Postdeployment Experiences of Military Mental Health Providers

Abstract

The deployment experiences of military mental health providers (MMHP) since September 2001 have been largely unexamined. MMHP are an integral part to the military health system and play a key role in maintaining a fit fighting force. MMHP deploy and are expected to help others manage their deployment experiences while being faced with their own emotional challenges during deployment and while transitioning home. This study examines two questions: First, how do MMHP experience reintegration to their families and jobs after being deployed, and second, how do MMHP assess and cope with their own postdeployment issues. In this study, 27 mental health professionals including social workers, psychiatrist, and psychologist were interviewed to examine their deployment and postdeployment experiences. Results indicated 81% of MMHP recognized some level of dysfunction in their lives, at home, at work, or at both, upon their return from deployment. The ability for MMHP to manage their own reintegration issues has significance for their own personal well-being as well as their ability to provide specialized care for others. Attention needs to be given to how MMHP are supported postdeployment and possibly tailor a transitional process for postdeployment reintegration based on the unique nature of their work.