Do you feel strongly about supporting the mental health of our nation’s veterans? If you decide to pursue a career in the VA as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor, you will be joining a group of dedicated individuals. As a VA community provider, you have the extraordinary opportunity to make a major difference in the lives of people who have served our nation. If you provide veterans with specialized services that are tailored to their needs, you may make a big contribution to helping them overcome mental health challenges and improve their overall wellbeing.
Did you know that as a VA community provider, you’ll have access to a wide variety of tools and assistance designed to help you succeed in your chosen field? This article will examine the typical VA mental health counseling, marital and family therapy, and clinical social work services. We will also highlight the educational benefits available to veterans seeking these professions and cover the processes to join this lucrative career path. Come work with VA community providers to make a difference in the lives of our veterans.
Common Services Provided By Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family, and Mental Health Counseling Professionals
1. Help for Veterans' Emotional Well-Being
Counselors in this field work with veterans both one-on-one and in groups to help them overcome mental health issues like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Evidence-based therapies and procedures are used to aid veterans in resolving their issues and enhancing their quality of life.
2. Professional Clinical Social Work with Veterans
Mental health evaluations, crisis intervention, case management, and referrals to specialized treatment programs are just some of the many services that VA-employed clinical social workers offer to veterans. Together with the veterans, they create unique treatment programs and make sure they have access to all the services they need.
3. VA Community Care Providers
Veterans can get help for their mental health from non-VA specialists through the VA’s Community Care Program. Through this initiative, veterans can make contact with local service providers such as marriage and family therapists, mental health counselors, and clinical social workers. These medical professionals have received specialized training to meet the requirements of veterans and collaborate with the VA to deliver high-quality treatment.
4. Counseling for Families and Couples
Mental health counselors, marital and family therapists, and clinical social workers all have training and experience working with couples and families. They aid service members and their families in dealing with the stresses of military duty, such as difficulties in communication and strained relationships. Professionals in this field make a difference for veterans and their families by enhancing family dynamics and fortifying bonds.
5. Group Therapy and Peer Support
Peer counseling and support groups for veterans are often facilitated by clinical social workers, marital and family therapists, and mental health counselors. These organizations provide a welcoming space for veterans to connect with one another, give support, and gain insight from one another’s experiences. Peer therapy, provided by those who themselves have been in the military, can be very helpful for veterans in need of community and empathy.
Clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors salary scale.
When considering a career as a professional social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor, it is important to be informed of the probable pay range. varied jobs may have varied salaries depending on factors including location, level of experience, and company culture.
As the Americans tell it. In May 2020, mental health counselors and marital and family therapists had a median annual salary of $49,610, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A tenth of the population brought in less than $31,300, while a tenth of the population brought in more than $87,700. It’s important to remember that compensation might vary widely from one industry to the next. Workers in the government sector, such as the VA system, may enjoy attractive compensation and perks.
However, in May of 2020, clinical social workers earned a median yearly salary of $56,200. At the other end of the spectrum, 10% of the population made above $86,820 while 10% made less than $33,930. Again, things like experience, geography, and the company itself may all have an impact on salary.
It’s important to keep in mind that pay is only one part of a complete compensation package. The ability to make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families is a source of tremendous satisfaction for many people who work in these sectors. Benefits like health insurance, retirement savings accounts, and prospects for career promotion can further boost the value of these jobs.
Researching job postings, consulting with professional groups, or contacting local VA facilities or community counseling centers in your preferred region are all good places to start looking for up-to-date compensation information.
The Path to a Career in Mental Health Counseling, Marriage and Family Therapy, or Social Work
Get the training and education you need:
Getting the training and education necessary to work in the mental health, marital and family therapy, or social work fields is essential. A master’s degree from an approved school in social work, counseling, or marital and family therapy is often required for employment in these disciplines. Human behavior, psychology, counseling methods, and ethics are only few of the subjects covered in the curriculum. Internships and other forms of supervised clinical practice are an integral aspect of the learning process.
Second, become licensed:
A license is often needed to work as a professional social worker, marital and family therapist, or mental health counselor.
