Citation

Kotzias V, Engel CC, Ramchand R, Ayer L, Predmore Z, Ebener P, Haas GL, Kemp JE, Karras E. J. Behav. Health Serv. Res. 2019; 46(1): 29-42.

Affiliation

VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Department of Veterans Affairs, 400 Fort Hill Ave, Canandaigua, NY, 14424, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Association of Behavioral Healthcare Management, Publisher Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s11414-018-9635-6

PMID

30298442

Abstract

Women military veterans are at increased risk of suicide compared to non-veterans, but little is known about the mental health service preferences and needs of women veterans in crisis. This study used qualitative, secondary source key informant interviews to ascertain the experiences of women veterans in crisis from 54 responders working at the Veterans Crisis Line. Responders indicated that women veterans reported different experiences with Veterans Administration (VA) and non-VA care, though drivers of satisfaction or dissatisfaction were similar. Availability of specialty care, sensitivity to veterans' issues or Military Sexual Trauma, strong provider relationships, and continuity of care contributed to satisfaction; lengthy appointment wait times, limited service options, and insensitivity to veterans' issues contributed to dissatisfaction. Responders suggested that barriers limiting VA access for women veterans are perceived as similar to non-VA care.

FINDINGS suggest that caller experiences with providers drive satisfaction with VA and non-VA mental health services.

Language: en