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Howard J. Cohen, 70, psychologist who helped vets with PTSD

Howard J. Cohen, 70, of Melrose Park, a clinical psychologist who over a 35-year career treated veterans struggling with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, died Friday, March 17, of cancer at home.

Dr. Cohen worked on several fronts to help veterans regain their health and mental stability after enduring the rigors of combat. He provided information, conducted counseling sessions, and did mental-health evaluations.

Equally important, he assisted them in applying for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs when their war experiences had led to mental impairment. That process meant helping vets to present their stories effectively, following their claims through the tricky review process, and writing psychological reviews for them when benefits were denied. He did this from 1981 until two months ago, when his son, Eric, also a clinical psychologist, took over the practice.

For most of his career, Dr. Cohen split his time between offices in Langhorne and Elkins Park. Four years ago, he began practicing full time from the Elkins Park location. "He was working up until the end," his son said.

Dr. Cohen received referrals from many sources – the most satisfying being word-of-mouth recommendations among veterans, he wrote online. "He was a really caring man. He dedicated his life to others," his son said.

Apparently, the veterans loved him back. As news of his death circulated, his family received an outpouring of support and expressions of sympathy from patients whose lives he had improved.

Outside the realm of patient care, Dr. Cohen collaborated with veterans groups, offering information on psychological disorders. He also provided consultation and education to court systems, policymakers, physicians, mental-health advocates, and anyone interested in learning about veterans' mental-health issues. He also lectured widely.

Born in the Logan section of Philadelphia, Dr. Cohen graduated from Olney High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in education from Temple University and spent the early years of his career teaching special education in the Philadelphia School District.

After reflection, he decided to enter the world of psychotherapy, and acquired the requisite education, earning a master's degree from the University of Nebraska and a doctoral degree from the University of Mississippi, both in psychology.

He met Carole Poltenstein while both were students at Temple. They married in 1968, and traveled across the country while Dr. Cohen earned his degrees. Eventually, they settled in Melrose Park.

Dr. Cohen treasured the time he spent with his family and dog Max at Cape May Point or Brigantine on the Jersey Shore.

"There was nothing he liked more than sitting on the beach or casting a line into the ocean to go fishing," his family said.

Besides his wife of 48 years and his son, he is survived by a sister, a nephew, and nieces.

Services were Monday, March 20.