Caring for Women Veterans

Those service providers who deliver behavioral healthcare to Veterans most often work with men. Yet there are approximately 60,000 women Veterans in the state of Washington and women represent the fastest growing segment of the Veteran population.  This training will provide information about women veterans, including demographic characteristics, common clinical problems, and experiences during military service and civilian life that may bear on these clinical issues. Improved understanding of the experiences of women Veterans can provide a firmer foundation for competent and patient-centered care. Gender-specific care issues and the importance of trauma-sensitivity will be addressed.  

Training Objectives:

1) identify one or more demographic characteristics of women Veterans

2) describe 2 or more stressors commonly experienced by women Veterans

3) identify 2 or more clinical problems and diagnoses frequently experienced by women Veterans

4) describe an example of gender sensitivity or trauma sensitivity in culturally competent care of women Veterans