New Regions program targets vets' mental health

A St. Paul hospital is responding to a growing need for mental health services for military veterans recovering from the psychological impact of their service.

Regions Hospital has started a new program called HeroCare for Veterans, which will coordinate care with the U.S. military and the Veterans Administration. The VA says 22 percent of all suicides in the U.S. in 2010 were military veterans. The most common mental health concerns are post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance abuse.

Regions says the HeroCare program is available to current and former service members during inpatient hospitalization or partial hospitalization.

The program includes a specialist who's a veteran and an expert at navigating military benefits and resources. The program's therapy includes sensory integration, which helps the brain's ability to process different sensory messages.

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