Involving families in Veteran mental health care: Key considerations and recommendations

A recently developed Conceptual Framework advocates for a transformed system of mental health services and supports for Veterans and their families. This transformed system, built on the stepped-matched model of care, may be well suited to a shift toward family-centred policies and practices. Drawing on this framework, this article makes a case for involving families in Veteran mental health care, in specific. Key considerations and recommendations are outlined across multiple levels (direct treatment, organizational, and policy making). Despite some potential limitations, this article offers an opportunity to advance dialogue related to meaningful and safe involvement of families in Veteran mental health care. LAY SUMMARYWhen Veterans seek and receive mental health care, their family members are often involved, directly or indirectly, in the process. Within Canada, recognition of the need for family-centred policies and practices is growing; however, family involvement in care is generally the exception rather than the rule. A recently developed Conceptual Framework advocates for a transformed mental health system centred on the experiences, needs, and preferences of Veterans and their families. This system may be well suited to a shift toward family-involved care. Drawing on this framework, this article makes a case for specifically involving families in Veteran mental health care. In particular, the crucial relationship between family and Veteran well-being is considered, as well as key benefits of and potential barriers to involvement. With these considerations in mind, some recommendations are made to move research, practice, and policy forward. These include 1) formalizing the definition of family, 2) developing a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of Veteran families and their involvement, and 3) using educational and guidance materials to improve knowledge and build capacity. Despite potential limitations, these considerations and recommendations offer an opportunity to advance dialogue related to meaningful and safe involvement of families in Veteran mental health care.