West Virginia psychologist tells Senate vets need more mental health help

American Psychological Association, July 30, 2008

War veterans, especially those living in rural areas, need more accessible mental health services after a study in West Virginia showed many are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, a psychology professor told a U.S. Senate committee. Joseph Scotti of the WVU Department of Psychology testified before the U.S. Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee on the disadvantages West Virginia veterans are facing in the mental health realm. Scotti led a study that showed more than a third of West Virginia's veterans have mental health problems, higher than the national average of 22%.