According to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health problem that can occur after a traumatic event such as combat, assault, or disaster (PTSD.VA.gov). PTSD is both acute and chronic (Kirst-Ashman, 2017). Symptoms detection of the chronic form can take months or years to appear (Kirst-Ashman, 2017). Some symptoms that may occur after a traumatic experience are depression, substance abuse, and anxiety (Kirst-Ashman, 2017). The disorder is especially common among veterans that seek services from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Health Care. PTSD does not only affect the veterans’ quality of life, but their families as well (Keane, Marshall, & Taft, 2006; Taft, Watkins, Stafford, Street, & Monson, 2011, as cited in Fischer, 2013). A returning veteran will likely experience at least …show more content…
Professional social worker follow what is known as the NASW Code of Ethics which are values, principles, and standards in regards to their clients (NASW, 1999). For example, when implementing Evidence-Based Treatments in the VA, issues have arisen with the effectiveness of therapist training (Aarons, Hurlburt, & Horwitz, 2011; Chorpita & Regan, 2009; Ruzek & Rosen, 2009; Shafran et al., 2009 as cited in Laska, 2013). This may lead to a violation of The Code of Ethics Competence (NASW, 1999). The Code of Ethic states that “Social workers who provide supervision or consultation are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries” (NASW, 1999). Another issue that arose while implementing Evidence-Based Treatments in the VA is therapist supervision (Essock et al., 2003; Roth, Pilling, & Turner, 2010 as cited in Laska, 2013). With a lack of therapist supervision, it can result in a violation of The Code of Ethics supervision and consultation (NASW,