By Larry Dandridge
I apologize to the readers of this article series but I, writer Larry Dandridge am going to need four articles to cover VA Mental Health Services adequately.
The first article in this Island News four-article series on Veterans’ Mental Health services covered how to talk to someone at the VA right now (the VA’s Crisis Line); and how to connect with VA mental healthcare, no matter a veteran’s discharge status, service history, or eligibility for VA healthcare; and other sources of mental health care for veterans and transitioning service members.
The second article covered how and where to make an appointment for Mental Health care in the Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Healthcare System area of service (the coastal counties of South Carolina and Northeast Georgia).
This week’s article is based on the information at the VA’s “Mental Health Services” webpage at https://bit.ly/3H8KAoE and will answer seven more questions on VA Mental Health Services. Next week’s article, Article 4 will answer 12 more questions.
1. What should a veteran do if they are not sure what kind of help, they need?
Answer: Call 877-222-8387 to find the resources they need. If you have hearing loss, call TTY at 800-877-8339. Veterans can also call their local VA Medical Center or Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) mental health number.
2. Can a veteran get VA Mental Health Services online?
Answer: Yes. You may be able to use one or more of the care options listed below.
- The Veteran Training online self-help portal for overcoming everyday challenges. Veterans can use this portal’s tools to help manage their anger, develop parenting and problem-solving skills, and more. The portal is free, and the veteran does not have to sign in or provide any personal information to use the tools. See VA Veteran Training Portal at https://www.veterantraining.va.gov.
- Smartphone apps for Veterans: Veterans can complement their care with mental health apps at the VA App Store at https://mobile.va.gov. These resources can help veterans manage PTSD symptoms and stress, manage depression, and more.
- The VA Telemental Health Program: Veterans can connect with a VA mental health provider through a computer or mobile device in their home or at their nearest VA health facility. If you are enrolled in VA health care, ask any of your providers to help connect you with Telemental Health.
3. Can a veteran speak to a fellow Veteran who has been through this before?
Answer: Yes. The “be there” peer assistance program, https://bethere.org, in partnership with Military OneSource, offers support to service members (including National Guard and Reservists), their families, and transitioning veterans up to 365 days after separation. Veterans can talk privately with peer coaches who are veterans, service members, or military spouses. Call Military OneSource’s free, confidential peer support at 800-342-9647.
4. What other options do veterans have?
Answer: Eligible service members, veterans, and family members can visit one of the VA’s Vet Centers to get free individual and group counseling. You do not have to be enrolled in VA health care or receive disability compensation to use these services.
Vet Centers provide individual and group counseling, couples and family counseling, Military Sexual Trauma (MST) counseling, readjustment counseling, mental health services, educational and employment counseling, bereavement counseling, substance use assessment, and referral. They also help veterans to apply for VA benefits. Find a Vet Center at the VA’s “Find VA Locations” webpage at https://bit.ly/3PJ1r6q. You can also call 877-927-8387 (TTY: 711) to talk with a fellow combat veteran.
5. Will using VA Mental Health services put my career at risk?
Answer: Being diagnosed with a mental health condition or seeking mental health care does not automatically put work-related credentials, such as security clearances, at risk. Most employers recognize that healthy employees who get help when they need it are more productive and effective in their jobs.
6. Do I need to be enrolled in VA Healthcare to access VA Mental Healthcare?
Answer: No. If a veteran does not qualify for VA health care, they may still be able to get certain health care services, like care for needs linked to military sexual trauma.
Call the VA health benefits hotline at 877-222-8387 to find out what your care options are.
Depending on your needs and situation, you can also:
- Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for help 24/7. A trained VA counselor will offer information about VA homelessness programs, health care, and other services in your area. The call is free and confidential.
- Call or visit your local VA Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC). Even if you don’t qualify for VA health care, the VA staff there can help you find non-VA resources you may qualify for in your community. Find a CRRC at https://www.va.gov/HOMELESS/Crrc.asp. The Charleston, SC CRRC is located at 2424 City Hall Lane, North Charleston, SC 29406, Phone: 843-789-6804.
7. How does a veteran find out if he or she is eligible for VA Healthcare?
Answer: The VA, through the PACT ACT and Presidential direction, expanded, on March 5, 2024, VA Healthcare to millions of more veterans. All veterans who meet the basic service and discharge requirements and who were exposed to toxins and other hazardous materials while serving at home and abroad are now eligible for VA Healthcare. The eligibility information is too expansive to cover in this article but veterans should be aware that some veterans may be eligible for free or reduced-cost care based on their income
All Veterans need to read the VA’s “PACT ACT and YOUR VA BENEFITS” webpage at https://bit.ly/3ARbVrn. Veterans should also go to https://bit.ly/3cuf4Vm to see more details of VA Healthcare eligibility.
Veterans can also find out if they are eligible for VA Healthcare at their closest VA Medical Center and CBOC. The Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center is located at 109 Bee Street, Charleston, S.C. 29401, Phone: 843-577-5011, Mental Health: 843-789-6500. The Beaufort CBOC is located in the Beaufort Naval Hospital at 1 Pinckney Boulevard, Beaufort, S.C. 29902-6122, Main Phone: 843-770-0444, Mental Health: 843-789-6500.
Continued next week.
Larry Dandridge is a Vietnam War wounded warrior, disabled veteran, ex-Enlisted Infantryman, ex-Warrant Officer Pilot, and retired Lt. Colonel. He is a past Veterans Service Officer, a Patient Adviser at the RHJ VA Hospital, the Fisher House Charleston Good Will Ambassador, and the VP for Veteran Affairs for the local Army Association Chapter. Larry is the author of the award-winning book Blades of Thunder and a contributing free-lance writer with the Island News. Contact him at LDandridge@earthlink.net or 843-276-7164.
