Frequently Asked Questions

The term veteran is used to describe a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare serves all post-9/11 veterans. This includes any person who has served in the U.S. Armed Services (including the National Guard and Reserves) regardless of role, discharge status, or combat experience.

A veteran with a shared experience who is willing to help others, a veteran who suffered hardship as a result of their military experience, past trauma, or mental health issues but has learned successful coping strategies, a veteran who wants to help others on their recovery journey, and/or a veteran who is willing to listen.

A variety of options exist for locating resources, including Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense. Military OneSource and the Texas Veterans Commission provide information on benefits and numerous specialty programs. For personalized help finding specific resources, reach out to MVPN or the Cohen Clinic.

Psychologists provide clinical services in the areas of assessment, diagnostics, and treatment (including therapy) through observation, interview, and administration of psychological tests. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and offer therapy.

At Metrocare, we are proud to offer two programs dedicated to serving our veteran and military community, including family members. The Military Veteran Peer Network, or MVPN, offers peer support, training, and connection to resources. The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare offers targeted, evidence-based mental health treatment for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Cohen Clinic clients may also be seen for medication management or case management, including referrals to needed resources such as financial assistance, employment, education, and benefits. Learn more about the care available at our Cohen Clinic here.

Consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation. Early intervention is crucial. You might start with your child’s pediatrician or a child psychologist or psychiatrist.

Genetics can play a role in the likelihood of developing certain mental health conditions, but it’s usually just one of many factors.

Substance abuse can exacerbate existing mental health problems and lead to the development of new issues. Seeking help for substance abuse is key to overall mental health.

Parents are crucial in providing emotional support, understanding, and guidance. They can model healthy coping skills, provide a stable environment, and seek professional help when needed. If help is needed, parents should directly be involved and engaged in the development of a treatment plan.

Resources include school counselors, child psychologists or psychiatrists, community mental health centers, and online resources specifically tailored for young people’s mental health.

Veterans can face various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Therapy involves talking with a trained professional about your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Techniques and approaches can vary.

Financial stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of low self-worth. It’s important to seek financial counseling if needed and practice stress-reduction techniques.

Intellectual disability primarily refers to limitations in cognitive functioning and skills. Developmental disabilities, a broader category, can include intellectual disabilities as well as neurological, sensory and physical impairments.

PTSD is a real disorder that develops when a person has experienced or witnessed a scary, shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. These stressful or traumatic events usually involve a situation where someone’s life has been threatened or severe injury has occurred.

Mental health refers to our cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It’s about how we think, feel, and behave.

Children with IDD may access special education services, inclusive classroom settings, or specialized schools depending on their needs.

Our MVPN peer service coordinators provide services including direct peer-to-peer support, facilitating peer groups, training on suicide prevention and military cultural competency, coordination of mental health first aid, and warm-handoffs to local resources based on the individual needs of the veteran and family.

Factors include genetic predisposition, environmental influences like exposure to violence, family dynamics, bullying, trauma, substance use, and chronic medical conditions. Adolescents face additional stress from hormonal changes and social pressures.

Causes can include biological factors (like genetics or brain chemistry), life experiences (such as trauma or abuse), stress, and family history of mental health problems.

Signs include changes in friends, declining grades, secretive behavior, lack of participating in pleasurable activities, and changes in eating and sleeping habits.

Signs include questioning life choices, feeling trapped in a lifestyle, and making impulsive decisions. It can lead to depression and anxiety, and seeking professional guidance can help.

Burnout signs include chronic fatigue, cynicism about work, feelings of ineffectiveness, and reduced performance. Treatment involves stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, and sometimes professional counseling.

Signs include threats of harm to oneself or others, severe disorientation or confusion, and uncontrollable or extremely erratic behaviors.

Eating disorder, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Schizophrenia.

Bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. It’s important to address bullying immediately and provide support to the affected child.

Causes can include genetic factors, complications during pregnancy or birth, and environmental factors such as exposure to toxins.

Common types include Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorders, cerebral palsy, and Fragile X syndrome.

Symptoms of PTSD may develop after a traumatic event such as trouble sleeping, feeling on edge, or reliving painful memories. While most people gradually improve, some continue to have persistent symptoms that disrupt their lives and well-being. In some cases, these symptoms develop into PTSD. PTSD can significantly affect every part of a person’s life, disrupting relationships, work, school, and overall well-being. However, those living with PTSD don’t have to endure it forever

An intellectual or developmental disability, also called IDD, includes many severe, chronic conditions that are due to mental and/or physical impairments. IDD can begin at any time, up to 22 years of age.

Techniques include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and sometimes medication. It’s also helpful to identify and address anxiety triggers.

Common mental health disorders include depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and eating disorders.

Not always. Some conditions may require medication, but others can be effectively managed with psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support.

We prioritize timely access to mental health care. To reduce barriers to care, we offer evening appointments and telehealth.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can dial 988 and Press 1. You can also visit www.veteranscrisisline.net

Substance abuse can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to the development of new ones.

Hormonal changes during puberty can contribute to mood swings and emotional sensitivity. This period also comes with increased stress from social and academic pressures, which can affect mental health.

Parenting can be both rewarding and stressful. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and exhaustion, especially without adequate support. Balancing parenting responsibilities with self-care is vital.

Adulthood brings different challenges, like work stress, family responsibilities, and aging. These can affect mental health, leading to conditions like anxiety, depression, or age-related cognitive changes.

