As Veterans Day approaches, attention turns to the mental health obstacles that veterans face. One voice in the conversation is Marine-turned-psychologist Dr. Amber Deckard, whose innovative approach aims to bridge the divide between visible and invisible injuries. Deckard emphasizes the need to understand trauma through the lens of modern science, particularly amid the alarming rates of suicide and untreated post-traumatic stress among veterans.
Deckard’s insights are shaped by her own experiences as a Marine from 2003 to 2007. Now, as the Director of Neuro-Psychological Services at Caron Treatment Centers, she applies advanced neuroimaging and data-driven assessments to illuminate the hidden effects of trauma on the brain. “Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers,” she stated, highlighting a critical issue faced by many veterans. The fear of appearing weak or jeopardizing benefits often keeps those in need from seeking care.
Dr. Deckard’s program utilizes cutting-edge technologies like quantitative EEGs and PET scans, combined with neurocognitive testing, to provide a comprehensive view of how trauma and concussions alter brain function. “It’s not just, ‘you’re anxious’ or ‘you’re depressed,’” she explains. This objective, data-driven approach allows her to illustrate tangible changes in brain activity, which can lead to tailored treatment plans that may be more effective than traditional methods.
The statistics surrounding veterans’ mental health issues are sobering. In 2022, 6,407 veterans took their own lives, marking a distressing rate of 34.7 per 100,000—nearly double that of non-veterans. Even among those who receive care through the VA, significant numbers still struggle with mental health diagnoses. According to federal data, around 31% of these patients had a confirmed mental health issue in 2023.
Many veterans seeking help in Deckard’s practice battle PTSD and substance-use disorders, often attributed to repeated concussions or other physical traumas. Each assessment is meticulous and holistic, comprising brain imaging, cognitive testing, and thorough medical evaluations that provide a multi-faceted understanding of their symptoms. “It allows us to get an in-depth, multi-point, objective look at what’s driving their symptoms,” she noted.
This comprehensive look leads to what Deckard calls “neurorestorative care.” Therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen treatment, electrotherapy, and transcranial magnetic stimulation aim to retrain the brain. “When individuals have engaged in neurorestorative care, we’ve seen significant improvements across multiple domains,” she affirmed. Veterans have reported measurable gains in blood flow, electrical activity, memory function, and overall mental well-being, igniting a flicker of hope for recovery.
However, the adoption of such technologies isn’t uniform throughout the VA system, where access and resources are often limited. Deckard is hopeful that this will change. “We’re not reinventing the wheel,” she says, recognizing that many of the tools she advocates for already exist. The real challenge lies in their integration into a cohesive treatment framework.
For Deckard, the greater message this Veterans Day transcends the realm of technology. It’s about acknowledging that invisible wounds have profound impacts on veterans’ lives and that recovery is not only possible but attainable. “When they return home, they’re still warriors,” she concludes. “We just have to give them the tools to fight for their own healing.” This sentiment serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibility to support those who have served by providing them with effective means of addressing their unique challenges.
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