Veteran Mental Health

It’s estimated that about 20% of veterans struggle with a mental health condition like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Thomas A. Arzt, LCSW, BCD, in Miller Place, New York, is an experienced licensed clinical social worker who served in the United States Air Force (USAF) Medical Corp and provides veteran mental health services. Tom works with all veterans and the VA hospital medical community. To learn more about veteran mental health services, call the office or request an appointment online today.

What is veteran mental health?

Veteran mental health refers to the psychological well-being of a person who served in the military. War is a traumatic experience and can have long-term psychological effects. 

Many combat veterans struggle with trauma, developing mental health conditions like depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These mental health issues affect their civilian life, and they may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope.

Tom is an experienced mental health professional who works with veterans, helping them feel more like themselves.

Who needs veteran mental health?

Any veteran struggling with symptoms of depression or PTSD can benefit from mental health services. Veteran mental health helps returning vets process their experiences and recover from their trauma. 

Combat veterans may also suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that affect emotional and psychological well-being. A TBI occurs from a severe blow to the head or body, causing headaches, fatigue, memory problems, and mood changes.

What are veteran mental health services?

Tom provides assessments and therapy for veteran mental health.

Assessment

Before making any treatment recommendations, Tom conducts a thorough assessment so he fully understands your problems and goals. He uses the medical model for your assessment, providing him with a more holistic picture of your health.

During your assessment, Tom reviews your symptoms, medical and mental health history, and family history. He may also have you complete psychological assessments to better understand your current mental and emotional state.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT is an effective form of therapy used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions. Tom uses CBT to help you identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviors that affect how you feel and create healthy thoughts and behaviors to boost mood and well-being.

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a tool Tom uses in combination with psychotherapy to speed up the healing process. It was originally developed to treat PTSD in combat veterans. With EMDR, Tom has you engage in specific eye movements while you focus on traumatic memories.

EMDR aims to desensitize your brain to the traumatic memory, reducing related symptoms.

Tom is a Vietnam veteran and treats PTSD and all forms of trauma related to deployment and other sources. For compassionate veteran mental health care, call the office of Thomas A. Arzt, LCSW, BCD, or schedule an appointment online today.