Stigma associated with seeking mental health counseling continues to plague our veterans, as suicide rate remains high. 200,000 military personnel transition out each year, with 44% of those transitioning stating they are not ready; many due to mental health reasons. The ability to calm, cope with, and conquer depression, suicidal ideations, and drug and alcohol addiction still seems to elude many of our veterans. Each of our trips takes 6 veterans on a fishing charter in the Gulf of Mexico. We head out of Clearwater Beach, FL. Each boat trip will have a licensed counselor aboard. The boat trip, transportation and lodging (for those outside of the local commuting area), and lunch will be provided for each veteran at no expense. The veterans will experience a peer group setting with other servicemembers on the open water. As they fish, there will be opportunities for organic discussions related to their service and experiences. The goal is to get the veterans on the open water to begin to reduce barriers and stigma related to mental health discussion in general, and more specifically seeking mental health counseling. A licensed counselor will be aboard each trip for two purposes: 1. Provide guidance and direction if discussions are generated regarding mental health and counseling. If a veteran becomes distraught during the trip, the counselor will be available to interact with the veteran. 2. The counselor will fish right alongside the veterans. The intent is to show that counselors are regular, approachable people that a veteran could be comfortable speaking with. Whenever we are contacted by a veteran requesting counseling, we ensure they receive counseling at no cost.
