Differences in Mental Health Care Service Utilization in Older Veterans With a History of Military Sexual Trauma

Research examining mental health care utilization in people with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) demonstrates that many people who may benefit from services do not receive care, and this problem may become more pronounced in older age. Yet, little is known about the impact of specific types of traumas, such as military sexual trauma (MST), on utilization, especially across age cohorts. The present study explored the impact of age on mental health care utilization in Veterans with a history of MST by comparing geriatric Veterans (65 and older) with a history of MST with their younger peers. Administrative data regarding demographics and appointment history were obtained for 3,607 Veterans who screened positive for MST at a Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) hospital system between 2006 and 2016. Participants were divided into two groups based on age; 65 years of age or older (n = 705) or 64 or younger (n = 2,902). Use of any mental health service was similar between groups. However, older participants received fewer sessions and were significantly less likely to accept a referral for MST-specific care. Differences in patterns of mental health care utilization exist between older and younger Veterans with a history of MST. These findings highlight the need to better understand the impact of MST across the lifespan and the unique mental health needs and preferences of this aging cohort of Veterans. Public Significance Statement The present study indicates that older aged Veterans (65+) with a history of military sexual trauma (MST) have a different pattern of mental health care utilization when compared with their younger counterparts. Specifically, they were as likely as younger Veterans to use some mental health care; but were significantly less likely to receive MST-specific care and tended to receive fewer therapy sessions overall.