The Foreign Service Journal, March 2008

cal social workers and I assisted Beirut bombing victims, Iranian and Kuwaiti hostages, evacuees from Rwanda and other posts, those who experienced natural disasters while serving abroad and those who were individual targets of crime or terrorism. We were well trained in PTSD and the strategies to mitigate it. We of- fered expert short-term counseling, support groups and referrals to employees and to their families. We provided this assistance in person in our offices at State, SA-1 and FSI, and also consulted by phone and, in those days, by cable. We routinely referred employees to appropriate treatment providers and maintained contact un- til we were assured that the employee felt that the help was sufficient. Along with MED psychiatrists, we also did outreach to affected groups of employees and family members and offered pre-departure training for high-risk posts. We were available for follow-up on an as-needed basis. And at no time was medical information shared with Diplomatic Security. Dr. Raymond De Castro’s article on PTSD in the same issue was written before the release of important new information recently provided by the military, the Institute of Medicine and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in the January 2008 issue of the American Psychological Association’s Monitor on Psychology. We now know that the manifestation of PTSD may, in fact, be delayed and some of the treatments previously thought to be effective are not. The good news is that treatments for PTSD are available and that the department appears recommitted to the welfare of its employees. I encourage all employees to persist in utilizing these services for themselves and their family members, and in lobbying vigorously for policy change when it is needed. It is the least that is owed those professionals who serve with sacrifice and represent all of us. Rita Siebenaler, Licensed Clinical Social Worker MED/ECS Staff, 1984-1994 Arlington, Va. Human Rights and the Courts Responding to Craig Murray’s excellent article “The Folly of a Short- Term Approach” in the September Journal , I would say that no progress can be made on human rights in the U.S. or overseas until the composition of the Reagan-Bush Supreme Court is M A R C H 2 0 0 8 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 9 L E T T E R S Home Suite Home The next time you’re going to be in DC for an extended stay, make yourself at home at Georgetown Suites. With our discounted monthly rates and large, comfortable suites, you’ll feel right at home. Plus we’re near the State Department. Call today! Georgetown Suites the fun place to stay in DC 1-800-348-7203 www.georgetownsuites.com sales@georgetownsuites.com