Two VA therapists are leading a virtual group to foster community and coping skills for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST). The group is helpful because of its virtual setting and powerful because it includes survivors of all genders.
Military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. VA provides Veterans and certain other former service members with free treatment for any physical or mental health conditions related to MST. However, some survivors of MST may have difficulties coming to a VA facility, sitting in a waiting room full of other Veterans or discussing trauma-related issues in person with a provider. Transportation and geographic barriers can also impact someone’s ability to engage in face-to-face care and connect with other survivors of MST.
For these reasons, some survivors of MST may avoid in-person therapy or support groups. But the Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) group uses telehealth to help Veterans and former service members overcome these obstacles to care and heal from their trauma. STAIR can also provide them with the skills they need to be more comfortable with in-person medical and mental health services at VA facilities.
Telehealth offers a new way to support survivors of MST
Dr. Sari Gold, psychologist and program manager at the VISN 20 Clinical Resource Hub based at Boise VA, leads the STAIR group for survivors of MST. Her partner in the project is Michele Keller, program manager for outpatient substance use disorders with Montana VA.
Gold has been working with survivors of MST her entire career. She has been using telehealth to treat Veterans since 2012. “Telehealth can be a really powerful way of getting care to people who wouldn’t have otherwise had access to it,” Gold said.
The STAIR group is open to survivors of MST in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Washington and Montana. The members must receive a referral to the group from a mental health or primary care provider. All topics and information shared are completely private and confidential.
The group aims to build skills that help participants engage in trauma-focused therapy. It provides a safe space for MST survivors to support each other in their healing process and it reinforces that they are not alone.
Diversity leads to positive change among group members
The group’s geographical and gender diversity fosters connections among the survivors. Members gain a wider perspective from fellow participants from different regions and cultures. Some group members share how they apply the skills they’ve learned in their communities. In this way, the group offers healing in a way not always seen in traditional in-person group therapy.
“The virtual aspect can offer a gradual exposure to the gender identity of the perpetrator. It may ease survivors into interacting effectively with people of that gender identity,” Gold said.
Telehealth furthers Veterans’ healing journey
VA offers many effective therapies to help survivors heal from the impact of MST. However, some survivors are not ready to engage in one-on-one therapy or treatment that involves addressing memories of trauma directly. The STAIR group can help by teaching survivors of MST skills to manage difficult emotions and communicate effectively with others.
When survivors of MST gain confidence in their skills, they are often ready to take the next step in their healing journey. For some, this may involve discussing and processing the memories of their experiences. Survivors of MST may also start feeling more comfortable with in-person care at VA facilities. They can use their skills to feel more comfortable and participate more effectively in other treatments.
“It’s been really beautiful to be a part of and encourage a process of connection and healing. There’s something really valuable about connecting with people who’ve been through something that you feel so alone with,” she added.
Learn more about MST and treatment options for survivors.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, call 988. You’ll be connected with one of our caring qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of the responders are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free and available 24/7.
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Hi Fellow Veterans. You can go to VA.gov and search MST. This will bring up all the information in regards to MST and how to access services. You can also contact your local VA and ask for the MST Coordinator and if any problems there ask to speak to a patient advocate to assist you further. Additionally you can contact your nearest Vet Center which are counseling offices for veterans and they can assist. You can always call the national line at 18006982411. There are group counseling programs and I know that many counselors conduct individual telehealth sessions. I’m sure this will help.
Thank you for your helpful suggestions, Leigh Ann. We wanted to provide additional links to assist Veterans in accessing MST-related care in case this is helpful. For questions about treatment and health care options related to MST, Veterans can talk with their VA health care provider or contact the VHA MST Coordinator at the VA health care facility closest to them. You can also visit VA’s mental health MST website at http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/MST to learn more about the MST-related care offered at VA, including treatment by telehealth, or contact VA online through Ask VA.
VA provides free treatment for any physical or mental health conditions related to your experiences of MST. You don’t need proof of the MST experiences or a VA disability rating to get this care.
Can a Veteran from another state attend the MST STAIR group since there is not one in Indiana that I know of? Thank you.
Terry, thank you for your question. At this time, this specific virtual STAIR group is open to MST survivors in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana. However, all VA medical facilities offer MST-related care, often including virtual options for care, including STAIR therapy or other MST-related groups. For questions about accessing MST-related care, Veterans can talk with their VA health care provider or contact the VHA MST Coordinator at the VA health care facility closest to them. You can also visit VA’s MST mental health website to find additional resources related to MST, including treatment by telehealth, or contact VA online through Ask VA.
VA provides free treatment for any physical or mental health conditions related to your experiences of MST. You don’t need proof of the MST experiences or a VA disability rating to get care.
Is there programs all over the US for MST?
Yes. I believe every primary care clinic or at least mental health clinic has a MST liaison/representative.
