Archive for category: Veterans

Veterans often struggle with mental health disorders upon return from the service. Services can be provided to veterans, like therapy, medication, or a mental health treatment facility to better mental health and find recovery from mental health disorders. 

There are many mental health resources available to veterans. However, determining what services are covered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can be challenging. The VA provides mental health care through its care services. In addition, veterans can receive mental health care from providers in partnership with the VA.

Veterans and Mental Health

According to recent census reports, there are currently 18 million veterans along with 2.1 million active-duty and reserve members in the U.S. Serving and working in the military comes with various stressors that can negatively impact a person’s mental health. Data from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) indicate about 1 in 4 active duty military members show symptoms of a mental health problem.  

NAMI indicates the three most common mental health conditions in military members are: 

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Depression
• Traumatic Brain Injury 

From fighting in combat situations to making decisions that cause moral injury, exposure to conditions that are uncommon to civilians puts military members in a unique position regarding mental health. When veterans return to civilian life, getting the support they need can be challenging.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 

Traumatic events, like a violent assault or military combat, can overwhelm a person’s positive coping skills. In many cases, veterans will walk away from military service with PTSD. Numbers taken from the  U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs indicate that: 

• About 20% of veterans who served in Enduring Freedom have PTSD.
• Approximately 12% of veterans from the Gulf War have been diagnosed with  PTSD.
• Roughly 30% of Vietnam vets have struggled through PTSD sometime in their lifetime. 
• Currently, 15% of Vietnam veterans still have PTSD. 

PTSD can occur in anyone who experiences trauma. However, veterans and other individuals in the military experience PTSD at higher rates than the general population.

Depression

The rate of depression in military members is five times that of the civilian population. More than sadness, depression is an overpowering and dangerous condition, especially for veterans. Sadly, each day roughly 18 to 22 veterans commit suicide. 

Military members may find it hard to identify their depression. They may mask their depression with anger or irritability. Or they may try to self-medicate, leading to a substance use disorder.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A significant blow to the head can result in a traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI. A TBI may occur while in combat. However, TBI may also happen during training. The symptoms of TBI are headaches, memory problems, fatigue, or sudden and significant mood changes. 

Because the symptoms of TBI can appear like other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or dementia, individuals need to obtain a thorough assessment from a trained professional. 

Addiction in the Military

The military environment celebrates camaraderie and team-building but also fosters substance use disorders. For example, approximately 1 in 13 veterans have had alcohol and illegal drug problems. 

Other numbers also indicate that substance abuse is prevalent among military members: 

• About 25% of veterans have had issues with illegal drug use. 
• Roughly 4 out of 5 veterans have had problems with alcohol. 
• Approximately 21% of veterans addicted to opioids have experienced an overdose. 
• The rate of heavy alcohol use is higher among veterans (7.5%) than among civilians (6.5%). 

Data indicates that veterans with a substance abuse disorder were 3 to 4 times more likely to have depression or PTSD. The stress and trauma of being in the military can be overwhelming, thus leading to addiction and problems with mental health. Receiving mental health treatment can improve all military members’ quality of life. 

Barriers to VA Mental Health Care

Military members may find the stigma of mental illness a barrier to seeking mental health care. For example, surveys from the Rand corporation found that 28.6% of army veterans did not seek treatment due to embarrassment. The same group of army veterans also did not want to be seen as weak (48.9%). The belief that seeking treatment for mental illness is weak can keep military members who need treatment from getting help. 

Mental Health Services for Veterans

One of the benefits of being in the military is its healthcare. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) covers mental health services to treat the abovementioned conditions. The VA also covers a broad range of mental health services for outpatient and inpatient VA mental health settings and participating mental health care facilities. 

Although VA centers strive to help all military members, the available services at the VA may surpass the needs. To expand mental health treatment for veterans, the VA covers VA mental health care at participating centers. 

For example, only 30 percent of veterans enrolled in VA health obtain their care from the VA. The other 70 percent receive care from providers outside the VA. Choosing treatment from a non-VA provider does not compromise care. In fact, it is a common practice amongst military members. 

