There is an increasing shift toward outsourcing veteran care that is largely being driven by staffing shortages and growing demand within the VA system. As vacancies remain unfilled and access to care becomes more challenging, more veterans are being referred to community providers outside the VA. While this approach can help reduce wait times and expand access to services, many community providers have not received the specialized training that veterans often need. Military culture is unique, and understanding the experiences of service members goes far beyond knowing clinical interventions. Veterans facing challenges related to combat trauma and transition to civilian life benefit from working with clinicians who understand the context of their experiences and the culture in which those experiences occurred.
This does not mean that community care cannot be effective. In many areas, community providers are helping improve access to services and ensuring veterans can receive care closer to home. The challenge is ensuring that veterans continue to receive care from clinicians who are culturally competent and knowledgeable about military service. Without that foundation, important aspects of a veteran’s story can be misunderstood, overlooked, or difficult to fully address in treatment.
Here at Labyrinth, we are committed to helping fill that gap. Our team understands the importance of military cultural competency and recognizes that effective care for veterans requires more than traditional clinical training alone. By combining evidence-based treatment with an understanding of military service, combat-related trauma, and the unique strengths and challenges veterans bring to therapy, we strive to provide a place where veterans feel understood, respected, and supported in their recovery and growth.
Derrick Higgs, MSW, LCSW
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