As the field of psychology increases, we are developing a greater understanding of the impact of trauma related issues across our nation and how impacts increase every year. This webinar will discuss veterans' experiences with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), identify triggers and symptoms of PTSD, and explore mental health and substance use disorder treatment services, medication and self-help practices for veterans and their families.  
  
According to the 2019 VA state summary, there were 141,341 veterans in West Virginia. Just over half of them (50.7%) are under age 65, 11,959 are women, and 10,994 are retirees. Veterans make up 8.5 percent of the population, higher than the national average of 6.8 percent.  Less than half of the returning veterans who need mental health and addiction treatment services receive treatment. 
  
Psychological and addiction challenges in the veteran population are significant issues. Mental health and addictions providers need to understand the unique experiences and needs of this population, whether they are treating the veterans themselves or working with their partners and families.

Learning Objectives

• Develop a greater understanding in defining PTSD. 
• Identify triggers and symptoms of PTSD. 
• Identify treatments, medications, and self-help practices. 

CEUs Offered

 2.0 CEUs for WV LPC and WV Addictions through MUSHTAC.

2.0 CEUs for WV Social Work provided in partnership with WVAAPP.

 

Presenter

Perry Blankenship has worked in the mental health field since 2008. He holds licensures in Virginia and West Virginia as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Perry Blankenship is also a Certified School Counselor, School Psychologist, and School Administrator in West Virginia and Virginia. He is recognized for his work with individuals struggling to recover from trauma, grief and loss issues, PTSD with Veterans, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, addiction, depression, anxiety disorders, and numerous others. He has worked as an adjunct instructor at Southern Community College in West Virginia in the fields of Development, Sociology, Psychology, and Business, and regularly provides supervision to psychotherapists in training for both West Virginia and Virginia. Perry Blankenship believes that all healing has a spiritual foundation, and he is committed to assisting others in overcoming the barriers and challenges that hinder them from being successful in their dreams and passions. Perry utilizes a collective of treatment strategies that meet each client’s needs individually, such as CBT, Narrative Therapy, PCIT, TCIT, TF-CBT, and many others.  
  
Perry Blankenship is one of the 75 experts that helped to develop “Advancing Comprehensive School Mental Health Systems, (A Guide from the Field)”. He is a native of Man, West Virginia, and is committed to serving all clients through Ellie Mental Health and Mary Washington Healthcare. As the son of a coal miner and female minister, he has served in a variety of positions and offices within the Church. He is the recipient of “The Ann Schumacher Rural Clinical Practice Award 2018” and “The West Virginia School Counselor Advocate Award for 2018.” He is a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). Perry has earned a bachelor’s degree in theology, a bachelor’s degree in Pastoral Counseling, a master’s degree in professional counseling, a master’s degree in business administration, a master’s degree in divinity, a master’s degree in education, an Education Specialist degree in school psychology, a Doctorate in Biblical Counseling, and is working to complete a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.). Perry has worked in both the clinical and school setting serving clients overcoming mental challenges. Perry believes that God has called him to partner with those in need. Perry is a 100% service-connected Veteran of the Persian Gulf (Desert Storm/Shield) War.  

Co-Host

Heather Sharp-Spinks, MSW, LICSW, ADC-S, MAC  is a Therapist and Supervisor of Behavioral Health Programs for Camden Family Health as well as the immediate Past President of the Board for the WV Association for Addiction and Prevention Professionals

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