Quality of Care

When veterans get mental health care from the VA or a private setting, the quality is the same. Private settings enable military members to access high-quality care using VA benefits. For example, the VA Veterans Choice Program lets eligible veterans obtain mental health care from community-based non-VA providers. Military members can receive the same or better quality care in private settings. 

When choosing a non-VA provider, it’s essential to find professionals knowledgeable about military life. These mental health professionals should be familiar with the specific concerns of being a veteran. Treatment by professionals who understand the expectations of the military enables veterans to speak freely and receive quality mental health care. 

Mental Health Treatment for Veterans in San Diego, CA

The VA provides healthcare to veterans that can include mental health benefits. After the service, veterans can often be diagnosed with mental health disorders. To receive the best chance of long-term recovery, veterans can receive treatment for mental health, including therapy and medication as needed.

Solara Mental Health in San Diego, California, offers veteran mental health services. Contact us today if you or a veteran you love are struggling with mental health. Our team can answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of our veteran mental health treatment program. 

Some groups have a common misconception about who can or cannot have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is commonly believed to be exclusively suffered by people who have served in combat. However, while military veterans often have PTSD, non-combat servicemembers and the general population can suffer from PTSD.

The reality is that there are people who have never served a day in the military who are victims of PTSD as well. Some people who have served in the military and have not been in combat struggle with PTSD.

What is Considered Non-Combat PTSD?

Some who serve in the military but who haven’t necessarily been in direct combat may still have PTSD. There are several reasons why someone in the service may suffer these conditions, including the following:

• Sexual Assault – Sadly, sexual assaults are somewhat common in the military. Many people within the service ranks have this crime committed against them, and the last result that can take hold after the assault itself can often manifest as PTSD. This type of suffering can remain with a person long after they have left the service, and it doesn’t need to be directly connected to combat.
• Death of a Fellow Servicemember – Members of our armed forces form tight bonds when they enter the service. This is done both as a coping mechanism for what they are all going through together and also because it is a way to help keep units bonded together.
• Accidents – Military members can face accidents when they are serving. Situations may occur on base that causes physical, emotional, and even psychological damage to the members. This may manifest as PTSD in some people.

This shows that there are many ways for someone to develop symptoms of PTSD even if they have not been in direct combat, which is essential for all people to remember.

Can Non-Combat Veterans Have PTSD?

Non-combat veterans can experience PTSD just like combat veterans can. Although combat veterans may be at a higher risk because they are directly exposed to traumatic events daily during their job, this is not to say that non-combat veterans don’t also face some hurdles. They certainly do, and it is worth taking care of all veterans, no matter their combat status.

Signs of Non-Combat PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD can show up in many different ways, and it is reasonable to say that PTSD symptoms for those with non-combat PTSD are often the same or similar to those that one may have when they have PTSD as a result of direct combat. In either case, the specific symptoms that manifest in the victim may differ from person to person.

Flashbacks

One of the most common and yet most terrifying symptoms of PTSD in many sufferers is flashbacks. This is when the sufferer recalls the event or events that caused them to have PTSD issues in the first place.

They do not ask to have these flashbacks, but it can be highly devastating for them to feel as though they are right back in the middle of what ultimately caused them an extreme amount of stress in the first place. In extreme cases, flashbacks can last anywhere from a few seconds to a few days.

Anxiety

Another symptom that many PTSD sufferers report is feelings of anxiety. They admit that they are almost constantly on edge, and this may lead to additional health issues on top of everything else. Not only do they have to worry about dealing with the anxiety directly by itself, but they may also experience high blood pressure, weight gain, and other adverse side effects as they go along. Thus, it is always best to try to have the PTSD symptoms addressed as soon as possible.

Survivor’s Guilt

Ask anyone who has been in a traumatic situation where others did not survive about how they feel regarding survivor’s guilt, and they are likely to have many responses for you on this question. They will be able to point directly to the feelings they experience regarding having pulled through something others did not. They may express a sense of survivor’s guilt somewhat akin to depression.

After all, they feel they are not worthy of having survived something others did not. Sadly, this can sometimes lead to feelings of worthlessness, extreme guilt, depression, and worse. It is a compounding effect of PTSD that causes prolonged suffering.

