most frequently reported barriers to help-seeking for mental health problems is concerns about stigma.

Common Stigma Concerns Include:

• Fear that seeking help indicates weakness or failure

• Worry about how others will perceive them

• Concern that mental health treatment will affect career opportunities

• Belief that they should be able to handle problems independently

Military Culture and Mental Health Military culture shapes service members' mindsets in ways that can both empower and hinder their ability to seek treatment. While the armed forces emphasize discipline, resilience, and mission readiness, these values can make it difficult for veterans to acknowledge personal struggles.

Practical Barriers

Beyond stigma, veterans face numerous practical obstacles:

• Access Issues: Long wait times and provider shortages

• Geographic Barriers: Limited services in rural areas

• Financial Concerns: Insurance coverage gaps and treatment costs

• System Navigation: Complex eligibility rules and bureaucratic processes

• Trust Issues: Previous negative experiences with military or VA healthcare

The Greene Mental Wellness Approach to Barrier Reduction

At our Wake Forest practice, Dr. Greene addresses these barriers through:

Stigma-Free Environment: We create a judgment-free space where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength and self-care, not weakness.

Cultural Competency: Understanding military culture, values, and experiences to provide relevant, respectful care.

Flexible Scheduling: Accommodating work schedules and family obligations to make care accessible.

Clear Communication: Explaining treatment options, expectations, and processes without confusing military jargon or civilian assumptions.

Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches

Trauma-Focused Therapies

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) CPT helps Veterans identify how traumatic experiences have affected their thinking, evaluate those thoughts, and change them. Through CPT, Veterans may develop more healthy and balanced beliefs about themselves, others, and the world.

Prolonged Exposure (PE) PE helps Veterans gradually approach and address traumatic memories, feelings, and situations. By confronting these challenges directly in a safe therapeutic environment, Veterans may see PTSD symptoms begin to decrease.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) EMDR is particularly effective for processing traumatic memories and reducing their emotional impact.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps veterans identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. This approach is particularly effective for:

• Depression and anxiety

• Substance use issues

• Sleep disorders

• Anger management

Specialized Interventions

Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) CBCT helps couples understand the effect of PTSD on relationships and can improve interpersonal communications. Veterans may also experience positive changes in thoughts and beliefs related to their PTSD and relationship challenges.

Group Therapy Connecting with other veterans who share similar experiences can be incredibly healing. Group therapy provides:

• Peer support and understanding

• Reduced isolation

• Shared coping strategies

• Accountability and motivation

The Importance of Comprehensive Care

Addressing Co-occurring Conditions

Veterans often present with multiple, interconnected mental health conditions. At Greene Mental Wellness, Dr. Greene takes a comprehensive approach that addresses:

• Primary trauma symptoms

• Secondary mental health conditions

• Substance use concerns

• Relationship and family issues

• Physical health impacts

• Occupational and social functioning

Integrating Family and Support Systems

Military service affects not just the individual but entire family systems. Effective veteran mental health care includes:

Family Education: Helping family members understand PTSD, depression, and other conditions Communication Skills: Teaching healthy communication strategies Boundary Setting: Establishing appropriate expectations and limitsCrisis Planning: Developing safety plans for difficult moments

Major Changes in 2025: Reasons for Hope

Improved VA Rating System

One of the most significant updates to VA disability benefits in 2025 is the revision of the VA rating criteria for mental health conditions. The new system introduces objective, domain-based criteria that better reflect the actual severity of a Veteran's symptoms, focusing on symptom severity rather than subjective interpretations.

Key improvements include:

• Less stringent requirements for achieving 70% or 100% ratings

• A guaranteed minimum rating of 10% for any diagnosed mental health condition

• Elimination of the 0% rating for mental health conditions

• More straightforward, less ambiguous assessment processes

Enhanced Treatment Options

Telehealth Expansion: Mental health providers can now counsel veterans over the phone or video, making care more accessible for those in rural areas or with transportation challenges.

Same-Day Services: VA now offers same-day services to ensure veterans can either address their mental health needs immediately or schedule appropriate follow-up care right away.

Innovative Programs: New initiatives like virtual reality therapy, intensive outpatient programs, and peer support networks are expanding treatment options.

When to Seek Help: Recognizing the Signs

Veterans should consider seeking mental health support if they experience:

Immediate Concerns:

• Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

• Substance abuse escalation

• Violent thoughts or behaviors

• Complete inability to function daily

Ongoing Issues:

• Persistent sleep problems

• Relationship difficulties

• Work or school performance problems

• Emotional numbing or excessive anger

• Avoiding places, people, or activities

• Intrusive memories or nightmares

Crisis Resources and Immediate Support

Veterans Crisis Line: Available 24/7, free and confidential

• Call 988 and select 1

• Text 838255

• Start a confidential chat online

Emergency Situations:

• Call 911

• Go to the nearest emergency room

• Go directly to your nearest VA medical center (regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment)

The Greene Mental Wellness Difference

Specialized Veteran Care in Wake Forest

Dr. Catina Greene brings specialized training and understanding to veteran mental health care, recognizing that military service creates unique psychological experiences that require tailored treatment approaches.