Conducting a History Verification-
Clinical social workers, marital and family therapists, and mental health counselors are among professions that normally need a background check prior to licensing. Taking this precaution is crucial for the security of your clientele. If you have a criminal record or have been disciplined in the past, it may affect your ability to get a license. The purpose of these investigations is to ensure that only the most qualified professionals are providing counseling services to the public, and to safeguard those in need.
To satisfy the background check requirement in Florida, candidates must use an approved provider of electronic fingerprinting services, as required by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). The Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service (FEPS) is one of the DBPR’s certified vendors. FEPS’s electronic fingerprinting services meet all state requirements for speed and safety. Applicants can quickly and easily satisfy the background check requirement by using an approved provider like FEPS.
Obtaining a License Application-
After finishing all of the prerequisite coursework and gaining the required amount of clinical experience, you can apply for licensure. The steps required to apply for a license are different in each state. Typically, applicants must fill out an application, pay any applicable fees, and provide supporting materials such transcripts, clinical hours under supervision, and references. Depending on the board’s requirements, you may also need to submit a professional disclosure statement explaining your experience, training, and philosophy of practice. To minimize unnecessary delays, read the application instructions issued by your state’s licensing board thoroughly and submit all supporting documentation.
Preparing for a Test-
In many cases, you’ll need to score well on a certification exam before you can practice as a professional social worker, marital and family therapist, or mental health counselor. Each profession and state has its own set of standards for licensing examinations that test your expertise and knowledge in the subject. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Exam is one example of a licensing examination; the National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) is another; and the Examination in Marital and Family Therapy (EMFT) is an example of an examination for marriage and family therapists. Study resources given by the relevant licensing boards, practice tests, and exam preparation seminars or courses are all good ways to be ready for the big day.
Acquiring One's Permit-
To become a licensed clinical social worker, marital and family therapist, or mental health counselor, one must first pass a background check, submit an application, then take and pass the licensure test. The licensing board will go through your application, check your qualifications, and determine whether or not you meet their requirements for a license. If everything checks out, you’ll get your license and be free to work as an independent professional. Keep in mind that many state licensing boards insist on regular renewal of your license as well as completion of continuing education courses and adherence to ethical standards in order to keep your license in good standing.
Third, you can get specialized certifications if you'd like:
Specialized certificates are helpful in establishing your credibility and demonstrating your mastery of a subject area, but they aren’t always required. Certifications are available from a variety of sources, including those focusing on trauma-informed treatment, drug misuse counseling, and couples therapy. Obtaining one or more of these certificates is a great way to set yourself apart from the competition and advance your career.
Expand Your Skill Set and Work Experience:
Clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, and mental health counselors all benefit greatly from ongoing training and education. Participating in workshops, seminars, and conferences is a great way to keep up with the newest findings, methods, and recommendations in your field. Joining a professional organization like the American Counseling Association (ACA), the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT), or the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) can open doors to more information, contacts, and even mentors in the field.
Help Veterans Use Their VA Education Benefits:
Investigate the educational advantages provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) if you are a veteran interested in a profession in clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling. The Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the VA’s Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment (VR&E) program are two examples of educational advantages that may help pay for your schooling and training in these areas. Visit the official VA website and speak with a VA professional to learn more about eligibility and the application process.
Use your VA education benefits to pursue a career as a clinical social worker, marriage and family therapist, or mental health counselor.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers educational advantages to veterans who are seeking careers in clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling. You may further your studies and advance your career with the aid of these perks. Some of the educational perks offered by the VA include the following:
- Post-9/11 GI Bill®: The Post-9/11 GI Bill® helps pay for college, vocational school, and other types of training and education for veterans. The package consists of payment for school expenses, a living allowance, and a book and supply stipend. Visit VA Education and Training to find out more about the Post-9/11 GI Bill®.
- Veterans who have served honorably and paid into the program during active duty can use the Montgomery GI Bill® to fund their higher education. It helps fund a wide range of officially recognized academic and vocational programs. Visit VA Education and Training to learn more about the Montgomery GI Bill®.
- The VR&E Program is designed to help veterans with impairments incurred in the line of duty find gainful employment. Help is offered for college and vocational courses, as well as credentials like diplomas and degrees. Visit VA Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment for additional information on the VR&E Program.
