Article Overview:

This article prepares medical assistants to support veterans’ mental health by understanding barriers to care, the role medical assistants play in treatment, and how vital healthcare systems and community support are in supporting veterans in treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify barriers veterans face when navigating the healthcare system and how this impacts veterans emotionally and physically.
• Explain the role of the medical assistant in identifying mental health concerns, administering screenings, and supporting veterans within the healthcare system.
• Recognize strategies healthcare systems and communities can implement to improve access to culturally competent, veteran-centered mental healthcare.