Effects vary widely but can include challenges with learning, self-care, mobility, communication, and social skills.

Inadequate sleep can lead to mood swings, decreased cognitive function, and increased vulnerability to mental health disorders like depression and anxiety.

Chronic physical health problems can increase the risk of mental health issues like depression and anxiety. Managing the physical condition and seeking mental health support is important.

Use age-appropriate language and basic conversation starters, be open and honest, encourage them to share their feelings, and listen without judgment. Make sure they understand that mental health is important and it’s okay to ask for help.

If you’re experiencing persistent changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts that are impacting your daily life, it may be time to seek help.

You can start by consulting your primary care doctor, checking with your insurance provider, or looking for local mental health clinics like Metrocare.

Depression is common and can be treated with a combination of psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups. Early intervention improves outcomes.

Therapies for young people often include more engaging and age-appropriate methods like play therapy, art therapy, and family therapy, alongside traditional talk therapies adjusted to their developmental level. It is important to be engaged in the development of the treatment plan and communicate your preferences to your mental health provider.

Social isolation can lead to increased feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety. Maintaining social connections and participating in community activities are important for mental well-being.

Schools can provide support through counseling services, educational programs about mental health, accommodating learning needs, and creating a supportive, bully-free environment. School can also include the child’s mental health provider in meetings such as ARD (Admission Review and Dismissal), IEP (Individualized education plan), and team meetings. The school can also collaborate with you and the mental health provider on your child’s mental health services.

Offer empathy, listen without judgment, educate yourself about their condition, provide information on resources, show continued support and understanding, and encourage them to seek professional help.

Service members and their families relocate much more frequently than civilian families. You can help ease their transition by offering a warm welcome, practical assistance, and asking thoughtful questions about their experience. Simple gestures like sharing local tips or helping out during a move can make a big difference.

Many people like to thank veterans and service members for their service. While it is a thoughtful gesture, it can make some veterans feel uncomfortable. Instead, you can ask meaningful questions like: Which branch did you serve in? What was your job while serving? Where were you stationed?

Offer non-judgmental listening, encourage them to seek professional help, provide information on resources, and show continued support and understanding.

Look for changes in behavior, such as withdrawal from social activities, drastic changes in academic performance, significant weight change, sleep disturbances, lack of desire to participate in meaningful activities that they would normally do, or increased irritability and aggression. Young children might revert to behaviors they had outgrown, like bedwetting.

Prioritize work-life balance, take breaks, practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness or exercise, seek support from colleagues or a therapist, develop a good community and support system, and ensure adequate rest and leisure time.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, managing stress, and staying connected with others are key to maintaining good mental health.

Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, managing stress, and staying connected with others can significantly impact mental health and are key to maintaining good mental health.

Encourage healthy habits like regular exercise, adequate sleep, and balanced nutrition. Teach and model good stress management techniques, like mindfulness or time management skills, and ensure they have time for relaxation and social activities.

Families can support children by accessing early intervention services, providing a supportive and nurturing environment, and seeking educational and therapeutic resources.

At Metrocare, veteran and military family members are eligible for the same support through the Military Veteran Peer Network and the Cohen Clinic. We offer inclusive definitions of family and veteran.

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of assessments, including psychological testing, developmental monitoring, and medical evaluations to assess cognitive and physical abilities.

Yes, chronic work-related stress can contribute to mental health problems like anxiety, depression, and burnout. It’s important to manage stress and seek support when needed.

Chronic stress can lead to or exacerbate mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Yes, excessive social media use can lead to issues like cyberbullying, social anxiety, depression, and unrealistic comparisons. It’s important to monitor usage and discuss responsible online behaviors.

Yes, issues in personal relationships can lead to mental health problems like depression and anxiety. Counseling, either individually or as a couple, can be beneficial.

Yes, mental and physical wellbeing are connected. Poor mental health can impact physical health, leading to an increased risk of some physical health conditions.

While some mental health issues can be fully cured, others are more about managing symptoms. Treatment effectiveness varies per individual and condition.

Yes, life changes like divorce, job loss, or bereavement can trigger mental health issues. Support through therapy, support groups, and strong social networks is crucial.

Yes, lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, sleep, and social connections can significantly impact mental health.

Yes, children with learning disabilities often experience frustration, low self-esteem, and social difficulties, which can impact their mental health. Providing appropriate support and accommodations is key.

While there is no cure for most types of IDD, early intervention and ongoing support can significantly improve functioning and quality of life.

Cost will never be a barrier to care at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare or MVPN. The Cohen Clinic accepts all major insurances, including Community Care Network (TriWest) and Tricare. We will work with clients on a case-by-case basis to ensure that any barriers to care are addressed. For those with no insurance, care may be available at no cost. Please reach out to our Office Manager for any specific questions.

Yes, children can experience mental health issues. Common signs include changes in school performance, excessive worry or anxiety, hyperactivity, and frequent nightmares.

Yes, many adults with IDD can work and are supported through vocational training programs, supported employment, and workplace accommodations.

Yes, mental health issues are very common. In any given year, about 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness. Additionally, 1 in 5 children ages 13-18 have, or will have, a serious mental illness.

At some point in their lives, 7 out of every 100 Veterans (7%) will experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), compared to 6 out of every 100 adults (6%) in the general population. PTSD is also more prevalent among female Veterans, affecting 13 out of every 100 (13%), compared to 6 out of every 100 (6%) male Veterans.