Veterans Affairs Canada is interested in alternative therapies to assist Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health conditions.
The Department requires a sufficient evidence base with which to assess the effectiveness of these interventions.
As there is currently little existing evidence about the effectiveness of animal-assisted interventions for mental health, Veterans Affairs Canada is engaging the services of the Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research (CIMVHR) and Can Praxis to conduct research studies to look at this issue.
The work of the CIMVHR and Can Praxis will provide important information on the types of equine interventions available to Veterans with mental health conditions. It will also provide information on effectiveness and symptom management, and provide guidance to the Department as to when it would be appropriate to integrate this type of adjunct therapy into a Veteran’s mental health treatment plan.
It is possible that this research will provide Veterans Affairs Canada with the necessary information to make an informed decision on potential programs for Veterans.
This research is expected to take approximately two years, including development work and completion of a final report. The projects will include funding support for Veterans to participate in the equine programs during the pilot study.
