The big picture

The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System’s PTSD Clinic serves approximately 1,000 veterans annually, providing specialized diagnosis and treatment for those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Why it matters

 Many veterans like Scott Tabish wait decades before seeking help for PTSD symptoms that significantly impact their quality of life, relationships, and ability to work.

From Combat to Civilian Life: A Difficult Transition

Scott Tabish was just 19 when he went to Vietnam, spending 11 months in combat where he and his fellow soldiers doubted they would survive.

“When I came back from Vietnam, I was in a combat zone one day and two days later I was home. For two years, I was pretty much withdrawn from family and even friends… Back then, there was no such thing as PTSD that I was ever aware of.” —Scott Tabish, Vietnam Veteran

Now, 50 years after returning home, Scott is receiving treatment through the PTSD Clinic.

Evidence-Based Treatment Options

The clinic offers several therapy types endorsed by trauma research groups and the VA Department of Defense including:

• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
• Peer support programs
• Equine therapy
• Telehealth options for remote treatment

Dr. Tom Mullen, program manager and section chief, explains that veterans typically seek help when past experiences begin severely affecting their daily lives.

“It really makes it difficult for them to do the important things in their life like engage with their family, go to work, do the important meaningful things in their life.” —Dr. Tom Mullen

Results Worth the Effort

While treatment requires commitment, the outcomes can be transformative:

• Approximately 50% of veterans who complete evidence-based treatment no longer meet criteria for PTSD diagnosis
• Telehealth options make treatment more accessible for veterans

Scott chose Cognitive Processing Therapy through the VA’s telehealth program. Though challenging, he describes the results as “life changing.”

“I’d say don’t wait 50 years. If there’s an opportunity to prevent what I’ve gone through with my family so you don’t have to go through it, this is it.” —Scott Tabish

The bottom line

The clinic has showsn that with proper treatment and support, recovery from PTSD is possible, even decades after traumatic experiences.

For more information about the PTSD Clinic, visit their website: https://www.va.gov/salt-lake-city-vet-center/#:~:text=We offer confidential help for,in VA and your community.