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Computer Simulation Used to Train Military Social Workers

Petty Officer Sarax, a computer simulation used to train social workers to help soldiers suffering from post traumatic stress disorder and other mental illnesses. Photo courtesy of USC School Social Work.

The USC School of Social Work is using computer simulations to train social workers on how to interact with military personnel who may be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, brain injury, depression and other mental health issues, according to this article in the Los Angeles Times

“Petty Officer Sarax,” the computer simulated soldier, says statements and uses facial expressions that can help students identify PTSD, the article said.

The article said there is a growing demand for social workers and other behavioral health professionals to treat soldiers deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army said 12 percent of these positions are vacant and the Navy, which also provides services to the Marine Corps., said 13 percent are unfilled.

However, the article also said behavioral health professionals face high burnout.

Did you know the Department of Veterans Affairs employs the greatest number of social workers with master’s degrees. To learn more about the services social workers provide the men and women in the armed forces, visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Veterans Affairs Web page by clicking here.

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1 Comment

  1. Computer simulation training undoubtedly will be beneficial to students in learning to work with Service Members suffering from combat related PTSD, TBI, MDD, etc. Certainly there are major limitations on accessibility to actual military personnel.
    Having worked with Active Duty Service Members following their return from combat deployment, the emotional distress they experience is palpable. There is no substitute for that experience, towards the development of an understanding of the intensity of their military experiences, and the depth of their traumas.

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