Veterans PTSD Treatment Programs

The Department of Veterans Affairs stands up for veterans suffering from PTSD and offers them help with getting the assistance they require. Not only does the department itself have professionals on staff who can help those with PTSD, but they can also direct people toward the programs they need to get some help with their PTSD situation. They will gladly point people in the right direction regarding treatment programs.

These programs may include the following services:

• One-on-one mental health assessment
• Medication
• Group therapy
• One-on-one psychotherapy and family therapy

The treatments that the person living with PTSD responds to the best are available to them to help make sure they receive the assistance that they need.

PTSD Treatment for Non-Combat & Combat Veterans

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that results from trauma. Although the military is often diagnosed with this disorder, non-combat servicemembers and the general population can also struggle with this disorder. To treat PTSD, different kinds of therapy and medication can be utilized as needed. The best thing that we can do to help our veterans is to support them and show them that we care.

If you or a veteran you love has PTSD, reach out to Solara Mental Health today. The sooner we can begin to work with the person living with PTSD, the sooner we can help them find the solutions they need to make a difference in their lives. Contact us today to learn more about our veteran mental health program and how we can help.

Today, the number of women enlisting in the US military stands at 14.6%. This is the highest number of women in the military ever recorded in history. Women are the fastest-growing veteran group, with almost 2 million living women veterans. They make up 10% of the total American veteran population.

Despite their sacrifice, women still face challenges that regularly put them at risk of isolation and victimization while on active duty. Also, it proves challenging to transition to civilian life due to systems that remain primarily male-focused in their service delivery. This article discusses female veteran issues, including military sexual trauma (MST), gender differences, unemployment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and homelessness.

Gender Differences in Veterans

Women’s increased activity in combat operations has spiked an interest in their deployment experiences and transition into civilian life. Understanding female veterans’ emotional and mental issues allows for better mental and physical health treatment.
Women have different experiences from their male counterparts. Female veterans face several issues after their military service. This includes MST, PTSD, homelessness, and unemployment.
In addition, women may face several health issues when military service has been completed. These health issues include thyroid problems, migraines, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal conditions, e.t.c.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

MST refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment during active military duty. Reports indicate that 1 in 4 female veterans under the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) healthcare system have experienced MST. While women are at greater risk, about 40% who report MST are men.

Women tend not to report sexual assault due to various reasons. They may want to forget the assault and move on with their lives. Sometimes they may feel ashamed and not want people to know about the assault. Most women also fear retaliation from their co-workers and are afraid no one will believe their accusations.

MST involves any sexual activity one is involved in against their will or when they cannot say no. Some examples include:

• Sexual encounters when unable to give consent, such as when intoxicated or asleep
• Forced sexual activities
• Repeated sexual advances
• Inappropriate sexual jokes or remarks
• Uncomfortable physical contact, including during “hazing” experiences
• Requests of sexual favors with a promise of better treatment

MST can happen to people of all races, ages, gender, sexual orientations, and service branches. It can negatively affect one’s physical and mental health, even years after the incident. It is advisable to seek professional help for female veterans experiencing MST and explore different options to regain control.

Some associated symptoms of MST include:

• Psychological health issues and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) include disturbing nightmares and memories.
• Substance abuse to escape negative feelings
• Self-doubt, self-blame, or low self-esteem
• Physical health problems such as chronic pain or eating disorder
• Challenge with relationships and engaging in social activities

PTSD in Female Veterans Vs. Male Veterans

The VA defines PTSD as the persistent symptoms causing difficulty in functioning after exposure to a traumatic event. PTSD makes it extremely difficult for veterans to successfully reintegrate into society due to its varying symptoms.

The common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Severe anxiety
• Parenting dissatisfaction
• Flashbacks and nightmares
• Stress and depression
• Avoidance/numbing/hyperarousal
• Substance abuse

Military men face a 61% chance of trauma exposure during service. While women in the military have a 51% chance of exposure to trauma during their time in the military. However, PTSD is twice as common in female veterans (10.4%-12.3%) than in male veterans (5.0%-6.0%).

Men in the military have more exposure to traumatic events. However, women seem more likely to experience PTSD symptoms after service. There are a few potential reasons female veterans have more veterans than male counterparts.

