Rutgers GSAPP leads weekly group therapy sessions for veterans

The Anxiety Disorders Clinic (ADC) at the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology has begun offering veterans in-person weekly group therapy sessions.

Andrea Quinn, director of the ADC, said this program meets every Wednesday afternoon and focuses on trauma relief for veterans. She said that Vietnam-era veterans have had consistent attendance at these sessions so far.

"I’ve also heard many veterans discuss their sense of comfort in talking with and more generally, just being around other veterans and so groups can be an important source of support," Quinn said. "The camaraderie and mutual understanding between veterans is powerful to observe."

She said that veterans and active-duty service members face the risk of developing conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. During the program's meetings, veterans will develop skills to manage such conditions and have the opportunity to learn more about the healthcare options available to them.

Quinn said the ADC is able to help veterans and their families at no cost through a contract they have with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Rutgers students that are veterans and under the University insurance plan can be eligible for low or no-cost services.

"The ADC is a training clinic and our service providers and graduate students in Rutgers doctoral programs ... are supervised by a licensed psychologist," she said. "Because we are a training clinic, we are able to offer services at a reduced fee as compared to most mental health practices in the community."

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported that 7 out of every 100 veterans will suffer from PTSD, and research shows PTSD is three times more likely to occur in deployed veterans compared to those who were not deployed into combat.

The percentage of veterans who suffer from PTSD also varies depending on the time period when they served, according to the report.

The research showed that 29 percent of veterans who served in Iraq experienced PTSD at some point in their lifetime, whereas only 21 percent of veterans from the Persian Gulf War experienced PTSD in their lifetime. It was noted in the report that these numbers only reflect those who are still living.

"A significant percentage of veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts experienced traumatic brain injury," Quinn said. "Traumatic brain injury is associated with elevated risk for PTSD and depression, with increased risk of suicidal ideation."

Quinn said the ADC partners with the Rutgers Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services, also known as the Vet House, to advertise its services to Rutgers students and the neighboring community.

The Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services helps veterans and other military personnel adjust back to civilian life through various programs that focus on their well-being.