The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare has released a survey indicating that despite the enactment of the Veterans Mental Health Act, veterans still face significant barriers to accessing mental health and substance use treatment.

From the press release:

The survey finds that 90 percent of respondents currently provide mental health and substance use services to veterans, reservists and National Guard. Respondents serve an average of more than 70 veterans, service members and their families a month. Two-thirds of responding organizations have veterans on staff and some provide peer-to-peer support for veterans and service members.

Respondents cited the consequences of not meeting the needs of veterans, service members and their families. For example, Indiana received 69 calls from returning de-activated soldiers that involved suicide attempts during the first six months of 2009. Six of those returning service members ultimately died. Respondents in other states reported problems of domestic violence, divorce, homelessness, unemployment, and criminal justice system involvement.

To request survey from NCCBH: http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/cs/press_releases/survey_finds_barriers_to_veterans_and_mental_health

National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare. (2009). Veterans Mental Health Act still not implemented.