Online Therapy Available to Veterans

IraqWarVeterans.org offers access to mental health services to veterans through MyTherapyNet.com

For Immediate Release—Woodland Hills, California, March 12, 2007—As of March 12, 2007, MyTherapyNet.com is collaborating with the Iraq War Veterans Organization to provide access to Online Therapy. Visitors of the website, Iraqwarveterans.org may use http://www.iraqwarveterans.org/online_therapy.htm as the gateway to MyTherapyNet.com/veterans where they may access help for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and other mental health issues. 

This collaboration answers the current need to deliver mental health services to veterans and acting military that are not willing or able to get help in person. MyTherapyNet.com provides licensed psychotherapists with the technology necessary to conduct therapy via the Internet. Whether they live too far from a VA clinic, are homebound, in combat or may be uncomfortable talking to a therapist in person, veterans and acting military that are afforded this option may get help discreetly and conveniently from any location anywhere around the world…

Russell Terry, a veteran himself and CEO of the Iraq War Veterans Organization, states, “Online Therapy is not intended to replace the mental health services offered through the Department of Veterans Administration. It is a great option for veterans and acting military, especially the younger ones who are already comfortable chatting over the Internet. The anonymity and convenience to receive help 24/7; 365 days a year is an added plus.”

Online Therapy is effective for many of the mental health issues’ impacting today’s returning service members, including PTSD. According to Dr. Kathleene Derrig-Palumbo, CEO of MyTherapyNet.com, “Many veterans seek therapy for these issues; unfortunately, other veterans need to, but don't. Veterans benefit from receiving help when they return home instead of being rushed into society without help.” She adds, “The only way to recover from PTSD is to process what happened by talking about it. Although medication may be necessary, it only provides symptom relief. Veterans need to talk to a counselor and be part of a support group both may be done online.”

Terry agrees but admits, “The VA mental health system is overwhelmed and there may not be enough therapists to handle the current need. I know veterans who are waiting for appointments and are dealing with doctors who have no concept of PTSD. We know that the VA is committed to ensuring that everyone returning from deployment receives the mental health care they need, but there appears to be a shortage of help for PTSD. Our collaboration with MyTherapyNet may be one answer to this shortage.”

Terry is also troubled by the recent findings released by the American Psychological Association (APA) pointing to how mental health stigma often prevents Veterans from seeking help face-to-face. According to Terry,  “Stigma is a concern for our veterans and active military and it doesn’t surprise me that the APA reports more than three out of 10 soldiers met the criteria for a "mental disorder," but far less than half of those in need sought help.”

MyTherapyNet’s goal is to offer a solution for veterans not seeking help because of stigma. According to Gregory Palumbo, President of MyTherapyNet.com, “We are concerned that veterans may not seek help because of the stigma associated with having mental health problems. We have therapists experienced in PTSD, family issues and the psychological repercussions of being exposed to the images of war. Our services offer additional support to the VA mental health system and may help veterans who need mental health care but never receive it because they are too embarrassed to make in-person contact with a therapist. We also welcome VA mental health providers to use our system to help their clients.”

About IraqWarVeterans.org

Founded by Russell K. Terry and William T. Hutchison, The Iraq War Veterans Organization provides information and support for Operation Iraqi Freedom Veterans, Global War on Terror Veterans, Operation Enduring Freedom Veterans, active military personnel and family members. They offer assistance related to pre-deployment, deployment, and post-deployment issues, information about PTSD, Health issues and Veterans Benefits.

About MyTherapyNet.com

MyTherapyNet.com, the nation’s premier Online Therapy mental health service provider since 2000, continues to provide secure, confidential, and effective mental health services over the Internet, ensuring a greater number people receive the support they need and deserve. MyTherapyNet.com therapists offer various specialties and expertise providing therapy services online or by telephone via MyTherapyNet.com’s proprietary instant messaging and Voice over IP technology.