Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI)
The Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative (VMHTI) is a multi-year, comprehensive training project developed by the National Association of Social Workers–New York Chapter (NASW–NY). VMHTI increases the number of community health and mental health professionals clinically trained to assess and treat veteran-specific mental health concerns.
Supported by a grant from the New York State Legislature, VMHTI addresses unmet mental health needs among veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and other service eras, as well as their families. Training topics include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), suicide prevention, substance use disorders, military culture, and family systems.
Through free conferences, panels, and educational programming, VMHTI strengthens the capacity of New York State’s mental health workforce to better serve veterans and their families.
Featured Event
NY State Dwyer Coalition's Veteran Suicide Intervention Conference
Monday, April 20, 2026 | 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM ET
Join the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Program’s First Annual Veteran Suicide Intervention Conference,
an in-person, one-day gathering focused on prevention, collaboration, and community-driven solutions.
Free and open to the public (registration required; limited capacity).
Register
CE Programs Since January 2020
- Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders Assessment and Treatment for Veterans
- Military Mental Health Counseling, Moral Injury, and Guidelines for Earning the Circle of Trust
- Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Veterans
- A Closer Look at Moral Injury: Existential Challenges Faced by Returning Veterans
- Addiction Trends Among Veterans
- Female Veteran Experience Panel
- Screening and Treatment for PTSD in Veterans
- Suicide Prevention Theory and Practice with Veterans and Military Members
- Incorporating Peer Support into Social Work Practice with Veterans
- Veteran and Military Service Family Members Panel
- Minority Experiences in the Military Panel
- Moral Injury of Military Servicemembers
- Spirituality and Service: How to Make Meaning and Connect it for Healing
- Understanding Substance Use Disorder and Veterans
- The Relationship Between Military Culture and Social Work Practice
- Supporting Military Families
- Veterans Healthcare Training
- Cultural Humility: Working with Military Members & Veterans
- 2021 VMHTI Conference: Voices of Veterans
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Military Culture
- Working with LGBTQ+ Veterans
- Veterans’ Day Panel: An Exploration of Coming Home
- 2022 VMHTI Conference
- Bridging Generational Gaps with Aging Veterans
- Veterans Strengthening our Communities through Continued Service
- Voice of Veterans: Military Mothers Face Their Own Battles
- Supporting Military Families as a Tool to Strengthen Veteran Wellness
- Voices of Veterans: MST (Military Sexual Trauma) Panel Discussion
- Using Progressive Practices to Promote Wellness & Recovery for Veterans
- 2023 Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative Conference
- 2024 Veterans Mental Health Training Initiative Conference