The reasons why female veterans may be more susceptible to PTSD include:

• Women experience traumas that are more prevalent for PTSD, especially sexual assault.
• Women experience PTSD for a longer duration
• The female gender has stronger reactions to traumatic events.

Studies show PTSD in female veterans is more often related to MST compared to combat-related in men. Also, about 15% to 35% of veterans with chronic pain experience PTSD. It is never too late to seek help for PTSD. Talking about the experiences with colleagues is an effective coping mechanism for female veterans.

Female Veteran Homelessness

Another common issue that female veterans face is homelessness. Women veterans are four times more likely to face homelessness than their male counterparts and twice as likely as civilian women.

Housing instability among female veterans is commonly associated to:

• Military sexual trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Substance abuse
• Unemployment
• Medical problems
• Relationship termination
• Childhood adversity
• Intimate partner violence (IPV)

The housing situation is different for female veterans compared to male counterparts. While homelessness among female veterans has increased by 2% between 2018 and 2019, the men’s situation has declined by 3%. Women also have dependents even when homeless but men are often alone.

In addition, men are more likely to find transitional homes or emergency shelters because most programs are designed specifically for males.
Programs such as the Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training (MCVET) offer 24/7 housing services for female veterans. It also addresses military sexual trauma and Intimate partner violence for female veterans.

Female Veteran Unemployment

The USA Today reports a 13.5% unemployment rate among female veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This is five times higher than the average rate for civilian women. Also, it can take up to 8 months for women veterans to find civilian jobs due to factors affecting their transition.

Common factors that make it difficult for female veterans to find civilian jobs include:

• Certification issues
• Lack of support
• Employer discrimination
• Poor physical health
• Mismatched skills
• Medical and mental health concerns

Although the unemployment rate for women veterans is typically higher, the highly competitive market does not improve things. Reaching out to job hunting resources and veterans for support and tips is essential. Support groups are also available to help female veterans expand their career networks.

Help for Female Veterans in San Diego, CA

The increasing women’s involvement in active military roles has increased their exposure to trauma, environmental hazards, and injury. They are at a higher risk of mental and physical health issues with inadequate access to appropriate health care. Knowing and understanding these unique issues is crucial for any change to be effective. It allows the VA to serve the needs of female veterans better during and after military service.

Solara Mental Health in San Diego, California, offers mental health services to struggling veterans, including women veterans. Our veteran mental health program includes therapy, medication management as needed, and help with various mental health disorders.

Unfortunately, veteran experiences during service can lead to mental and physical damage, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center (DVBIC) around 414,000 American service members and veterans experienced a traumatic brain injury between 2000 and 2019.

It is essential for veterans with an expected or official diagnosis of TBI to get treatment. Without treatment, TBIs can lead to more physical and mental health difficulties. Treatment can allow for fulfilling lives surrounded by friends, family, and loved ones.

What is a TBI?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a severe injury that impacts how the brain works. These injuries can be caused by getting bumped, jolted, or hit in the head. It can also be caused by a penetrating injury, such as a gunshot.

There are several ways to get a TBI. For example, athletes who play a contact sport, like football, might be at risk of getting a TBI. In addition, someone can get a TBI after getting into a vehicle accident or suffering from a severe fall.

TBIs affect a significant amount of people. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States saw over 64,000 deaths related to TBI in 2020. The CDC also estimates that roughly two percent of the population live with a disability that results from a TBI.

While anyone can get a traumatic brain injury, specific populations are more likely to experience it, including:

• People who live in rural areas
• Veterans and service members
• People experiencing homelessness
• Intimate partner violence survivors
• Those in correctional and detention facilities

Military service men and women risk getting a TBI through experiencing explosions in combat or even from vigorous training exercises.

TBI Symptoms

Depending on the severity of the traumatic brain injury, it may be or may not be immediately evident that a person has one. One thing to consider is whether the person at risk of developing a TBI has recently suffered from a blow to the head.

