Treatment of the stress casualty during operation Iraqi freedom one.

INTRODUCTION

Service members with mental health issues during Operation Iraqi Freedom receive evaluation and treatment at different echelons of care. Mental health teams consist of professionals and paraprofessionals assigned to Combat Stress Control units, Division Mental Health Sections, and Combat Support Hospitals.

METHODS

Army doctrine for mental health care is delineated and examples describing how mental health personnel must be flexible in this challenging environment and are useful mental health tools for commanders in the operational environment are presented.

DISCUSSION

Specific treatment issues related to the combat environment during Operation Iraqi Freedom are discussed in relation to each team and in light of doctrine.