PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Dr. Justin Pomerenke, Clinical Psychologist at NYU Langone Health Military Family Center
2:01:50
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133 sec
Dr. Justin Pomerenke from NYU Langone Health's Military Family Center testified about the center's work in providing mental health services to veterans and their families, particularly those dealing with PTSD. He highlighted the increasing demand for couples therapy and the need for better support and education for families of veterans with PTSD.
- The Military Family Center has treated over 4,000 veterans and family members since 2012
- There's a need for increased awareness of available programs and services for families supporting veterans with PTSD
- The center has seen a rise in couples therapy referrals, indicating a need for partner support
- More focus is needed on educating and supporting parents and siblings of younger veterans with PTSD
Justin Pomerenke
2:01:50
Good afternoon.
2:01:51
It's Newton, shareholders of the New York City Council Committee on Veterans And Mental Health Disabilities And Addiction.
2:01:57
I'm Doctor Justin Pomeranki, clinical psychologist, and assistant professor in the military family center at NYU and Ghosn Health.
2:02:04
Military family center was established in twenties though with the goal to fill in the gaps.
Robert F. Holden
2:02:08
Hold on, doctor.
2:02:09
One second.
2:02:10
We just have to get some noise out of the room.
2:02:15
Thank you.
2:02:15
Go ahead, Doctor.
2:02:16
I'm sorry for that.
Justin Pomerenke
2:02:17
That's no problem.
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We were established in 2012 with the goal to fill in the gaps in mental health services available to veterans and their families in the New York City area.
2:02:26
And since inception, the center has provided mental health treatment to more than 4000 veterans and their family members.
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We specialize in offering the gold standard evidence based treatments for PTSD, including prolonged exposure, cognitive processing therapy, among others.
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For partners and veterans with PTSD, we offer individual therapy as well as emotionally focused couples therapy.
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In recent years, we've seen a significant increase in couples therapy referrals in our clinic.
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Partners often haven't been well informed of their veterans PTSD diagnosis or feel they don't have adequate individual support in navigating common stressors related to their partners PTSD.
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It has often been difficult for them to access timely quality care.
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Would benefit from increased awareness of available programs and services to help them support the veteran in their life with PTSD.
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There should also be attention given to increasing accessibility of effective mental health care with culturally competent clinicians retrained in military culture and PTSD.
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Focus also needs to be given on better educating and supporting parents and siblings of veterans with PTSD.
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Existing mental health resources for loved ones of veterans, tend to be focused on spouses and children of veterans.
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Many of the veterans that we see in our clinic are younger and may still be living at home with parents and siblings.
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In conclusion, supporting the families of veterans with PTSD is essential for improving outcomes.
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Effective support systems consisting of family and friends who are educated on PTSD and emotionally supported themselves can lead to healthier family dynamics, better mental health outcomes, and overall resilience in navigating the challenges posed by PTSD.
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Thank you.
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Thank
Robert F. Holden
2:04:03
you, Doctor.