Some additional symptoms to look for when determining whether a person might have a TBI include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Constant headaches
• Slurred speech
• Light sensitivity
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures
• Increased aggressiveness in relationships
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Extreme mood swings or even personality changes
• Depression
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Vision problems
• Hearing problems
• Motor impairment (for severe cases)

If a person is experiencing these symptoms after a head injury, they will need an official diagnosis. A diagnosis can be made after completing a series of testing. These tests can involve X-rays, MRIs, and CAT scans. Imaging allows doctors to look inside the brain and identify any visible damage.

TBIs in Veterans

TBIs among veterans are common, however 82.4 %  were considered mild according to the Department of Defense. Another 9.1 percent were considered moderate, and 1 percent were considered severe.

However mild cases may be, they can still cause disruptions in the lives of the diagnosed veterans. Some veterans might experience sleep disorders, headaches, irritability, and memory problems. These symptoms make it challenging to hold down a job or maintain healthy family relationships.

These symptoms can lead to long-term mental and physical health problems. Such problems may impact veterans’ employment opportunities and make it more difficult to reintegrate into civilian life.

While historically, veterans have developed TBIs, they are becoming more prominent with recent activity. According to studies, 22 percent of combat wounds from the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq were brain injuries. In comparison, 12 percent of combat wounds in Vietnam were TBIs.

When considering the severity of TBI, doctors will consider many things, including:

• The severity of brain swelling, bruising, or bleeding as seen on computed tomography (CT) scan
• Length of loss of consciousness
• Length of memory loss
• The individual’s responsiveness after injury

A concussion is another term for a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). These can be more challenging to identify immediately than severe TBI because concussions do not always appear on imaging tests. Additionally, TBI symptoms are similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. PTSD is another disorder that impacts the veteran population at relatively high rates.

TBIs & PTSD

Although they may share similar symptoms, being diagnosed with a TBI is not the same as being diagnosed with PTSD. However, there is some overlap between the two conditions.

Often, veterans diagnosed with TBI end up also being diagnosed with PTSD. This is because they got a TBI due to a traumatic event, usually a combat-related incident. The more traumatic the incident that caused the TBI, the more likely the person will also have PTSD.

The symptoms that TBIs and PTSD share include:

• Anger
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Extreme irritability

TBIs are not always visually apparent. It is crucial for veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD and have symptoms of TBI to seek medical treatment. A medical professional can help address the issues of both TBIs and PTSD.

Treatment for TBIs in Veterans

A traumatic brain injury is not exclusive to veterans. However, it seems that veterans who suffer from a TBI tend to exhibit symptoms for a more extended period than civilians. While many civilians can recover from a mild TBI within three months, it takes veterans 18 – 24 months to recover.

Additionally, veterans with a traumatic brain injury often have overlapping medical conditions that can slow their recovery. These conditions can include chronic pain, substance abuse, and PTSD.All of these factors are why it is so critical for veterans to seek treatment if they have a suspected or diagnosed TBI.

Some treatments that can help veterans with a TBI include:

• Physical therapy
• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Cognitive therapy
• Medication to control specific symptoms

Mental Health Help for Veterans in San Diego

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause physical and mental health difficulties in veterans. With proper treatment, veterans can manage their symptoms and get back to living fulfilling lives.

If you or a veteran you love are struggling with mental health disorder symptoms, reach out to Solara Mental Health today. Our team can answer any questions you may have and give you a better understanding of our veteran mental health services.

Returning to civilian life is often more difficult than veterans may anticipate. Especially if they develop certain mental or physical health conditions while serving or after getting home. Service members and their families can face a variety of challenges when veterans make the transition to civilian life.

Many veterans find that adopting a service animal is helpful when learning to live a happier and more independent life. However, it is important that service animal assistance is combined with other treatment options. Keep reading for an overview of some of the most common mental and physical health conditions veterans experience. As well as information on service animals and their benefits in helping veterans adjust to civilian life.

Mental Health Disorders Veterans Struggle With

Many veterans are diagnosed with various mental health disorders during and after their deployments. These mental health conditions can interfere with a veteran’s ability to successfully return to civilian life. Even veterans who do not return home with physical injuries can be deeply impacted by their service.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a condition most common to veterans and most studied by professionals. This condition causes flashbacks that feel realistic, nightmares, and other negative memories of traumatic events. These flashbacks to wartime events have long-term effects, impacting approximately 10-20 percent of veterans. Flashbacks can be triggered by loud noises, references, and other situations that strongly remind them of past events.

