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M. Referral To Vet Centers

OBJECTIVE

Provide timely mental health services to veterans in need of support.

BACKGROUND

There are 206 Vet Centers nationwide that provide Readjustment Counseling Services (RCS) to combat era veterans. They are located in seven regions: Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Central, Southeast, Southwest, Western Mountain and Pacific Western (http://www.va.gov/rcs ). Legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the President changed eligibility for Vet Center services (Public Law 104-262) and extended definition of the Vietnam era for war zone veterans (P.L. 104-275). Vet Centers serve the following veterans (see VHA DIRECTIVE 97-002, Jan. 9, 1997, for eligibility details):

  • War Zone Veterans (all eras), including: Vietnam War, Korean War, World War II, and American Merchant Marines
  • Vietnam era Veterans not in the War Zone: Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, and Somalia
  • Operation Joint Endeavor, Operation Joint Guard, & Operation Joint Forge
  • Sexually traumatized while in the military

Vet Center services include individual readjustment counseling, referral for benefits assistance, group readjustment counseling, liaison with community agencies, marital and family counseling, substance abuse information and referral, job counseling and placement, sexual trauma counseling, and community education.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  1. Veterans with symptoms of PTSD should have an initial assessment of needs.
  2. Veterans who are dangerous to self or others should be referred to the local VAMC or nearest emergency room.
  3. Veterans who are seeking to have basic needs met should be referred to the VA Homeless Coordinator or community resources for food, shelter, or emergency financial assistance.
  4. Veterans who are eligible for Vet Center services should have an in-depth psychosocial history taken, including a comprehensive military history and treatment plan.
  5. Treatment plans in the Vet Center may include individual, family, or group therapy. Veterans can receive medical treatment or medication management at the Vet Center by a psychiatrist, RN, or ARNP or be referred to the local VAMC, CBOC, or community resources.
  6. Veterans who are eligible for Vet Center services should be made aware of the Center resources and referred if the patient desires.

DISCUSSION

Veterans do not have to be service-connected to receive services at the Vet Center and are never billed for services. Family members can be seen to promote better understanding of the symptoms of PTSD and of how PTSD affects the family process.

Veterans initially seen at the Vet Center may or may not be service-connected, and may be homeless, psychotic or have other mental illnesses, actively using substances, suicidal or may just be seeking information.

Veterans initially seen in the primary care setting who are diagnosed with PTSD and are in need of a referral for treatment can be referred to the Vet Center for therapy. This is especially helpful if the veteran is not service-connected, cannot afford treatment, or feels uncomfortable in a hospital setting or sitting in large waiting areas with large numbers of people. If the veteran needs a referral to community services, the Vet Center is also available. The staff at the Vet Center is available for crisis intervention and works closely with VAMC staff during the assessment phase and in partnership during the course of treatment.