Preparing MSW Students to Provide Mental and Behavioral Health Services to Military Personnel, Veterans, and their Families in Rural Settings

The prevalence of mental health disorders constitutes a nationwide public health crisis. Estimates suggest that more than 90 million people live in areas designated mental health professional shortage areas, with almost 6,000 additional practitioners needed to meet the service needs in these areas. Military personnel and veterans have greater mental health needs compared to the general population. As social workers and other professions strive to fill the shortage of practitioners prepared to provide mental health services to military personnel, veterans, and their families, graduate programs that offer targeted training in this area of practice are critically needed. This article describes the implementation of a specialized master’s of social work training program supported by a Mental and Behavioral Health Education and Training grant.