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Perceived Needs of Veterans Transitioning from the Military to Civilian Life

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Abstract

Despite existing separation services provided by the military, many transitioning to civilian life report continued or even worsening issues, including anger outbursts, PTSD, sustained substance use, and strained family relationships. Further, only 61% of the 1,906,754 veterans separated since 2002 participate in the VA health care system after separation, indicating that at least three quarters of a million veterans are not captured by research conducted in VA systems. The current study (N = 90) examined the perceived needs of veterans transitioning from the military to civilian life, assessed issues that prevent these individuals from participating in VA health care upon separation, and captured veteran recommendations to improve existing separation services, either prior to or after the transition to civilian life. Veterans identified several needs, including improved access to care, mental health and substance use counseling, and preparedness for adjustment and economical/financial issues. Implications for both care and policy are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 66 N. Pauline St, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA

    Karen J. Derefinko PhD, Francisco I. Salgado Garcia PhD & Zoran Bursac PhD

  2. Department of History, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA

    Troy A. Hallsell MA & Matthew B. Isaacs MA

  3. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Clinical Trials Administration, Memphis, TN, USA

    Lauren W. Colvin MS

Authors
  1. Karen J. Derefinko PhD
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  2. Troy A. Hallsell MA
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  3. Matthew B. Isaacs MA
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  4. Lauren W. Colvin MS
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  5. Francisco I. Salgado Garcia PhD
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  6. Zoran Bursac PhD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Francisco I. Salgado Garcia PhD.

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Derefinko, K.J., Hallsell, T.A., Isaacs, M.B. et al. Perceived Needs of Veterans Transitioning from the Military to Civilian Life. J Behav Health Serv Res 46, 384–398 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-018-9633-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11414-018-9633-8

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