About Us

Welcome Message from Col. Ritchie

"When our Soldiers return home, most will experience a brief readjustment period and a successful home transition. Some will need short or long-term counseling to assist in their transition. Medical assistance from the Army and the VA is available to provide treatment and see them through to a healthy outcome. Fifteen to thirty (15-30) percent of Soldiers returning from Iraq experience post-traumatic stress symptoms or other mental health symptoms. This is not unusual after combat. Recognizing and treating these symptoms early is key to preventing them from becoming a disorder such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

The majority of troops are and will remain mentally healthy. This is the result of leadership. Our Army is trained and ready and well led. Leadership makes a difference in the mental health of our force.

Let me end by saying that our efforts in education, prevention, and early treatment are unprecedented. Our goal is to ensure that every deployed and returning Soldier receives the health care they need."

Col. Elspeth C. Ritchie, MD, MPH
Director, Proponency Office for Behavioral Health
U.S. Army Medical Command