How to Vet a Program

Real talk, ya’ll  – there are tons of people marketing to the Special Operations Forces (SOF) community, for any number of reasons. The biggest reason might just be the cool factor of an association with special operators and their families – other reasons include money and passion. Many experts offering services to the SOF community have a legitimate, evidence based approach – but how can you tell? With so much information and targeted materials, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to sort out who to trust or whether what they offer is legit.

I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, watching the space and hearing from veterans in my network that they feel both overwhelmed with the options and constrained by systems of care that seem to slow processes down or add unnecessary barriers. SOF are recognized as self-sufficient, resourceful, out of the box thinkers. These traits can also be a vulnerability in this care seeking or self-improvement process.

So, I tried to put together some guidelines for you to use as you consider what treatment, program, or even app is going to serve you and your family best. I’d love to know your thoughts and experiences on this as well:

• Word of mouth, from people you trust. Knowing that someone like you benefited from a program, provider, or service can tip the balance towards using that service. Bear in mind that you still can shop around – you have to find the right fit for you. It’s helpful, but not essential, to find providers with SOF competency. The best outcomes come from working with skilled providers you feel truly listen, have empathy, and prioritize your goals and agency.

• Look for someone with verifiable expertise in what you need. If you wanted to hire someone to work on your motorcycle, you’d hire a motorcycle mechanic – not a landscaper, no matter how much you might personally connect with and respect the landscaper. Any ethical provider will help you find people who are better suited to your needs if you need recommendations – expect at least three recommendations.

• Check licenses online
  • Every provider in every state is in a searchable public database, with information about complaints listed, if there were any.
  • If a program or service promotes a licensed provider as part of what they offer, or has an endorsement from a licensed provider, go ahead and check up on them through their state board.

• Ask for proof of trainings/certifications. People claim to be trained or knowledgeable in a range of concerns – if they’ve completed the appropriate training, they will be able to show you the paperwork. 

• Ask about the evidence base. Or do your own research. PubMed is a great resource for peer reviewed research.

• Understand the limits of confidentiality. In the healthcare space, your personal information is federally protected unless a provider suspects you are a danger to yourself or someone else, or that a child, elder, or dependent adult is being harmed. Those things must be reported. The substances you’ve used have an additional layer of federal protection.

• Be wary of professionals who just want to hear your war stories or ask for unnecessary details.

• Be wary of younger professionals who are overawed by your experience.

• Be wary of professionals who overshare their personal experiences. You are seeking out a professional or program for their expertise, not your shared experience.

• Be smart about security clearance. Seeking therapy or medication management isNOT a threat to your security clearance, as long as you complete it successfully. Failing to disclose that you sought therapy can be a problem, however. Steer clear of programs and professionals who promise that you can hide or withhold information from the clearance process, that their service is so confidential literally no one will know, or who don’t understand the clearance process. Talk to your security officer if you have questions.

• Be skeptical of flashy marketing. Would you rather go on a mission with the guy who has the slick Gucci gear, or the person whose tools are cared for and practical? The people who are really doing the work aren’t putting a ton of money or time into marketing.

• Be VERY skeptical about people who want to use your name, photo or endorsement. A veteran colleague brought this up in conversation recently – there is a lot of cache in having other people know that SOF community members use a service or provider. In general, it is unethical for providers to ask you for an endorsement of any kind.

• Be skeptical of “miracle cures.” There is no one thing that’s going to solve “all the things,” overnight. And, similarly, most of the challenges we need help with won’t have an instant cure. Sometimes the most evidence-based, gold standard treatments take a lot longer than any of us would like – accepting this can be challenging for people who are used to identifying a problem and then quickly executing an effective solution. Suicidal depression is a good example – the gold standard treatment is a combination of antidepressants, therapy, and lifestyle changes such as better sleep and more exercise. These have to be carried out continuously over months or longer. This is a tough pill to swallow when you want immediate relief. And unfortunately, plenty of bad actors are aware of that desire and promote options that have no evidence base on the grounds that they are quicker. Which really just becomes a delay in getting the help you need.

• Be skeptical of any expert who makes assertions like “Your doctor won’t tell you this” or “The experts are hiding this information from you.” It can be tempting to feel like you have found information that is special, hidden, or secret.

• How are you paying for the service? It doesn’t matter how many of the other boxes a service checks if you cannot afford it. In some cases, providers will have a sliding scale, reduced rate, or even pro bono service – or a foundation might help pay the costs — but payment or pro bono work should NEVER be conditional on your agreement to something else, such as being a part of marketing.

Use this checklist or share it with a friend.

About the Author

Madeline Vann, LPC, CSAC, is a therapist in private practice in Williamsburg, VA, and at The Farley Center. Her primary focus is helping mil/vet/first responder and adults in midlife manage trauma, grief, and addiction concerns.