Easing the Transition From Veteran to Civilian Life continued from page 16
IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS
Help-Seeking Strategies
• Explore the transition experience with veterans undergoing military-to-civilian career transition . Doing this can be helpful even if career counseling is not part of a mental health counselor ’ s skill set . Respondents in this study articulated these struggles through statements such as :
One significant finding from this research is that student veterans may be more likely to seek help for their career concerns compared to other issues they are concerned about . These findings support what we , as faculty members who teach career development to mental health students , regularly tell our students , based on experience as a career counselor : Career counseling is the “ socially acceptable ” form of counseling , meaning there is less stigma surrounding help-seeking for career concerns than other types of concerns . We also tell students that a mental health concern often underlies a presenting career concern . Suggestions for clinical mental health counselors :
• Consider exploring career concerns with veteran clients early in the relationship to introduce counseling and build trust and rapport . Once trust has been established , mental health counselors may introduce other topics , such as family or emotional concerns . It is equally important for career counselors without a mental health license to have referral resources to qualified clinical mental health counselors should mental health concerns arise during a career-focused session .
• Explore including a veteran ’ s spouse or partner in counseling or conducting collateral sessions , with appropriate permissions / consents . A second finding from the study indicates that veterans may be more likely to seek support from their spouse or partner before seeking help from other peers . While the veteran session content remains confidential , joint or collateral sessions may provide additional insight into the veteran ’ s experience and struggles during transition .
Career Transition
Suggestions for clinical mental health counselors :
Resources for Veterans
• Veterans Administration ( VA ) Mental Health Resources
• Department of Defense , Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program ( YRRP )
• Department of Defense , Military One Source , Transitioning to Civilian Life
• Department of Labor , Career One Stop , Veteran and Military Transition Center
“ The differences between military and civilian life are stark . Although that seems intuitive , the reality is hard to prepare for .” As one veteran put it :
No one tells you that separating from the military is the hardest part of being in the military . No one tells you that no one cares about what you did while you were in the military . No one tells you that your friends from high school have already written you out of their life and you probably will never be allowed back in . No one tells you that none of your training and certifications from the military will apply to anyone outside of the military .
• Help veteran clients explore their expectations for civilian living compared to their military lifestyle . Counselors can help military members and veterans prepare for or adapt to the differences between these two communities , including the sense of loss , grief , and disconnection described earlier .
• Connect military members and veterans to resources to help them plan for their transition and understand their benefits . The military transition and benefit programs can be complex and confusing , involving the veteran ’ s health , safety , and finances . Referring veterans to local resources knowledgeable in these areas — such as Veterans Service Officers , the VA , or campus VA representatives — can help student veterans navigate that transition .
Life Satisfaction
Suggestions for clinical mental health counselors :
• Explore veterans ’ expectations of civilian careers , what would constitute “ career satisfaction ,” and prepare for potential obstacles should life satisfaction not follow . Though in our study , student veterans ’ responses
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The Advocate Magazine 2025 , Issue # 1 American Mental Health Counselors Association ( AMHCA ) www . amhca . org 17