Veterans' mental health: more funding needed, says PTSD expert

The psychiatrist of a B.C. veteran suffering from PTSD, who was shot in a standoff with police, is warning that a new mental health clinic for veterans will struggle to recruit experienced doctors.

Greg Matters, 40,wasa soldier for 15 years, who served in the Bosnian conflict before returning toPrince Georgein 2009, andwas being treated for post-traumatic stress disorder at the time of his death.

• Veteran shot dead by B.C. police treated for PTSD

Over the weekend, the federal government announced it willspend $200-million over six yearsto address mental health issues in the Canadian Armed Forces, including a new operational stress injuryclinic in Halifax.

• Mental health in the military: Ottawa to spend $200M over 6 years

But Matters' psychiatristDr. GregPassey, is cautious about the touted improvements.

"What is not known to the general public is that these Operational Stress Injury clinics will pay the psychologists one quarter of what they can earn in private practice," Passey toldThe Early Edition'sRickCluff.

Passeysays he hopes to see more research for new, cutting edge treatments for patients withPTSD.

He also wants to see a better transition process when soldiers leave the military, and better follow-up to ensure they are cared for.

Funding announcement came ahead of damning mental health report

The government's announcement came only days beforethe release of a report on Tuesday by the Auditor General, who found there are too many barriers to veterans getting mentalhealth services and benefits.

• Auditor general 2014 report: Veterans' mental-health services criticized

Matters' sister Tracy isn't surprised by the report's findings. Shesays it took two years for her brother to get help for his condition, and says he was lucky to be treated in the first place.

"For veterans, there is a natural avoidance to start with, because there is a lot of stigma and potentially shame associated with having something like PTSD," she toldCluff.

Matters says the additional funding is needed, but is skeptical the announcement came a few days before the auditor's report was released.

"This is what governments do to ease the pain, I suppose," she said.

Tracy Matters hopes the auditor's report will lead to changes in how veterans are treated in Canada.

"No one loves their country more than soldiers and veterans, yet no one is more used and abused by the country that they love so much," she said.

"The relationship is absolutely toxic."