The Vet Centers are little-known mental health care facilities established primarily to help combat Veterans, i.e., those who served in a combat theater or area of hostility to include but not limited to: World War II (including American Merchant Marines); Korean War; Vietnam War; Lebanon; Grenada; Desert Storm; Desert Shield; Bosnia; Kosovo; Operations in the former Yugoslavia area; Global War on Terrorism; Operation Enduring Freedom; Operation Freedom's Sentinel; Operation Iraqi Freedom; and Operation New Dawn. (Military sexual assault victims are also eligible for Vet Center care.).
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Vet Centers operate independently of the VA medical facilities and their counselors/therapists are generally more caring and devoted to Veterans than VA therapists. In addition, Vet Centers are committed to giving Veterans one-on-one counseling, whereas VA bureaucracy and fluctuating staff make it difficult for Veterans to get needed and continuous counseling. Still more, Vet Center therapists will usually write opinion letters in support of a Veteran’s claim, while VA treating therapists will rarely support Veterans in their VA disability claims.
Vet Centers are located in every state and in every major city. The Vet Centers provide a wide range of psychological and social services for Veterans, service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and their families. They are community-based counseling to assist a successful transition from active-duty life to a civilian life, they also offer counseling after a traumatic event in the military, including military sexual trauma (MST). Vet Center counselors and outreach staff, many of whom are Veterans themselves, are experienced and prepared to discuss the tragedies of war, loss, grief and transition after trauma.
What is readjustment counseling?
Vet Centers offer readjustment counseling. Readjustment counseling is a range of psychosocial services that are offered to eligible Veterans, service members, and their families to assist them in a successful transition from military to civilian life. They include:
- Individual and group counseling for Veterans, service members, and their families
- Family counseling for military related issues
- Bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death
- Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling and referral
- Outreach and education including PDHRA, community events, etc.
- Substance abuse assessment and referral
- Employment assessment & referral
- VBA benefits explanation and referral
- Screening & referral for medical issues including TBI, depression, etc.
Where is Vet Centers counseling offered?
Since Vet Centers are a community-based counseling service they are easily accessible for Veterans, service members, and their families. Vet Centers are also separated from VA sites to guarantee confidential counseling is provided and to reduce any other obstacles in care. Every Vet Center service are already paid through military service.
What are Vet Centers hours?
All Vet Centers have non-traditional appointment schedules. They are open after normal business hours to encompass the schedules of Veterans, service members, and their family members.
You may use the Location Finder to find the nearest Vet Center, or you may call our Vet Center Call Center at 1-877-927-8387 available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What is military sexual trauma (MST) counseling?
Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling can include several different types of counseling, such as individual, group, marital, and family counseling. It can also include referrals for benefits assistance, community agencies, and information on substance abuse to assist the Veteran with the emotions of MST and reclaim their confidence in their everyday life.
MST counseling, assessment, and referral are available to Veterans at every Vet Center location and MST-related medical and mental health services are available at the local VA Medical Center. These resources obtained by getting in contacting the Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator or your existing VA healthcare provider.
Bereavement Counseling what is it?
Bereavement counseling is also referred to as grief counseling. Bereavement counseling helps support Veterans and Veterans family members after the death of a loved one. Bereavement counseling can encompass a wide range of transition services, outreach, counseling, and referral services. Bereavement counseling is provided at 300 Vet Center locations across the country.
The Bereavement counseling is available for family members of Armed Forces personnel who have died in their service for our country, Reservists and National Guardsmen who have died while on active-duty. Bereavement counseling is also available for family members of Veterans who were receiving Vet Center services at the time of the Veteran's death, and the family members of Veterans and service members who have died by suicide. The bereavement counseling that the community based Vet Center provides is at no cost.
Per the Vet Center, "We look for reasons and means to qualify individuals rather than turn them away. If someone is found to not meet our eligibility, we will work with them to find available community resources that may be more suitable for that individual. If we are unable to help you, we will find someone who can."
Vet Centers are located in every state and in every major city. You can use the Vet Center Locater to find the one nearest to you. You can also call a Vet Center team member toll free at 877-927-8387 around the clock.