Our Veteran-Focused Services Include:

Comprehensive Assessment: Thorough evaluation of trauma history, current symptoms, and functional impacts

Individualized Treatment Planning: Customized approaches based on specific military experiences, current needs, and personal goals

Evidence-Based Interventions: Utilizing proven treatments specifically effective for military trauma and related conditions

Coordination of Care: Working with VA providers, primary care physicians, and other specialists as needed

Family Support: Including family members in treatment when appropriate and helpful

Creating a Healing Environment

Our Wake Forest office provides:

• Confidential, private setting away from military or VA facilities

• Flexible scheduling to accommodate civilian work schedules

• Cultural sensitivity to military experiences and values

• Trauma-informed care in all interactions

• Respect for military service while focusing on healing and growth

The Path Forward: From Service to Healing

Recovery is Possible

The most important message we want to convey is that recovery is not only possible—it's probable with the right support and treatment. Whether you just returned from deployment or have been home for decades, it's never too late to seek help and experience significant improvement in your quality of life.

Breaking the Cycle

Many veterans worry about burdening their families or appearing weak. The truth is that seeking treatment is one of the strongest, most responsible actions a veteran can take. By addressing mental health concerns, veterans often find:

• Improved relationships with spouses, children, and friends

• Better job performance and career satisfaction

• Reduced substance use and healthier coping mechanisms

• Enhanced sleep and physical health

• Greater sense of purpose and life satisfaction

• Improved emotional regulation and stress management

Building on Military Strengths

Military service develops numerous strengths that can be leveraged in mental health recovery:

• Discipline and structure can support treatment adherence

• Mission focus can be redirected toward healing goals

• Teamwork skills can enhance therapy relationships

• Resilience training provides a foundation for recovery

• Service orientation can find new expression in civilian life

Moving Forward: Taking the First Step

What to Expect in Treatment

Veterans often worry about what mental health treatment will involve. At Greene Mental Wellness, we ensure you know what to expect:

Initial Consultation: A comprehensive assessment of your experiences, current symptoms, and treatment goals

Treatment Planning: Collaborative development of a treatment plan that respects your autonomy and preferences

Regular Sessions: Consistent, scheduled appointments that provide stability and progress monitoring

Homework and Skills: Practical tools and techniques you can use between sessions

Progress Review: Regular evaluation of what's working and adjustments as needed

Preparing for Your First Appointment

To make the most of your first visit:

• Bring any medical records or previous mental health treatment information

• Consider writing down your main concerns and goals

• Bring a list of current medications

• Consider bringing a trusted family member if it would be helpful

• Remember that seeking help demonstrates strength and commitment to healing

Resources and Support Beyond Our Office

VA Resources

• VA Mental Health Services: Comprehensive care through VA medical centers

• Vet Centers: Community-based counseling centers specifically for veterans

• VA Benefits: Disability compensation for service-connected mental health conditions

Community Resources

• Wounded Warrior Project: Mental health workshops and peer support

• Team Red White & Blue: Social connection and community building

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW): Local support and advocacy

• American Legion: Community connection and resources

North Carolina Specific Resources

• NC Department of Veterans Affairs: State-level support and resources

• NC Stand Down Events: Annual events providing comprehensive services

• Local Veterans Service Organizations: Community-based support networks

Our Commitment to Those Who Served

At Greene Mental Wellness, we recognize that military service represents a profound commitment to protecting others, often at great personal cost. Dr. Greene is honored to serve those who have served, providing the specialized, compassionate care that veterans deserve.

We understand that asking for help can feel foreign to those trained to be self-reliant and strong. We want veterans to know that seeking mental health support is not a sign of weakness—it's a continuation of the courage and commitment that defined their service.

Your Service Continues

Your service to our country may have ended, but your value, worth, and potential for a fulfilling life continue. Mental health challenges are not character flaws or permanent limitations—they are treatable conditions that respond well to appropriate care.

Every veteran deserves the opportunity to experience:

• Peace in their own mind

• Healthy relationships with loved ones

• A sense of purpose and meaning

• Physical and emotional well-being

• Hope for the future

Taking the Next Step

If you're a veteran struggling with mental health concerns, or if you're a family member worried about a veteran you love, we encourage you to reach out. The hardest part is often making that first call, but it's also the most important step toward healing.

At Greene Mental Wellness, you'll find a safe space where your service is honored, your struggles are understood, and your healing is our priority. Dr. Greene is committed to walking alongside you on this journey, providing the expert care and compassionate support you need to reclaim your life.

You served with honor. Now let us serve you with the same dedication.

Ready to take the first step toward healing?

Greene Mental WellnessDr. Catina Greene833 Wake Forest Business ParkWake Forest, NC 27587Website: https://www.greenementalwellness.com

Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation. Your service was brave. Your healing can be too.

If you're in crisis, please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and select 1, or go to your nearest emergency room. Help is available 24/7.