PTSD Treatment Programs in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs PTSD Treatment Programs in the U.S. Department of Veterans AffairsNOTE: As of July 13, 2010, VA has New Regulations on PTSD Claims. Each medical center within VA has PTSD specialists who provide treatment for Veterans with PTSD. Plus, the VA provides nearly 200 specialized PTSD treatment programs. A referral is usually needed to access the specialty programs. You can use this VA PTSD Program Locator to see if there is a specialized program near you. NOTE: If you are in crisis dial 911 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Not all VA's offer the same programs. Your doctor can help you decide which program is best for you. This fact sheet describes the specialized PTSD programs and also the other options within VA for getting PTSD treatment. Who is covered for VA care?VA services are provided to all Veterans who have the following:
At times, the VA has special agreements to provide care to Active Duty service members and family. What services are offered?Each PTSD program offers education, evaluation, and treatment. Program services include:
The VA provides treatments shown by research to be effective in treating Veterans. To learn about these treatments and the VA provider training programs, see our fact sheets: Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure. Services are conducted by mental health care workers. For more information about types of mental health care workers, see our fact sheet Finding and Choosing a Therapist. PTSD specialistsEvery VA Medical Center has providers that have been trained to offer PTSD treatment. Please be aware that even if your VA Medical Center does not have one of the special PTSD programs described below, you can still get effective PTSD treatment. Ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health provider who is a PTSD specialist. Below you will also find information about other options for getting PTSD treatment within VA. Specialized Outpatient PTSD Programs (SOPPs)In addition to regular outpatient PTSD care provided by a specialist or in some form of outpatient PTSD program, SOPPs include three basic types of clinics. At these outpatient (not live-in) clinics, you can meet with a provider on a regular basis.
Specialized Intensive PTSD Programs (SIPPs)SIPPs provide PTSD treatment services within a "therapeutic community." Many programs are residential (live-in). Activities offered are social, recreational (relax), and vocational (work), as well as counseling.
Other optionsSome VA medical centers are now offering walk-in clinics. By walking into the primary care clinic, a Veteran can be seen that day by a mental health provider. Other VA treatment locations where a Veteran can get PTSD treatment include:
In summaryThe goal of the VA is to provide the best care for our Veterans. Go to the VA Facilities Locator to find a VA medical center, an outpatient clinic, or a Vet Center. You can also find a specialized PTSD program using the VA PTSD Program Locator. Call VA Benefits: 1-800-827-1000 Call VA Health Care Benefits: 1-877-222-8387 Date Created:
See last Reviewed/Updated Date below.
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