By Adriana Christianson

Paperwork, process delaying mental health support to veterans

Nov 25, 2014 | 4:02 PM

Canada’s auditor general is calling out Veterans Affairs for the delay in getting veterans the mental health support they need in a report being welcomed by Wounded Warriors.

There are good federal services out there but it’s not easy for veterans and serving military members to access them, said Scott Maxwell, the executive director of Wounded Warriors. The non-profit and privately funded organization provides outside support to veterans coping with mental health issues such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD.)

Maxwell says the group is thrilled to see an in-depth report on issues like wait times and access to mental health services. 

“The long and difficult and complex process for these individuals trying to apply for the benefits that they are entitled to can set them back even further,” said Maxwell.

That point is also made by the auditor general in his report. The amount of paperwork required of veterans adds to the time they must wait to receive help. Wait times for clinics to get a referral for treatment can be up to three months. Meanwhile the government’s decision on whether to cover mental health treatment can take up to 32 weeks.

Community support

The Hunger Games return to Prince Albert

57m ago

Raiders win 5-3

Defensive scoring leads Raiders over Wheat Kings

8h ago

GST Holiday

Federal government's two-month GST holiday begins

Dec 14, 2024

Leaving people already struggling with mental health issues to wait for services can have serious impacts on their well-being, said Maxwell.

“It’s the bureaucratic side on the application and then on the delivery side. It’s the access and it’s the ability for these programs that do work and are helpful to deal with the amount of applications coming forward and the people that are in need of program support,” Maxwell said.

He says the government has been well aware of the consequences of these wait times but the auditor’s report flagged them in a more in-depth way.

“The government responded to them in advance of this report on the weekend, highlighting funding injections into these critical areas” Maxwell commented.

Maxwell is happy with new government funding to address things like access to programs and more support staff to handle demand. But he says there is always room for more improvement and they will have to wait to see how new funding actually plays out for programming over the next six years.

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow