On this Memorial Day I thought it fitting to focus my attention on our brave men and women in the military. Our soldiers are a special group of individuals who experience extraordinary stress in their lives. Many are in need of behavioral healthcare, but face significant internal and external barriers to treatment. Soldiers devote their lives to protect and serve us. They do not readily seek services for themselves.
I am pleased to read that the Veterans Health Administration of the Veterans Affairs Department have increased efforts to use digital technology for reaching out to soldiers with PSTD and/or Traumatic Brain Injury. http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123210510 I am also encouraged to read that The Senate Armed Services Committee is seeking to "improve the delivery of mental health care to combat veterans". http://www.defensesystems.com/Articles/2010/06/24/BRAIN-INJURY-TECH.aspx
Both organizations have identified Skype as a useful tool in increasing the effectiveness of treatment engagement. Military personnel are more likely to open up to a clinician through Skype. I do not suggest that Skype therapy should replace traditional therapy, but if the safety and accessibility of distance therapy helps us reach more soldiers in need, I support this approach one hundred percent. It is the least we can do for them.
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