University to Boost Mental Health Services for Student Veterans

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – As campuses across the country prepare to serve an influx of students who are veterans, the University of Arkansas continues to take stock of programs and services to meet the varied needs of these students as outlined by the University of Arkansas Veterans Task Force.

Counseling and Psychological Services in the Pat Walker Health Center at the university is the primary mental health resource for students on campus, and this department is seeking to obtain additional expertise on their staff to meet the needs of student veterans.

“We know that transitions of any kind can be difficult and stressful, and one would not expect the transition from military life to student life to be any different,” said Josette Cline, a licensed counselor who is assistant director of Counseling and Psychological Services. 

Cline was one of several members of the University of Arkansas Veterans Task Force convened by Chancellor G. David Gearhart earlier this year. That task force made 19 recommendations that would help veterans on this campus.

“The Veteran’s Task Force identified several issues that make life difficult for student veterans and made recommendations for how to help break down these barriers,” Gearhart said. “I am pleased that staff in Student Affairs have continued to make progress attending to the needs of student veterans.”

Issue 13 in the task force report states: “There is a need for more mental health services for veterans in order to address disability issues.”

“While most veterans experience mild to moderate readjustment issues following their separation from military service, research indicates that a small percentage of veterans will experience more serious issues,” Cline said. “These can include depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, or the aftereffects of traumatic brain injury. Increased CAPS staffing to serve student veterans is evidence of the commitment this campus community is making to serve our student veterans.”

In June, the university announced it was opening the Veterans Resource and Information Center in the Arkansas Union.

“I am excited that other departments on campus have been eager to help our student veterans succeed,” said Erika Gamboa, director of the Veterans Resource and Information Center. “I believe that the addition of an experienced mental health counselor focusing on veteran issues will not only benefit student veterans but the university as a whole to better understand these very complex issues.”