Returning Troops Seeking, Straining Mental Health Services
With the formal end of combat operations in Iraq now in effect, soldiers are returning to the states in droves.
Many of them are trying to adjust to a life that doesn’t involve IEDs, assault weapons, extreme conditions and violence.
While Fort Bliss offers services to help soldiers adjust to civilian life, there has been an overflow of requests for help.
The post is sending dozens of soldiers to El Paso’s mental health care centers to find therapists who will listen to their problems and help guide them back to a normal life.
“We recently have begun seeing a lot of referrals from the military,” Richard Salcido, Executive Director of Family Service of El Paso, told ABC-7.
Salcido said therapists in his office have already met with 30 soldiers since July. FSEP generally helps 200 borderland residents a month.
“This is only the beginning, this big wave of soldiers coming back from Iraq,” Salcido said.
“You still have troops coming back from Afghanistan, and they’re returning with the same type of problems.”
The type of help FSEP offers is anything from marriage counseling to recovery from trauma. The therapists on hand can only offer advice and guidance; they are not allowed to issue medication.
Salcido said since FSEP has begun helping soldiers, it has impacted the center greatly.
“It’s been a burden on our therapists,” he admitted.
“We’re having to extend their hours. And it’s been a financial drain on us,” Salcido added.
“And it also might have kept some of our regular clients coming in the doors because we’re so full.”
FSEP works with United Way of El Paso and operates on grants, contracts and donations.
It’s hosting a fundraiser Friday, November 5, called “Help Our Heroes Heal.”
It will be at Bingo Plus at 6369 Montana.
Call Salcido at 781-9900 for more information.
