ABSTRACT
In 2006, new legislation mandated the increased hiring of marriage and family therapists, and the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) is now partnering with the VA to increase hiring of marriage. Military experience, either directly as a veteran, or indirectly through family ties, is important and valued. The paperwork required to successfully apply to either the VA or the Department of Defense can be cumbersome, and it is recommended to allow three to six months for the application processge and family therapists nationwide. This chapter presents an interview of two marriage and family therapists who work at Vet Centers, one who is himself a veteran, Anthony and one with only a family connection to the military Laura; a marriage and family therapist working for the Department of the Navy Elissa; one working overseas with the active military Ronella; and finally a marriage and family therapist who is director of family therapy at a VA hospital Michele.
