When a veteran comes home, the whole family serves too.

PTSD, anxiety, depression and military burdens are rarely shouldered by the veteran alone. Partners, children, siblings and parents all feel the effects. That's part of why family counseling is one of the most effective treatments for veteran families.

Here's the good news...

You can find evidence-based therapy treatments that work with veteran families. These treatments have been tried and tested through research and are used in clinic settings nationwide.

What you'll discover:

  • Why Veteran Families Need Therapy
  • The Best Family Therapy Approaches
  • How to Get Started With Family Therapy
  • Tips for Making Therapy Work at Home

Why Veteran Families Need Therapy

Military families carry a unique kind of weight.

Long separations. Combat deployments. Constant relocation. Veterans Claims. It all takes a toll on the homefront like few civilian situations.

And the numbers prove it.

The National Center for PTSD estimates that approximately 7% of veterans will suffer from PTSD in their lifetime -- slightly more than civilians. Among veterans who use VA care, that number increases significantly -- 14% of male veterans and 24% of female veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD.

PTSD doesn't stay quiet either. It tends to spill into:

  • Marriages
  • Parenting
  • Sleep routines
  • Communication

Another large group of veterans battle with a service-connected disability. Something they deal with every day that impacts both their physical and mental well-being. Should your veteran be in the process of fighting for that approval still, having the VA disability pros on your side will alleviate one of the largest stressors on your family. Less stress from paperwork means more time focusing on recovery.

But here's the kicker...

Family therapy can lighten that burden and allow each person in the home to breathe.

The Best Family Therapy Approaches

Not all therapy is created equal.

Learn the battle-tested strategies your favorite clinics, VA, and trauma doctors use daily.

Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT)

CBCT is one of the most well-established couple-based treatments for PTSD in Veterans. Typically lasting approximately 15 sessions, CBCT targets two objectives simultaneously:

  • Reducing PTSD symptoms
  • Improving the relationship

Treatment involves psychoeducation, communication skills training, and cognitive restructuring. Essentially, the couple learns about how trauma affects thoughts and behaviour, and then they work together to change those patterns.

Why does it work so well?

It works because it addresses both the veteran and partner as a unit. Everyone walks away with tools. Everyone has the same objective. Everyone wins.

Structured Approach Therapy (SAT)

SAT was built specifically for combat veterans and their partners.

This 12-session approach helps couples manage:

  • Emotional numbing
  • Avoidance
  • Anger
  • Hyperarousal

Therapists coach the partner in learning how to be there for the veteran during challenging times without encouraging avoidance behaviors. It's a fine line. Over-helping can feed PTSD. Supporting appropriately helps the family heal.

Brief Family Intervention (BFI)

Want something shorter and easier to start with?

The Brief Family Intervention is a 2-session intervention implemented in VA settings for family members of veterans beginning Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) or Prolonged Exposure (PE).

It works by:

  • Teaching family members about PTSD
  • Explaining what trauma therapy will look like
  • Giving them tools to support the veteran

Plus, the evidence is strong. Researchers found that in one randomized controlled trial, only 20% of veterans dropped out of trauma treatment when their family received BFI — while 40% of veterans whose families did not receive BFI dropped out of treatment.

That's a massive jump in retention.

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

EFT is a popular couples therapy that focuses on:

  • Attachment
  • Emotional connection
  • Repairing trust

With couples who have been through long deployments or difficult re-adjustment experiences, EFT creates a sense of emotional safety. It is beneficial when one partner withdraws, shuts down or is hyper-aroused.

Family Systems Therapy

This is the "big picture" approach.

Family systems therapy views the family as a dynamic system. Rather than viewing one individual, family systems explores each member's influence on another. Veteran families may find this therapeutic approach helpful when:

  • Kids show signs of stress or anxiety
  • Communication has broken down
  • Roles have shifted (caregiver, breadwinner, etc.)
  • Everyone is walking on eggshells

The therapist assists the family to develop healthier dynamics for everyone involved- not just the veteran.

How to Get Started With Family Therapy

The first step is the hardest.

However, once a veteran family commits to taking the plunge, it's fairly simple. Follow these steps for the easiest way to get started:

Start With the VA

Family therapy services through Vet Centers and VA medical centers are available through the VA. The best part? For eligible veterans and families, it is typically at no cost. Families are slowly becoming recognized as valuable additions to PTSD treatment. With approximately 1.59 million veterans who have received a rating for PTSD as a service-connected disability, family-inclusive treatment has become more accessible than ever.

Look Outside the VA

The VA isn't the only option.

Plenty of private therapists specialise in military families. Look for therapists who advertise:

  • Trauma-focused care
  • Couples or family work
  • Veteran or military experience

Finding the right therapist for your family can be very beneficial. Feel free to "sample" a few therapists until you find the right match.

Use Your Benefits

Many veterans are eligible for TRICARE, VA Community Care or have military-related insurance. These resources can cover your copay/all of the charges. Verify eligibility prior to paying out of pocket.

Tips for Making Therapy Work at Home

Therapy is just one piece of the puzzle.

Everything that happens between sessions matters even more. Here are some simple ways to help family therapy really stick:

  • Stay consistent. Show up every week, even when things feel "fine."
  • Practice the tools. Use the communication strategies and exercises at home.
  • Do not pressure. Allow the veteran to "open up" naturally.
  • Take care of yourselves. Partners and kids need their own support too.
  • Be patient. Real change takes months, not days.

Claims for veterans mental health care have skyrocketed by 77% since 2020 – evidence that loved ones are coming forward. Seeking help is acceptable. You are not alone.

Final Thoughts

Family therapy isn't a quick fix.

However it is one of the most effective tools a veteran family can utilize to recover, reconnect and move forward. Whether the family implements CBCT, SAT, BFI or family systems therapy, the goal doesn't change: a healthier family dynamic, healthier communication and a tangible way forward.

To recap:

  • Veteran families face unique stressors
  • Several therapy approaches are proven to work
  • Start with the VA or a trained private therapist
  • Stay consistent and use the tools at home

Healing happens together. And with the right therapy, veteran households can absolutely thrive.