Depression

Traumatic experiences during deployment can also lead to depression, especially after a veteran has left the military. The brain is often capable of protecting individuals from the full effects of experiencing trauma, in the moment. However, once veterans are removed from active duty, the psychological effects of military service may appear. Upon returning to civilian life, veterans may experience distress as they relive their time in combat.

Veterans may face intense feelings of guilt or anxiety upon their return home. Returning to civilian life can uncover a wide range of emotions for veterans. In many cases, these emotions may feel overwhelming. If left unaddressed these distressing thoughts and feelings can lead to depression.

Substance Use Disorders

Many veterans turn to excessive alcohol or drug use to cope with the mental and physical effects of military life. It is possible for substance abuse to occur on its own. Some veterans may have had an existing substance use disorder prior to enlisting in the military. However, it is not uncommon for substance use disorder to be paired with other mental health conditions in veterans.

Health Conditions Veterans Struggle With

Veterans can also struggle with certain physical health conditions more frequently than the general population. Dealing with these challenges to physical health may make them more vulnerable to developing mental health conditions.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Certain types of traumatic brain injuries can make it difficult for veterans to think clearly enough to accomplish certain tasks. Some injuries can make it physically difficult to do things most people can do easily. These injuries often require extensive rehabilitation to move toward any semblance of a normal life. Extensive rehabilitation services for traumatic brain injuries can be difficult for veterans and their families to afford.

Chronic Pain

Many veterans that experienced severe injuries will live with chronic pain for years or even the majority of their lives. Chronic pain can have an impact on how veterans are able to live their day-to-day lives. Some veterans may no longer be able to engage in their favorite hobbies or complete tasks that were once easy. Some veterans may choose to manage their chronic pain through medication, which can turn into dependency when left unchecked.

Physical Disabilities

Some serious injuries may result in physical disabilities that make it difficult to live a normal life. Injuries that may have impaired a veteran’s ability to accomplish everyday tasks are fairly common in the military. If a veteran has lost a limb physically or has limited mobility, they face physical challenges every day. These disabilities can lead to depression and make readjusting to civilian life even harder than it can be for other veterans.

How Service Animals Can Help

Service animals can help many veterans with these mental and physical health conditions. These animals can help manage their symptoms and improve the quality of their lives. Service animals typically fall into two categories of training.

Traditional service animals are specially trained to help their companion with physical tasks, typically a trained service dog. Emotional support animals are trained to help their companion improve mental health. Veterans may need to consider what type of service animal they need based on their specific situations.

Both types of service animals are specially trained to assist their owners in specific ways. Service animals are trained to assist veterans with independent living and improve their overall outlook on life. Even when the challenges they are facing seem impossible, service animals can assist veterans to return to civilian life.

Where to Find a Service Animal

Veterans have the option to find a service animal through traditional methods. However, there are several organizations that were created specifically to help veterans find just the right service animal for them. These service animals are trained specifically to handle conditions that most frequently affect veterans.

Some of the best options for finding a service animal as a veteran include:

• Disabled American Veterans
• Department of Veterans Affairs
• American Humane Society Pups4Patriots
• America’s VetDogs
• K9s for Warriors

The VA does not typically provide the actual service animals to veterans. However, the VA will assist veterans with finding a good fit at a reputable organization for their specific needs. The VA can help find an organization that specializes in training dogs who are specifically intended to be paired with veterans.

Get Veteran Mental Health Services at Solara

Service animals are generally the most effective when paired with other treatment options. Veterans returning from military service have many options in caring for their mental health. Solara Mental Health is a top choice among veterans in San Diego and surrounding areas. We offer a wide range of mental health treatments to veterans.

Receiving specialized therapy and treatment can help ease veterans’ transition from military to civilian life. Therapy can be especially helpful for veterans who are experiencing difficulty transitioning to civilian life. We provide treatment options to veterans in our care at Solara.

Our team of trained professionals has a proven history of supporting veterans’ mental health. Contact Solara today to learn more about the mental health services we offer for veterans.