Highlanders protect mental health

Photo By Bradley Clark | Mental health technicians, Senior Airman Stephanie DeVries and Senior Airman Courtney Weatherspoon work the front desk at the 732nd Combat Stress Control Detachment June 5, at Contingency Operating Base Adder, Iraq. The CSC has multiple experts to provide aid in many different areas of mental health concern.  

TALLIL, IRAQ

06.10.2009

Story by Spc. Bradley Clark 

4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE ADDER, Iraq - Soldiers in the U.S. Army do not suffer only physical injuries while deployed. Since 2003, leaders have increased mental health concern care for their troops.

Soldiers don't have to go it alone when dealing with any mental health issues that arise.

"Taking care of Soldiers health mentally and physically is the first step in accomplishing the brigade's mission," said Col. Peter A. Newell, 4th Brigade, 1st Armored Division "Highlanders" commander.

"Here at [Contingency Operating Base Adder], the Combat Stress Clinic services those with mental health concerns," said Capt. Chris Ackman, medical plans officer, 4th BCT, 1st Armd. Div.

"We want people to understand that our primary focus is on the health and welfare of our deployed personnel to enhance their wellness, provide effective coping skills and maintain mission focus," said Col. James Cockerill, commander, 732nd Combat Stress Control. "Getting care here is equal to or better than the care Soldiers would receive in a garrison environment."

Even though the closest CSC is located on COB Adder, Highlander Soldiers at other locations receive the same services.

"Currently the CSC sends a psychologist and tech out to [area operating bases] once or twice a month, working closely with command and medical assets out there to help Soldiers utilize that availability," said Ackman.

He added the CSC staff encourages commanders to assist their Soldiers by rotating them back from outlying locations to where the CSC assets are making scheduled visits.

The CSC has many experts available, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, nurse practitioners, and psych techs.

"Our psychiatrists have gone through medical school, with a special emphasis on psychotropic medications," said Ackman. "Our psychologists have gone through graduate school, emphasizing therapeutic techniques and clinical assessment. Social workers go through graduate school emphasizing therapy and case management. Nurse practitioners are trained for administration of psychotropic medications. Our psych techs have gone through [Advanced Individual Training] focused on behavioral health assessment and treatment. Bottom line, there is a wide variety of trainings and certifications," concluded Ackman.

With all the training the specialists have, they are able to provide the help to those who need it.

"Through good research and outcomes, we have responded and adapted to new mental health practices over the years," said Cockerill.

"What we do at the CSC serves as a gateway, steering each person who comes through to whichever type of provider and their specific skills most appropriate for the Soldiers desiring help," added Ackman.

• Date Taken: 06.10.2009
• Date Posted: 06.10.2009 04:15
• Story ID: 34815
• Location: TALLIL, IQ