- Veterans who are enrolled in a private school or an out-of-state university may be eligible for additional funding through the Yellow Ribbon Program, which is a supplement to the Post-9/11 GI Bill®. It is intended to reimburse the cost of education over the maximum allowable public in-state undergraduate tuition rate. Visit VA Education and Training to learn more about the Yellow Ribbon Program.
- To boost their military tuition support, qualified veterans can use the GI Bill® through the Tuition support Top-Up program. It can supplement the military’s tuition aid program to cover the costs of education beyond what the program already pays. VA Education and Training has details on the Tuition Assistance Top-Up program.
- Veterans who are interested in pursuing jobs as clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, or mental health counselors can take advantage of VA educational perks such as those listed above. Before applying for these programs, you should find out if you qualify and learn about the application procedure. Visit the official VA Education and Training website at VA Education and Training for more information and to apply for VA educational benefits.
In conclusion
If you’re a veteran thinking about getting into the fields of clinical social work, marital and family therapy, or mental health counseling, you may have a huge influence on the lives of your fellow service members. Take advantage of the VA’s educational perks and get the credentials you need to start working in the VA’s mental health system as a devoted professional. Get a background check from a service recognized by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) to make sure you’re qualified for a license.
If you’re ready to take the next step, you may identify a Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE)-approved background check provider by visiting the FDLE’s official website at FDLE Licensing. To guarantee the health and safety of individuals who seek your services, this is a mandatory condition. Become a clinical social worker, marital and family therapist, or mental health counselor in the VA community to take command of your future and make a positive impact in the lives of people and families.
FAQs
1. What are the top three mental health diagnoses for military personnel?
In terms of veterans’ mental health, the top three diagnoses are:
- In the aftermath of a stressful experience, some people may acquire post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, heightened alertness, and emotional anguish are all signs of PTSD.
- Persistent sorrow, despair, and a lack of interest in formerly pleasurable activities are hallmarks of depression, a mood illness. Many variables, including the difficulties of readjustment to civilian life, contribute to the increased risk of depression in veterans.
- Disorders of Anxiety: Veterans frequently suffer from a variety of anxiety disorders, including GAD, PAD, and social anxiety. These conditions are characterized by dysfunctional patterns of thought and behavior related to excessive anxiety, fear, and avoidance.
2. Can you tell me about the VA's therapeutic options?
In order to help veterans with their mental health issues, the VA provides a number of different forms of counseling. Therapies that are typically administered include:
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT teaches people how to recognize unhelpful ways of thinking and doing and how to replace them with more positive ones.
- PE, or prolonged exposure therapy, is a treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that emphasizes reliving and processing traumatic events and memories in order to alleviate symptoms.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a treatment that use eye movements to help people reprocess unpleasant memories and lessen the suffering they cause.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that encourages patients to embrace their negative emotions and thoughts while also committing to positive behavior changes that are in line with their core beliefs.
- Veterans can participate in a variety of group counseling programs provided by the VA to better understand their experiences, get social support, and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
3. What mental health conditions are common to veterans and their families?
There is a wide spectrum of mental health issues that veterans and their loved ones may face. Veterans and their family often suffer from the following mental health issues:
- In the case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), not only may veterans be impacted, but so can their loved ones who may feel the ripple effects of the experience.
- Military service stresses including deployments and exposure to conflict can increase the risk of depression in veterans and their families.
- Anxiety Disorders: The stresses and unknowns of military life can contribute to the development of anxiety disorders such generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder in veterans and their loved ones.
- Substance use disorders: Substance abuse and addiction can have far-reaching effects on veterans’ and their families’ mental health.
4. What is one of the most serious and common mental disorders suffered by war veterans?
One of the most serious and widespread mental illnesses among veterans is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Combat, seeing violence, or being in a life-threatening scenario are all potential triggers for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military personnel. Nightmares, flashbacks, avoiding reminders, heightened alertness, emotional and cognitive changes, and intrusive thoughts or recollections are all signs. A veteran’s everyday functioning, relationships, and quality of life can all be negatively affected by PTSD.
5. What do our veterans have the hardest time with?
When coming home from military duty, veterans may encounter a variety of difficulties. The following are examples of frequent difficulties faced by veterans:
- Mental Health Conditions: PTSD, depression, anxiety disorders, and drug misuse are common among veterans.
