Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Veterans: Finding Hope and Supporting Healing

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently occurs among veterans and has multiple treatment options that are not entirely effective for all. Traditional evidence-based therapies for PTSD may not entirely eliminate symptoms or may not be acceptable or accessible to veterans. The most beneficial treatment may be a mix of traditional therapy and adjunctive nonpharmacologic treatments the veteran selects. Although PTSD is treated by mental health professionals, all practitioners can improve and support veteran care by ongoing assessment and education around the different types of treatment options for PTSD including integrative health therapies as viable strategies to improve patient outcomes.