A psychologist stationed in Iraq to help soldiers suffering from PTSD?

Question

I keep hearing about all of tehse soldiers in terrible conditions coming back form the war with menta disorders over what they've seen in Iraq.

Are there social workeres or clinical psychologists of any kind stationed i nIraq to help them cope with the effects of the war?

If so, I would be interested in spending some time tehre helping our soldiers.

Thank you!

Answer 1

the way they do it is , as to troops are ready to go home they ask if anyone would like to stay here and see a shrink OR get on the plane home . so even the brain damaged PTSD victoms don't want to stay . so the army gets low numbers.

Answer 2

I live on an Army Base (in the UK) and that is exactly what one of our neighbours does, as part of a team. He is an Army officer who has served in many war zones and therefore he and his Colleagues understand the effect of war on Soldiers in a way that no civilian ever can. I am sure that you WOULD be interested in spending time in Iraq but why would a Soldier open up to a civilian with no understanding of what he had been through? I think the British Army at least has it covered thanks.

Answer 3

I am sure that there are psychologists deployed as part of Fleet Hospitals, Battalion Aid Stations, MASH, and other medical units. The military will pull someone to the rear and evaluate him or her. If some one is in danger of hurting him or herself or others they will be sent home.

There are also military chaplains. I know that they are usually priest, preachers, and other religious leaders but they are also trained in counseling people from all faiths. Chaplains offer secular support too. Most Chaplains are really caring people.

Most military bases have mental health support there. There are a variety of doctors and social workers that help members. The base hospital has the physiologist while the Fleet and Family Support Center (Navy term) has the social workers.

The VA treats members when they are separated and become veterans. They have mental health professionals too.

You can contact the American Red Cross to see if they have volunteers. You can also contact the nearest VA Center to volunteer.

If you want a paid job if you qualify go to USAJobs.gov and see if they are hiring any social workers or psychologist. (If you have the credentials like education and licensing). They have overseas jobs too.

www.usajobs.gov

I'm a former Navy Corpsman

Answer 4

The Army does have Combat Stress Teams in Iraq.  Generally they require all soldiers to see them, that way no soldier is singled out for heading to the CST tent.  Most of the members are military officers.  I am not sure if they employ civilians.  

And as much as I despise Rail Road Dave, he is partially correct.  They don't do that IN Iraq.  But as part of redeployment processing back home the medical staff will read off all the standard questions.  "Have you had thoughts of suicide, Have you been depressed......"  And many times it is in a long line, while you are standing right in front of your fellow soldiers.

The military is trying to fix this problem.  It is bigger on the radar of Congress and they are trying to remove the stigmatizem of going to see the head doc.  Is it working?  Hard to say.