title: Supporting the education goals of post-9/11 veterans with self-reported PTSD symptoms: a needs assessment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The influx of young adult veterans with mental health challenges from recent wars combined with newly expanded veteran education benefits has highlighted the need for a supported education service within the Veterans Administration. However, it is unknown how such a service should be designed to best respond to these needs. This study undertook a qualitative needs assessment for education supports among veterans with post-9/11 service with self-reported PTSD symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  Focus groups were held with 31 veterans, 54% of whom were under age 30. Transcripts were analyzed and interpreted using a thematic approach and a Participatory Action Research team.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Findings indicate a need for age relevant services that assist with: education planning and access, counseling for the G.I. Bill, accommodations for PTSD symptoms, community and family re-integration, and outreach and support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The veterans recommended that supported education be integrated with the delivery of mental health services, that services have varied intensity, and there be linkages between colleges and the Veterans Health Administration.
authors.affiliation: University of Massachusetts Medical School, Bedford, MA, USA. Marsha.Ellison@umassmed.edu
authors.forename: Marsha Langer
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Ellison
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mueller
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Smelson
authors.forename: Patrick W
authors.initials: PW
authors.lastname: Corrigan
authors.forename: Rosalie A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Torres Stone
authors.forename: Barbara G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Bokhour
authors.forename: Lisa M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Najavits
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Vessella
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Drebing
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration; D003376:Counseling; D004522:Educational Status; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D020380:Needs Assessment; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014146:Training Support / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology; D058014:Veterans Health; D014830:Vocational Guidance