ONONDAGA COUNTY, N.Y. -- The demand continues to grow for services to help identify and treat those returning home from military duty, suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Republican Congresswoman Ann Marie Buerkle, who serves as chair of the House Veterans Affairs Subcommittee on Health, says mental health care providers can use a helping hand from the clergy.

Members of the clergy gathered with experts Monday at Onondaga Community College to discuss ways to spot behaviors that may signal PTSD issues. The experts say they can use the help of those who are in contact with veterans close to home.

“Given that they've developed relationships with them. They know them. They see them day to day. They're probably one of the best equipped groups to identify small changes or differences in the way they present, or the way that they act,” said Duke University psychologist Dr. George "Tripp" Ake.

The goal is to speed diagnosis to in turn, speed the delivery of treatment.