where can a veteran find mental health treatment

Full Answer

How do I get mental health care if I'm a veteran?

Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn't matter what your discharge status is or if you're enrolled in VA health care. Get connected with mental health care—no matter your discharge status, service history, or eligibility for VA health care.

What kind of mental health services does the VA offer?

Find out how to access VA mental health services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs. You can use some services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care. How do I talk to someone right now? Find out how to get support anytime day or night.

How do I make an appointment with a VA mental health provider?

If you’re already using VA medical services, ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment with a VA mental health provider. If you’re not already using VA medical services, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center to talk about your needs.

Why don’t more veterans seek mental health care?

Many factors impact veterans’ decisions not to seek care— a main one being stigma. Two examples of stigma are: one, a veterans’ hesitation to seek mental health services due to being perceived as “weak” or “vulnerable;” and, two, the possibility of having negative career or job implications as the result of potentially impairing symptoms.

Where can soldiers receive treatment for mental health issues?

The TRICARE Military Treatment Facility Locator is the locator tool for military treatment centers. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) provides information on a variety of mental health topics and list current clinical trials that allow persons to access treatment for free. Call (866) 615-6464.

What type of psychologist works with veterans?

Clinical psychologistsClinical Psychologist Job Description Clinical psychologists working for the VA work directly with veterans and their families, providing individual, marital and family counseling. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, over 1.7 million veterans received mental health services in 2019.

Can veterans use military OneSource?

Military OneSource services are available to Veterans and their immediate family for up to one year post-separation or retirement. The confidential help that Military OneSource offers allows service members to seek the assistance they need while protecting their identity.

What services are available for veterans with PTSD?

What services does VA provide for PTSD?1-to-1 mental health assessment and testing to figure out if you have PTSD.Medicine proven to work for treating PTSD.1-to-1 psychotherapy (also called talk therapy). ... 1-to-1 family therapy.Group therapy for special needs, like anger or stress management, or combat support.More items...•

What does a VA psychologist do?

Clinical psychologists at the VA provide evidence-based general and preventive mental health services; treatment for PTSD, substance abuse, depression and anxiety disorders; and spinal cord injury treatment.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a counselor?

While counselors are focused on general therapy that may apply psychologists' research, psychologists are more focused on evaluation within the field and they provide interventions for clients with specific disorders through diagnostic test administration, consultation with healthcare professionals and research.

Who qualifies for Military OneSource?

Military OneSource eligibility A: Military retirees and those service members discharged under honorable or general under honorable conditions are eligible for services provided by Military OneSource for up to 365 days after their retirement date, end of tour date, or discharge date.

What is the Military OneSource program?

Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges and thrive. As a member of our military family, you are eligible to use this Department of Defense-funded program anytime, anywhere.

What is Military OneSource provider?

Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program providing comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members, and their families.

Do veterans get free PTSD treatment?

According to VA, if you served in a combat zone, you are entitled to free private counseling as well as a drug and alcohol assessment at a local Vet center. All VA centers offer counseling as well. VA also offers helpful tips for finding a PTSD therapist.

What does the government do for veterans with PTSD?

If a veteran's PTSD is classified as a disability, they may be eligible to supplement their VA support with an array of other government benefits: Medicaid, including waiver programs covering career support and other community-based services. Medicare. Supplemental Security Income.

What is the best treatment for veterans with PTSD?

Of the wide variety of psychotherapies available, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is considered to have the strongest evidence for reducing the symptoms of PTSD in veterans and has been shown to be more effective than any other nondrug treatment.

How many specialized programs are there for PTSD?

Within the VA health care system, there are nearly 200 specialized treatment programs for PTSD. Depression is usually treated in the primary care setting. Most VA patients are satisfied with the mental health care they receive.

What are the factors that affect veterans?

Factors such as veteran status, duty requirements, discharge condition, and military branch can affect whether veterans are eligible for coverage through VA or DoD. Some community-based programs are available to all veterans, regardless of their discharge status or ability to pay.

Should VA continue to provide evidence based treatment?

VA, HHS, and DoD should continue their investment in requiring delivery of evidence-based treatments. Private-sector mental health systems and payers should improve training for community providers to help them better serve veterans.

Do veterans get mental health care?

Many veterans choose to receive care in private health systems or community-based programs. Overall, RAND research has shown that private providers were less prepared than VA providers to deliver high-quality mental health care to veterans. That said, veterans receive a substantial amount of care from providers outside VA.

Does the VA have a mental health system?

A RAND study found that the VA system exceeds the private sector on many mental health quality measures. Mental health providers who work mostly in a VA setting are significantly more likely to be extensively trained to use evidence-based practices, which studies show leads to better results and recovery for patients.

Do veterans get care outside of the VA?

That said, veterans receive a substantial amount of care from providers outside VA. While more research is needed on the quality of private care for veterans, VA has taken steps, such as creating toolkits and training programs, to help private providers treat veterans more effectively.

What to do if you are already using VA medical services?

If you’re already using VA medical services, ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment with a VA mental health provider.

What is the best treatment for mental health?

For most mental health conditions, a combination of medications and psychosocial support and therapy offers the best opportunity for reducing symptoms and restoring prior levels of functioning. No treatment affects everyone the same way, so it is important for you and your provider to work together to determine which medication may be the most effective for you.

What is veteran training?

Veteran Training is a self-help portal that provides tools for overcoming everyday challenges. The portal has tools to help Veterans work on problem-solving skills, manage anger, develop parenting skills, and more, in an entirely anonymous environment. The free tools are based on mental health practices that have proven successful with Veterans and their families.

