Upon returning from mission, many individuals find readjusting to home life difficult; they develop poor coping techniques, such as excess drinking, isolating, and aggression. Through our interviews of contractors returning from Iraq, Mission Critical Psychological Services has found that at least 24% show signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a condition which doesn’t show up until at least two months after the precipitating event. To allow companies to follow-up with former employees and assure their mental health and well-being, MCPS offers the following post-deployment services:
Mission Debrief and Post-Mission Assessment (PMA)
Three months and then again nine months after employees return from mission, a doctoral-level psychologist from MCPS calls or meets with them individually to debrief their missions and administer the MCPS Post-Mission Assessment (PMA). The PMA, which was designed specifically for private contractors returning from hostile environments, measures PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other psychological problems through a series of specific questions and directed dialogue. If our psychologists identify notable issues, they refer the employees to pre-screened local mental health providers. As part of the mission debrief, MCPS can also assess, for the benefit of corporate management, peoples’ satisfaction with their missions and their employer.
24/7 Emergency Hotline
Through an emergency support phone line, MCPS offers former employees 24-hour access to doctoral-level psychologists experienced in dealing with individuals who have worked in hostile settings.
Post-Deployment Training
MCPS helps individuals transition back home by offering group or individual training. Our customized training programs can include lectures, question and answer sessions, and interactive role-playing. We typically address the following areas:
- Identifying potential areas of concern
- Integrating back into family life
- Managing stress post-deployment
Support for the Injured and Families of the Deceased
MCPS psychologists assess the emotional stability of the injured who are recuperating at home. We assist them in coping with the event that caused their injuries, teach them how to deal with reactions from family and peers, and help them readjust to home life or prepare to return to mission, if that is appropriate.
In addition, MCPS goes directly to the location of the families of those killed in-mission to help them cope with the loss. We provide immediate support, working with family members both as a group and individually, talking with children and extended family at the direction of the head of household. We offer coping techniques, explain typical emotional reactions to death, and assess emotional stability.