Perceived Needs of Veterans Transitioning from the Military to Civilian Life Karen J. Derefinko, PhD Troy A. Hallsell, MA Matthew B. Isaacs, MA Lauren W. Colvin, MS Francisco I. Salgado Garcia, PhD Zoran Bursac, PhD Abstract Despite existing separation services provided by the military, many transitioning to civilian life report continued or even worsening issues, including anger outbursts, PTSD, sustained substance use, and strained family relationships. Further, only 61% of the 1,906,754 veterans separated since 2002 participate in the VA health care system after separation, indicating that at least three quarters of a million veterans are not captured by research conducted in VA systems. The current study (N = 90) examined the perceived needs of veterans transitioning from the military to civilian life, assessed issues that prevent these individuals from participating in VA health care upon separation, and captured veteran recommendations to improve existing separation services, either prior to or after the transition to civilian life. Veterans identified several needs, including improved access to care, mental health and substance use counseling, and preparedness for adjustment and economical/financial issues. Implications for both care and policy are discussed. Introduction There are 1.4 million uniformed personnel currently serving in the four military branches of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), and close to 200,000 enlisted each year across branches. 1 Address correspondence to Francisco I. Salgado Garcia, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, 66 N. Pauline St, Memphis, TN 38163, USA. . Karen J. Derefinko, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA. Zoran Bursac, PhD, Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA. Troy A. Hallsell, MA, Department of History, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA. Matthew B. Isaacs, MA, Department of History, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA. Lauren W. Colvin, MS, St. Jude Children’ s Research Hospital, Clinical Trials Administration, Memphis, TN, USA. Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, 2018. 1–14. c ) 2018 National Council for Behavioral Health. DOI 10.1007/s11414-018-9633-8 Military Separation Needs DEREFINKO ET AL.