Vet Centers
Want some help from the VA from a place that feels like Community Care?
Vet Centers are there to provide counseling and help to servicemembers, Veterans and their families.
Eligibility
You need to meet at least 1 of the following:
Have served on Active Duty in any combat theater or area of hostility;
Experienced a military sexual trauma;
Provided direct emergent medical care or mortuary services, while serving on Active Duty, or to the casualties of war;
Served as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operations in a combat zone or area of hostility;
Vietnam Era Veterans (non-combat) who used a Vet Center prior to January 2, 2013; or
Family members of Veterans and Servicemembers for military-related issues when they aid in the readjustment of those who have served. This includes bereavement counseling for families who experience an Active Duty death.
NOTE:
You do NOT need to be enrolled in VA health care or be receiving disability compensation.
Common Combat Theaters/Areas of Hostility:
World War II Korean War Vietnam War Lebanon Grenada Desert Storm/Shield Bosnia Kosovo Operations in the former Yugoslavia area Global War on Terrorism Operation Enduring Freedom Operation Freedom’s Sentinel Operation Iraqi Freedom Operation New Dawn Other areas of hostility may also qualify
What is Offered
Vet Centers offer services such as:
Military sexual trauma (MST) counseling Readjustment counseling Bereavement (grief) counseling Employment counseling Substance abuse assessment and referral Transition advice from military to civilian life Help recovering from traumatic events associated with military service Individual counseling Group counseling Marriage counseling Family counseling Referrals to other VA services or assistance Suicide prevention Outreach and education including PDHRA, community events, etc. VBA benefits explanation and referral Screening & referral for medical issues including TBI, depression, etc.
Cost
FREE!
Finding a Vet Center
You can locate your nearest Vet Center by using this Tool.
Need to Talk?
You can call 877-927-8387 to talk with a fellow combat Veteran about your military experiences or any issues you are facing in your transition back to civilian life, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the VA Access My Vet Center Treatment Records?
Only if you give permission! You can elect to Release your Vet Center treatment records to the VA to assist with continuity of care or a Disability claim, but no information will be released to any person or agency without the Veteran's written consent- except in rare circumstances necessary to avert a crisis.
Can Vet Center staff access my VHA treatment records?
Yes.
Are Vet Center employees VHA employees?
Yes. But they are fairly independent and isolated from VHA itself (remember their records are NOT freely shared to the VHA or VBA!).