An overlooked population: Addressing the urgent mental health needs of post-9/11 caregivers of military service members and Veterans

Abstract

Introduction: Caregivers of post-9/11 military service members and Veterans (SMVs) face significant stress and mental health challenges, such as experiencing elevated depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Targeted treatment options for these caregivers are limited. UCLA Health Operation Mend offers an option for caregivers to participate alongside their SMV in a PTSD intensive treatment program (ITP). Caregivers participate in nearly all aspects of the program (e.g., cognitive training, art therapy, qigong) except individual trauma-focused psychotherapy, attending a caregiver psychotherapy group instead. This longitudinal, observational study evaluates the effects of this program on caregivers’ mental health symptoms. Methods: Between 2016 and 2023, 181 caregivers participated in the PTSD ITP with their SMVs, with 175 included in the analysis. Caregivers completed self-report surveys at the beginning and completion of the program, and at 3, 6, and 12 months post-completion. Results: On average, caregivers experienced significant reductions in depressive and PTSD symptoms immediately after program completion, with improvements lasting up to one year. Importantly, this improvement was also true for caregivers with clinically elevated symptoms at baseline, who fell below the clinical threshold at program completion and follow-ups. Dropout rates were under 5%, and caregivers reported high levels of satisfaction with the program. Discussion: To date, little research has described post-9/11 caregivers’ mental health needs, with few programs specifically addressing these needs. The outcomes highlight the necessity of expanding mental health services for this group. Future research should address best practices for assessment and treatment of mental health symptoms in caregivers and investigate the impact on the family system.