This announcement is published on behalf of the ABPP’s Psychologists in Public Service Committee, which is dedicated to supporting psychologists in public service. Learn more about careers for specialists in public service.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD Consultation Program offers valuable resources for clinicians and professionals working with Veterans experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). This program provides expert consultation to clinicians in order to enhance the understanding, evaluation, and treatment of PTSD. Each request is carefully assigned to an expert clinician that is best suited to address the provider’s specific questions. These consultations can be conducted via phone, video conferencing, or email, providing flexible and accessible support options for busy clinicians. The PTSD Consultation Program also provides an informative lecture series on a wide range of topics relevant to PTSD. These webinars provide free Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for psychologists. These lectures take place once a month, and past sessions are recorded and posted on the website for convenience and ongoing learning.
Below we ask questions about the PTSD Consultation Program to Dr. Diana Mendez, PhD, ABPP, board-certified Behavioral and Cognitive Psychologist. Responses have been edited for length and clarity.
1. What are some of the common questions or issues that mental health providers seek consultation for?
Mental health providers seek consultation from the PTSD Consultation Program for a variety of questions and issues. These frequently include inquiries related to assessment, such as clarifications on Criterion A and how it pertains to diagnosing PTSD. Providers also seek guidance on treating PTSD when comorbid conditions that often accompany PTSD are present, such as depression, substance use disorders, and complex personality presentations. Case conceptualization is another significant area of interest, where clinicians look for guidance on understanding and integrating complex patient histories and symptoms into a treatment plan that aligns with the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD (2023). Additionally, providers sometimes encounter complexities when delivering Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) for PTSD, and they turn to the Consultation Program for strategies to overcome these challenges and enhance treatment efficacy. By addressing these common questions, the PTSD Consultation Program plays a pivotal role in supporting clinicians in delivering high-quality mental health care to Veterans within VA and in the community.
2. What kinds of expertise do the National Center for PTSD consultants provide?
The PTSD Consultation Program consists of a multi-disciplinary team of consultants that offer a diverse range of expertise. Our staff includes professionals from the fields of clinical psychology, psychiatry, and social work. These experts provide comprehensive support in the areas of assessment, trauma-informed care, evidence-based psychotherapies, and pharmacological and other biological treatments. The center’s consultants also offer training on PTSD diagnosis and best practices. This multi-faceted expertise enables the National Center for PTSD to address the complex needs associated with trauma and mental health, promoting PTSD recovery among veterans.
3. Is there anything else you would like us to know about your services?
In addition to the PTSD Consultation Program, VA’s National Center for PTSD offers a wealth of resources available through our website, which is designed to support clinicians, veterans, and their families. These resources include psychoeducational materials that cover a wide range of topics related to PTSD. We also offer free mobile phone applications such as PTSD Coach (e.g., offers tools for symptom management and coping), other apps tailored to specific needs like mindfulness and stress reduction, as well as treatment companions (e.g., PE, CPT). The NCPTSD website also features educational videos that address key issues related to PTSD and evidence-based treatments for PTSD. One of our resources is AboutFace, a series of video interviews with veterans who share their personal experiences with PTSD and their paths to recovery. This platform serves as a powerful source of inspiration and understanding, offering hope and practical insights for other veterans, their families, and health care providers.
We invite you to explore these resources to further support your endeavors in treating veterans with PTSD, ensuring that you have access to the latest information and tools necessary to deliver the best possible care.
4. Dr. Mendez, we understand that you are ABPP Board Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology. How has board certification contributed to your professional activities?
Obtaining ABPP Board Certification in Behavioral & Cognitive Psychology has significantly enhanced my professional activities in several ways. Firstly, being board certified has elevated my credibility and recognition within the field, affirming my commitment to maintaining the highest standards of psychology professional practice. Furthermore, the rigorous process of achieving board certification deepened my knowledge and skills in behavioral and cognitive psychology, which are foundational in evidence-based treatments for PTSD. This has directly improved the quality of care I provide to my clients, as well as my consultation skills. Board certification has also facilitated my involvement in professional organizations and networks, allowing me to collaborate with other highly-qualified professionals.
5. What do you see as some of the common goals for the National Center for PTSD and ABPP?
Although not partners, the National Center for PTSD and the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) share common goals of promoting evidence-based practice, improving patient outcomes, and advancing professional education. These shared objectives contribute to their mutual mission of enhancing the quality and efficacy of mental health services.
Both organizations prioritize promoting evidence-based practice. The National Center for PTSD focuses on developing and disseminating research-supported treatments for PTSD and related disorders, ensuring that clinicians have access to the most effective therapies. Similarly, the ABPP emphasizes the importance of evidence-based methodologies, encouraging psychologists to utilize scientifically validated approaches in their practice. Both organizations also aim to improve patient outcomes. The National Center for PTSD focuses on enhancing the quality of care for Veterans, striving to ensure that they receive the best possible support and treatment. The ABPP contributes to this goal by certifying psychologists who demonstrate excellence in their specialty areas, thereby ensuring that patients receive care from highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals. Lastly, another shared goal is the advancement of professional education and development. The National Center for PTSD offers a range of training and educational resources designed to enhance clinicians’ understanding and management of PTSD.
6. How can psychologists contact the National Center for PTSD?
Psychologists and other health care professionals treating veterans can contact the PTSD Consultation Program via email at PTSDconsult@va.gov or call 866-948-7880 for direct consultation services or training requests.
Diana Mendez, PhD, ABPP
Board Certified in Behavioral & Cognitive Psychology
Correspondence: diana.mendez2@va.gov
Catherine Deering, PhD, ABPP
Board Certified in Clinical Psychology
Correspondence: KittyDeering@clayton.edu