Thank you for your question, Mary. We are so sorry to hear about your experience while serving your country. Please know that you are not alone. All VA medical facilities offer MST-related care, often including virtual options for care, and many offer STAIR or other MST-related groups as well. For help accessing MST-related care, you can talk with your VA health care provider or contact the VHA MST Coordinator at the VA health care facility closest to you. You can also visit VA’s mental health MST website to find additional resources related to MST, including treatment by telehealth, or contact VA online through Ask VA. Finally, you may want to try VA’s free, secure mobile app called Beyond MST. It includes over 30 specialized tools and other features to help MST survivors cope with challenges, manage symptoms, improve their quality of life and find hope. Those who use it do not need to create an account or be in treatment, and any personal information entered in the app is not shared with anyone, including VA.
As a reminder, VA provides free treatment for any physical or mental health conditions related to your experiences of MST. You don’t need proof of the MST experiences or a VA disability rating to get care.
I was interested in this article because I’m a MST survivor. But this doesn’t offer help in the south. Is there programs?
MST or Military Sexual Trauma is not accurately defined here; and I am requesting a reference to the official source for defining in accordance with Code of Federal Regulation or Uniformed Code of Military Justice; DOD, EEOC, SAPRO and other related government policy relating to the enlistment or commission of service members.
Title 38, USC VA Directive 65071a – given by Elliot was very helpful and transferred me to Public Affairs.
Dr. Sari Gold does not provide inaccurate information and that is confusing for a provider in identifying specific symptoms or to assess, screen, diagnose or treat effectively.
I call this number provided 1-800-698-2411 and spoke to Elliot after several prompts and not easy to navigate. I was required to provide my Social Security number which I am being informed is by law, but there is no law for providing the information that could affect a person’s life who has been victim to military sexual trauma. What are the screening tools? What is the diagnosis and clinical approach to addressing those who report MST.
8666513180 was provided Office of Connected Care – there are so many layers of barriers to connecting to any person and no information for getting to the MST Telehealth or is there any access for an MST to give feedback without tremendous challenges.
Thank you for your comment, Cathy. As mentioned in the article, military sexual trauma (MST) is the term VA uses to refer to sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service. This does differ from the DoD definition of sexual assault, as VA has its own regulations. The VA definition of MST is intended to be broad and inclusive, and VA provides free treatment for any physical or mental health conditions that are related to a Veteran’s experiences of MST. You don’t need proof of the MST experiences or a VA disability rating to receive this care.
We are sorry about your difficulties accessing assistance. Every VA medical facility has an MST Coordinator, a primary point of contact for questions about MST and accessing MST-related care. A directory of VHA MST Coordinators is available online. You can also visit VA’s mental health MST website to learn more about the VA definition of MST, treatment for MST-related conditions available at VA (including telehealth treatment), and other MST-related resources.
Why isn’t this being implemented throughout the entire VA system?
And why aren’t all MST patients being offered these programs? Is shouldn’t just have to come from a referral.
I’m certain a lot if not most MST patients aren’t discussing and or requesting such services with their providers due to shame, etc.
We appreciate your comment. At this time, this particular virtual STAIR group is open to MST survivors in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana. However, all VA medical facilities offer MST-related, often including virtual options for care, and many offer STAIR or other MST-related groups as well. For help accessing this MST-related care, Veterans can talk with their VA health care provider if they are comfortable doing so, or they can contact the VHA MST Coordinator at the VA health care facility closest to them. You can also visit VA’s mental health MST website to find additional resources related to MST or contact VA online through Ask VA. Finally, some individuals who have experienced MST may want to try VA’s free, secure mobile app called Beyond MST. It includes over 30 specialized tools and other features to help MST survivors cope with challenges, manage symptoms, improve their quality of life and find hope. Those who use it do not need to create an account or be in treatment, and any personal information entered in the app is not shared with anyone, including VA.
Hello
Do you have examples of ex military that have been helped? Or is this just a “program. “?
Hi Jeff,
Great question.
I am speaking to a “Contracted” worker in Connected Care which is a civilian or IT Helpdesk, who is unfamiliar with Treva Lutes who wrote the article.
I am on the line with someone who has no idea what the VA is or how to communicate within the VA and offered no assistance. His name is David.
Michael Best who is the Supervisor of Connector Care is a contractor and has no information about the VA – and no information can be provided about veterans or the VA of the article.
I am very sorry to hear about your difficulties finding out additional information. Every VA medical facility has an MST Coordinator, and they are the primary point of contact to answer questions about MST and accessing MST-related care at VA. You can look up and contact the VHA MST Coordinator near your location. You can also visit VA’s mental health MST website to learn more or contact VA online through Ask VA.
Thank you for your comment, Jeff. This virtual STAIR group is currently available to Veterans currently in VA care with a referral in Alaska, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, and Montana. Our goal is to share details about this helpful group for MST survivors, but all information about Veterans attending the group and information shared in it is private and confidential. However, you can watch videos of Veterans sharing their experiences of benefitting from different kinds of treatment for conditions related to MST at these two websites: http://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/military-sexual-trauma/ and http://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/aboutface/military-sexual-trauma/.