16/06/2026
My latest article explores a question that is often brushed over in discussions about veteran healthcare funding. Timely, in light of Federal Budget.
The debate has largely focussed on whether veterans can access treatment.
A fair & important question.
But how often do we ask whether veterans can remain engaged in treatment long enough to benefit from it?
A recently published meta-analysis examining PTSD treatment retention among more than 124,000 serving and ex-serving military personnel found that approximately one in four participants dropped out of treatment.
Interestingly (but perhaps not surprisingly), some of the most effective and evidence-based PTSD treatments were also associated with the highest dropout rates.
This doesn't mean those treatments don’t work. They do. And remain among the most effective interventions available for PTSD.
However, the findings raise an important question.
If treatment is highly effective but difficult for some veterans to remain engaged with, how should healthcare systems, clinicians & policymakers think about continuity of care, treatment readiness and long-term support?
PTSD is rarely experienced in isolation. It commonly occurs alongside chronic pain, physical injuries, sleep difficulties, relationship strain, substance use and other psychological challenges.
Recovery therefore requires coordinated care across multiple health disciplines over an extended period of time.
This is where the proposed $5,000 annual allied health cap raises genuine concerns.
For some veterans, finite funding arrangements may create situations where difficult choices need to be made between addressing physical health needs, psychological treatment and other aspects of recovery.
The research suggests that access to care and engagement in care are not the same thing.
Both matter.
It's worth considering not only how veterans access treatment, but also how systems support them to remain connected to the right care, for the right duration and in a manner that promotes meaningful and lasting recovery.
The full article is available here: https://open.substack.com/pub/drkatherinehurrell/p/funding-veteran-ptsd-care-why-treatment?r=8gkxim&utm_medium=ios