Does the VA offer therapy?

Beyond evidence-based therapies, VA offers other supportive therapy options tailored to meet each Veteran’s needs. VA facilities offer mental health treatment services including talk therapy, supported work settings, residential programs, and other therapies, all designed to align with your preferences and lifestyle. Talk to your VA health care provider about the options available in your area.

Does the VA require a telehealth appointment?

VA offers both video and phone telemental health options that do not require you to travel to a facility. Connect with local VA providers to learn about their telehealth options and schedule or reschedule your appointment online.

Does the VA have mental health services?

You can access mental health support wherever you are, whenever you need it. VA’s mental health apps can help you manage PTSD-related symptoms and stress, learn to practice mindfulness, cope with depression, and more.

Is evidence based therapy effective?

Evidence-based therapies have proven to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. These effective therapies are always evolving to meet Veterans where they are in their recovery journey and provide the best possible opportunity for improved mental health and well-being. There are multiple evidence-based therapy options available to you, depending on your specific mental health condition and treatment needs. Find more information on evidence-based therapy or other treatment options that can meet your needs by exploring the links below:

Why do veterans not seek mental health care?

Two examples of stigma are: one, a veterans’ hesitation to seek mental health services due to being perceived as “weak” or “vulnerable;” and, two, the possibility of having negative career or job implications as the result of potentially impairing symptoms .

How does trauma affect veterans?

Some veterans are able to move past trauma with minimal dysfunction in their lives; however, for others, the traumatic event creates havoc and chaos. Trauma symptoms can become so problematic that they result in family discord, divorce, social dysfunction, significant substance use, employment difficulty, physical health difficulties, legal problems, and more. And the disruption of service members’ lives as a result of trauma symptoms is hardly uncommon. Due to the dysfunction and negative impact of trauma and its symptoms in the lives of service members, the VA has recognized and developed the VA disability rating system. The disability rating system considers both physical and mental health-related conditions. The more areas of a veteran’s life that are impacted (i.e. social and occupational difficulty or physical limitation and/or pain), the more financial compensation that veteran potentially could be warranted. I am a firm believer that veterans are entitled to every dollar that they are afforded and then some...Many can argue that the lifelong implications and symptoms that veterans have to endure cannot be quantified or compensated with a dollar amount. The VA does its best to equitably compensate veterans based on their level of dysfunction. However, if the veteran could eliminate the disabling experience that initiated their impairing symptoms, it is possible that they could exceed the amount of their VA compensation by functioning optimally in the civilian sector. Essentially, they would be able to have a greater positive economic impact and earn a higher living wage if they did not experience disabling symptoms. Given the high level of training military members receive, the values, discipline, and structure instilled by military training and service often lead most veterans to make dependable, hard-working, and effective employees.

How much did the VA pay in 2000?

According to the VA Disability Rating System, in the year 2000, the average compensation provided to veterans through the disability rating system was about $20 billion for 2.3 million veterans. In 2013, that number rose to 3.5 million veterans receiving $54 billion in compensation.

Why are veterans getting more compensation?

A major reason for the spike in veterans receiving compensation is the continued 14-year wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. When service members are sent to war and later return home, there are often significant consequences to service—economics being one of them.

Can a veteran exceed VA compensation?

However, if the veteran could eliminate the disabling experience that initiated their impairing symptoms, it is possible that they could exceed the amount of their VA compensation by functioning optimally in the civilian sector.

Is the VA a good system?

The VA provides great and well-needed services, and they save lives every day. Unfortunately, some veterans walk away from the VA dissatisfied and displeased. There is no perfect mental health and medical system, and the disability rating scale is not perfect either. There is no one program that provides a “fix all” solution. What it will take is public and private partnerships moving forward in order to maximize reach and expand access, frequency, and quality of care.

Can the VA reduce the compensation rate?

The VA has the right to decrease the compensation rate if the veteran shows material improvement in their ability to function in daily life whether that be in relation to a physical or mental health-related condition.

Mental Health Services for Veterans

The VA provides Mental Health Services for a range of mental health conditions, including treatment for substance abuse disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and serious mental illness.

Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs

The Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs provide residential rehabilitative and clinical care to Veterans who need help with mental health and substance use disorders, co-occurring medical conditions, homelessness, and unemployment.

Additional Mental Health Resources for Veterans

The VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Guidebook provides information on mental health services offered on both a national and local level.

How to get free counseling for veterans?

In order to be considered for their services, you need to fill out an application for assistance. All branches of military service, veterans, and their families are eligible to apply. If you qualify, The Camaraderie Foundation will provide 100 percent free counseling services as a supplement to what is offered by the military. You’ll have private counseling conducted by licensed professionals.

What is the VA call center for homeless veterans?

National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: If you are a Veteran who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, you can contact the National VA Call Center 24/7 at 1-877-424-3838 (also intended for Veterans families, VA Medical Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community).

Can veterans get mental health care?

Military members and veterans have access to mental health care through the military and often through the VA. However, some military members or veterans may choose to look elsewhere due to confidentiality reasons, or the availability in their local area.

Do you have to give your real name to a vet?

You don’t even have to give your real name. With the veterans crisis line, you decide what type of help you wish to receive. You can ask for a referral to see a counselor in person, or you could choose to do nothing else at this time.

Does the VA offer assistance to veterans?

The VA does offer assistance to all veterans, including the following:

Does the Red Cross offer counseling?

The American Red Cross also offers confidential counseling help to all military members and their families. Your local Red Cross will connect you to a counselor through their network of community resources available worldwide.