2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on Veteran Identity and Mental Health: Post-Military Life - Part 4 is presented by Kristen J. Vescera, PhD, MPH, MA.

“I didn’t serve. I can’t understand what my Veteran clients went through.” The Veteran Identity and Mental Health training series follows a Veteran through three transition points.

The first three programs in this series cover Initiation into the Military, Military Service, and Military Service and Trauma. While it is not a requirement, it is strongly recommended to take these programs in the series first. 

This program takes the audience through the process of considerations as Service Members transition to civilian life. Each transition point impacts the Veteran’s identity beyond their service. This includes expectations at each transitional stage of service that, if fulfilled or not, may affect one’s sense of self as a Veteran upon discharge.

Veteran culture is explored through the lens of the military experience, and the learner is asked to think about the Service Member through experiential exercises to get “comfortable with the uncomfortable.” Broad definitions and terms related to military culture are discussed in the context of discharge from service. Transition challenges after service are explored through the context of development and identity formation. The pros and cons of various PTSD-related treatments are highlighted. 

This program is interactive and hosts a discussion of practical takeaways from the series to provide the audience with the tools needed to build strong relationships with Veterans in their communities. This unique learning experience offers learners the opportunity to explore their own attitudes and beliefs about the Veterans they work with. 

This program is intended for professionals who work with (or live among) Veterans at any stage of their career and can benefit from the unique perspectives offered in this learning experience.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Demonstrate an understanding of Veteran identity within the context of military culture
  • 2 Describe several components of discharge and transition to Veteran status
  • 3 Describe awareness of PTSD-related effects on the Veteran experience, including combat trauma and military sexual trauma
  • 4 Describe various treatment approaches and interventions and how to integrate them effectively when working with veterans
  • 5 Demonstrate knowledge of multiple transition challenges during a Service Member’s time in service
  • 6 Demonstrate confidence in applying these skills

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for anyone who works with, supports, or lives with Veterans, offering valuable insights and practical knowledge for individuals in mental health, social work, counseling, community services, and related fields, as well as for family members and researchers. Participants will gain new perspectives and skills to better understand and serve the unique needs of Veterans and their families.

    Examples of Relevant Professionals:

    • Mental health professionals (e.g., therapists, counselors, psychologists)
    • Social workers and case managers
    • Community service providers
    • Staff and volunteers at Veterans’ service organizations
    • Hospital and rehabilitation center staff
    • Researchers focused on Veteran populations
    • Family members and caregivers of Veterans
    • Students and trainees in related fields

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at all experience levels who work with or support Veterans in transition to civilian life.

    • Beginner: Participants new to working with Veterans or military culture, seeking foundational knowledge of Veteran identity, transition challenges, and trauma-informed care.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some experience supporting Veterans, looking to deepen their understanding of military-to-civilian transitions, refine their use of PTSD-related interventions, and enhance cultural competence.

    • Advanced: Participants with extensive experience in Veteran mental health, aiming to expand their expertise in complex transition issues, advanced treatment integration, and leadership in Veteran-focused care.

  • Practice Setting

    This training applies to healthcare, community service, educational, and research environments across VA and non-VA systems, delivered in in-person, residential, and telehealth formats. It equips providers—especially those who have not served—to engage respectfully with Veteran identity and transitions to civilian life while practicing in culturally responsive, trauma-informed settings.

    Examples of Practice Settings:

    • VA medical centers and outpatient clinics
    • Vet Centers and community-based Veteran service organizations
    • Non-VA hospitals and behavioral health clinics
    • Rehabilitation and residential treatment programs
    • University counseling centers and campus Veterans resource centers
    • Homeless services, shelters, and supportive housing
    • Crisis lines and mobile crisis teams
    • Home- and community-based care and telehealth
Presented By

Kristen J. Vescera, PhD, MPH, MA

Dr. Kristen Vescera is a combat Veteran having served overseas in Afghanistan in 2012-2013. She spent ten years enlisted in the United States Army Reserve as a Psychological Operations Staff Sergeant and Instructor. She received her PhD in clinical psychology at Palo Alto University in 2021 where she studied suicide and resilience factors for Service Members and Veterans. She earned her master’s degree in Public Health from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, concentrating on public mental health, holding certifications in health communication and health education. Dr. Vescera also received a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education from the University of Colorado Denver. She has published numerous book chapters and articles related to suicide prevention and resilience in multiple settings. She has held a faculty position at the University of Maryland, University College Europe and has engaged in several presentations and lectures around military culture, suicide risk and resilience factors, and other psychological principles. Dr. Vescera is currently working at the Department of Veterans Affairs Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention in Canandaigua, NY as Associate Director of Education focusing on developing, disseminating, and evaluating national training and education programs aimed at preventing and reducing Veteran suicide. 



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Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Provide context of Veteran identity and defining difference between military and Veteran culture

  • Discuss discharge elements from service

  • Describe experiences of discharge

  • Discuss transition challenges at work and at home

  • Discuss the experience of VA care and applying for disability

  • Discuss the effects of trauma and PTSD on daily functioning and relationships

  • Discuss the pros and cons of various PTSD-related treatments

  • Discuss the context of Veteran identity at this transition stage

  • Discuss practical takeaways and resources (with video support)

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).

Sponsorship Approval Statements

Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7190. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Palo Alto University, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. Palo Alto University maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits. Continuing and Professional Studies, Palo Alto University, is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0103. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies, is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073.