This project looks at post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. There are a number of reasons why someone might develop PTSD, such as battle trauma, military sexual assault, or underlying mental health problems. PTSD symptoms can persist for years after veterans return home, and can continue to affect relationships, employment, daily life, and general health. PTSD is not only an obstacle for the affected person; it is also a public health concern that can affect families, communities, and healthcare systems.

While veteran mental health has gotten increased attention in the last several years, many veterans still face barriers to receiving care. Veterans may not get help due to perceived stigma associated with mental health issues, or because they are worried about how mental health problems are seen in the military community. Individuals may not be diagnosed due to insufficient screenings or because they don't accurately disclose their symptoms. These obstacles may delay treatment and hinder recovery. 

We will apply the PERIE framework (i.e., Problem, Etiology, Recommendations, Implementation, and Evaluation) to address the problem of PTSD among military veterans. We will look at the main risk factors linked to PTSD, as well as barriers that may prevent veterans from accessing appropriate care, and will identify evidence-based strategies that may support earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment. We will outline a feasible plan for how these strategies could be put into practice in real-world settings, followed by an evaluation plan to assess their effectiveness in improving outcomes for veterans experiencing PTSD.