- Finding work, reconnecting with friends and family, and adjusting to a new way of life are just a few of the obstacles that veterans face as they make the transition from the military to civilian life.
- As a result of their service, veterans may suffer from a variety of physical ailments and impairments. Traumatic brain injury (TBI), amputation, and chronic pain are just few examples of invisible ailments that can have a significant influence on a person’s ability to go about their daily life and overall quality of life.
- work and Career Changes It can be difficult for veterans to find gainful work and to make successful changes in their careers. The transition from the military to the civilian workforce, with its varied culture and employment requirements, can be challenging.
- Relationship and family problems Veterans, owing to the stress of military duty, deployments, and the subsequent emotional and psychological obstacles, may have trouble maintaining relationships and navigating family dynamics.
- Trouble Maintaining Stable Financial Footing is a Common Struggle for Veterans, Especially During the Transition Period When Job Loss or Unexpected Expenses Occur.
- Some veterans may find themselves homeless or in unstable living situations, both of which can have a negative impact on their mental health and quality of life.
6. What is the VA rating for anxiety?
The VA uses a scale from zero to one hundred to quantify the severity of anxiety disorders. The ranking is based on how severely the symptoms interfere with everyday life and how much therapy is required. The severity of panic attacks, the extent to which they interfere with daily life, how they affect one’s ability to hold down a job, and how well they respond to therapy are all taken into account in the scoring system.
7. Why do so many veterans have anxiety?
Due to the particular stresses of military duty, many veterans suffer from anxiety. Anxiety disorders can develop as a result of exposure to combat, traumatic events, frequent deployments, and the difficulties of readjustment to civilian life. PTSD and other anxiety disorders are common among veterans because of the stress and dangers they faced while serving.
8. Do more veterans suffer from depression?
According to the available data, military personnel and veterans have a greater probability of suffering from depression than the general population. Combat experience, witnessing terrible events, physical injuries, post-deployment adjustment issues, and the death of friends and comrades are all risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in veterans. Help-seeking behavior may also be influenced by the specific pressures of military duty and the stigma associated with mental health concerns.
9. How many British soldiers suffer from mental illness?
The British Ministry of Defense reports that many veterans have psychological problems. Anxiety, sadness, and post-traumatic stress disorder were all reported by around 17% of UK veterans in a poll performed in 2017. However, different veterans may have different levels and types of mental health problems due to differences in their service, deployments, and personal situations.
10. What kinds of depression tests does the VA use?
The VA often employs a battery of tests to determine the severity of a veteran’s depression. A mental health practitioner may perform a clinical interview as part of the examination to learn more about the individual’s symptoms, how long they have persisted, and what effect they have had on their everyday life. The intensity of depression symptoms may also be assessed with standardized evaluation instruments like questionnaires or rating scales. Medical professionals at the VA use these tests in conjunction with other diagnostic criteria to establish the presence and severity of depression.
11. Can anxiety and depression lead to VA disability?
If a veteran can prove that their depression or anxiety is directly related to a service-connected ailment, he or she may be eligible for VA disability compensation. The veteran must show that their depression and anxiety are service-related or service-aggravated in order to get disability pay. When calculating the disability rating and compensation amount, the severity of symptoms and their effect on daily functioning are also taken into account
12. Which treatments does the VA offer for emotional distress?
Anxiety and depression sufferers can access a variety of VA mental health services and treatments. These may include psychoeducation, group and individual counseling, medication management, specialized programs for post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related illnesses, and assistance for developing healthier coping mechanisms. Veterans who suffer from anxiety and depression can get the help they need from the VA’s network of medical institutions and community-based outpatient clinics.
13. What mental disorders cause anxiety?
Anxiety feelings are a common sign of many mental illnesses. Anxiety may be a symptom of a number of different mental health conditions, the most prevalent of which are generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, OCD, and PTSD. These conditions, which can emerge as extreme states of anxiety, fear, or panic, can have devastating effects on a person’s quality of life.
14. Does VA consider anxiety to be a symptom of PTSD?
PTSD frequently includes anxiety, which may manifest in the form of GAD-like or other anxiety disorder symptoms. Anxiety, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, heightened alertness, and avoidant behavior are all indicators of post-traumatic stress disorder. The VA is aware of the signs of anxiousness.
