“I don’t want a handout, I want a hand”: Exploring Mental Health Service Engagement among Partners of Veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

This study incorporated ecological systems theory, systems of care, and social justice principles to explore mental health service engagement among partners of veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PoPVs). Using the exploratory method of the Enhanced Critical Incident Technique, 16 PoPVs were interviewed about the factors that hindered, facilitated, or would have facilitated, mental health service engagement. Data analysis revealed 13 categories: (a) Beliefs and Attitudes; (b) Skills, Competencies, and Roles; (c) Veteran’s State of Readiness; (d) Support from Peers/Family; (e) Media and Communication Technology; (f) Support from First-Contact Care; (g) Health Care System Management; (h) Service Characteristics; (i) Institutional Accountability and Transparency; (j) Cultural and Organizational Influences; (k) Family-Centred Care; (l) Provider Expertise/Competencies; and (m) Therapeutic Alliance and Change. The findings are discussed in relation to the literature on PoPVs’ and PTSD-affected military and veteran families. Recommendations for key stakeholders involved in the care of PTSD-affected veteran families are offered.