Insights from Native American Veterans on Developing a Patient-Centered, Integrative Model for Mental Health Services

Abstract

Today’s veterans face a unique set of challenges in meeting their mental health needs. Recent evaluations of the VA have shown that although services are widely available, these services may not adequately address mental health problems for all veterans. The changing nature of war has also placed additional mental health strains on veterans, through exposing service members to a high number of repeat deployments. Suicide incidence is increasing. Within this context, Native American veterans are in a unique position to offer perspectives on alternative approaches to mental health care, and to help close this health gap. Native Americans are the demographic with the highest per-capita rate of military service. Additionally, many Native American veterans access health services outside the VA and other hospitals. Native American perspectives on complementary and integrated care models are thus important to understand not only to ensure the health needs of this demographic are met, but may also assist clinicians in better meeting the mental health needs of all veterans in the future.