Date

12-4-2025

Department

School of Health Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (PhD)

Chair

Beth Sexton

Keywords

veteran, VA services, civilian services, trauma, access, stigma

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

Abstract

This phenomenological investigation aimed to describe and interpret the experiences of veterans who received mental health care from veterans at Veterans Administration (VA) facilities and civilian healthcare providers in the Mid-Atlantic region. The investigation examined the complex issues veterans encounter when accessing mental healthcare through both VA services and civilian providers. The research investigated veterans' views on essential elements such as trustworthiness, cultural competence within care systems, accessibility to services, and the quality of therapeutic relationships. The framework helped us comprehend how veterans’ attitudes, together with their subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, shape their decisions about using mental health services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data that allowed veterans to express their personal experiences and perceptions directly. The interviews explored what veterans experienced in terms of service satisfaction, plus the obstacles and supports they found in each system. Researchers used thematic analysis with NVivo software to discover patterned themes and create detailed narratives about veterans' mental health care experiences. The robust qualitative methodology sought to boost veterans' voices while aiding the creation of improved mental health services tailored to veterans.

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