I would like to thank everyone for coming today.  We are here today to talk about mental health treatment for families of veterans.  This is a very important issue and one that this committee is looking to address.

Mental health issues are at the forefront of our agenda, and for good reason.

Of the approximately 300,000 veterans from Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom who have accessed VA health care, over 40% have presented with mental health concerns, including PTSD, substance abuse and mood disorders.  Veterans’ mental health conditions not only affect the returning veterans, but also have a significant impact on their families.  Living with and caring for veterans with mental health concerns is stressful and can change the way that families relate to one another.

While the VA is working hard to care for veterans with mental health needs, too often families of these veterans are neglected.  Spouses, children and parents of veterans have been affected by this conflict, yet oftentimes they do not have access to treatment which may help them.  In turn, veterans may have a more difficult time recovering from their mental health concerns because of family problems.

As we will hear, the VA is currently limited in the authority Congress has given them to provide treatment to families.  I know that the VA does everything they can to care for the whole veteran, including the family unit, when possible.  But the question is, how can we do more?

The purpose of this hearing is to hear a variety of perspectives about how Congress might expand VA’s current authority to provide mental health treatment to families of veterans.  We will hear from leaders of regional and state programs who are currently providing services to families of veterans.  We will also hear about the importance of the family’s mental health to the mental health and well being of the veteran.  Finally we will hear from the VA about what services they are currently authorized to provide to families.

The committee realizes that this is a complex issue.  But we also recognize that it is an important one that deserves serious thought and consideration.