Thursday, June 13, 2019

Same Day Mental Health services for Veterans - June is PTSD Awareness Month

Reaching out for help can be difficult, especially for a mental health concern. The military cultural standards of ‘never surrender’ and self-reliant ‘can do’ attitude, so integral on the battlefield, are ingrained in every Veteran. Yet, this defining character asset from military service often presents a barrier to Veterans seeking treatment. The Department of Veteran Affairs understands the difficulty many Veterans have asking for assistance and are ready to Make the Connection. VA has committed to be there for Veterans in their time of need–The Moment Recovery Begins.
In 2018, 1.7 million Veterans received VA mental health services.
VA Secretary Robert Wilkie has made Same-Day 24/7 access to emergency mental health care the top clinical priority for VA staff. “It’s important that all Veterans, their family and friends know that help is easily available.” Now, all 172 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) provide Same-Day Mental Health Care services. If a Veteran is in crisis or has another need for mental health care right away, he or she will receive immediate attention from a health care professional.
Options for Same-Day Services:
An in-person appointment delivered by a provider or another appropriate clinical staff member,
A telephone call with a provider or another appropriate clinical staff member,
Via smart phone,
Via telehealth, and or
Secure messaging.

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