The Evaluation of Wellness Programs for Our Returning Veterans

Today we continue to experience inefficiencies in understanding the mental health and cultural needs of returning service members. I have conducted my own personal research to best comprehend the emotions and needs of returning veterans, evaluating the practices that are most beneficial for healing and reintegration. The primary focus of my independent study was to observe the current mental health treatments that are offered to the veterans outside of the traditional medical realm. In relation to this, I wanted to evaluate the role that religious and spiritual practices play in the veterans’ healing process. I spent four months observing and interviewing various personnel at the Providence Rhode Island Veterans’ Administration Hospital. I conducted interviews with a chaplain, psychologist, peer-­‐mentor specialist, anthropologist, veterans, and PTSD clinical staff members. My research also included the analysis of a documentary film, texts, research studies, and soldier’s memoirs. To demonstrate the services that returning veterans with mental health conditions would receive at the VAH, I applied the story of a recently returned veteran to my encounters. I used this veteran’s story to depict the vast amount of encounters that he could potentially experience during his treatment process, and the different types of treatment mechanisms that may be recommended. I have concluded this research with my personal recommendations, proposing changes and implementations that could be made to better treat the mental health conditions of the veterans