Military Sexual Trauma – The Veterans Administration Can Help: A talk with MST Coordinator Dr Jaymee Dow at the KCVAMC

When veterans are initially screened by the VA 1 in 5 female and 1 in 100 male veterans admit to having experienced Military Sexual Trauma while on active duty.  Host Jeff Humfeld talks with Dr Jaymee Dow, Coordinator of the MST Clinic at the Kansas City Veterans Administration Medical Center about what MST is and what symptoms result from MST.  Dr Dow also talks about the treatment available at the KCVA and who qualifies.

MST is defined by federal law as psychological trauma which in the judgement of a VA mental health professional resulted from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harrassment which occured while the Veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for training. (Title 38 U.S. Code 1720D)

MST is an experience that can result in a range of symptoms from strong emotional reactions to a lack of emotions or PTSD.  Having experienced MST can lead to problems with drugs, difficulty in relationships and even physical health problems.

Treatment for MST is available to all Veterans that served on active duty even if they recieved less than an honorable discharge.  The incident(s) do not have to have been perpetrated by military personnel or on a military installation, it only matters that the Veteran was on active duty at the time.

If you are having problems because of MST you can call the Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.  To contact Dr Dow call 816-861-4700 ext 56012 or email [email protected]  or stop by the KCVAMC and go to the Behavioural Health Clinic on the 1st Floor, 816-861-4700 ext 52641.


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