Experts To Discuss Latest Advances In Veterans' Mental Health Treatment At Congressional Briefing

Traumatic brain injury, phantom limb pain, depression, ptsd, among topics

Released: 7/22/2013 10:35 AM EDT
Source Newsroom: American Psychological Association (APA)

WHAT:
Top mental health and medical experts from the Department of Veterans Affairs will present the latest research on treatments for various mental health issues that affect veterans at a congressional briefing hosted by the Friends of VA Medical Care and Health Research (FOVA).

WHO:
John R. McQuaid, PhD, associate chief of mental health for clinical administration at San Francisco VA Medical Center, clinical psychology professor at the University of California San Francisco, and American Psychological Association member, will discuss recent advances in cognitive behavioral therapy to treat veterans with issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression and phantom limb pain. He will also outline the importance of the VA research program to healthcare providers, veterans and the general public.

Daniel J. Gottlieb, MD, MPH, director of the Sleep Disorders Clinic at the VA Boston Healthcare System, associate professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, will address treatment for veterans with sleep apnea, a chronic disorder that causes pauses in breathing or shallow breaths during sleep.

WHERE:
House Committee on Veterans Affairs Hearing Room 334, Cannon House Office Building, New Jersey and Independence Avenues, SE, Washington, D.C.

WHEN:
Wednesday, July 24, 12 – 1:30 p.m.

BACKGROUND:
The American Psychological Association is an executive committee member of FOVA, a diverse coalition created to ensure that America's veterans receive high-quality health care. FOVA represents national academic, medical and scientific societies; voluntary health and patient advocacy groups; and veteran-focused associations. FOVA members regularly brief members of Congress on the funding needs of health care and research at the VA, raise awareness of VA's medical care and research programs and host special events that highlight VA research successes.
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The American Psychological Association, in Washington, D.C., is the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 134,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. Through its divisions in 54 subfields of psychology and affiliations with 60 state, territorial and Canadian provincial associations, APA works to advance the creation, communication and application of psychological knowledge to benefit society and improve people's lives.