Women’s Mental Health Services in the VA
There are far more men than
women Veterans in the VA system. For this reason, many women
Veterans are not aware of resources offered just for them.
Many women Veterans prefer treatment with other women. Research
shows that people often do better in treatment with others
that are more like them. As a result, mental health services
just for women are offered in many VA's across the country.
VA women Veterans program managers
Every
VA Medical Center in the country has a Women Veterans Program
Manager. This person is your advocate. She can help you get
to VA services and programs, state and federal benefits, and
resources in the area where you live. If you need help, call
your local
VA and ask to speak to the Women Veterans Program Manager.
Learn more about the VA
Women Veterans Health Care program. There is also helpful
information on the VA
Center for Women Veterans website.
If
you have questions about your VA care, you should first go
to your Women Veterans Program Manager.
During normal business hours, you can also contact:
The
Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans at
(202) 273-6193.
The Veterans Health Administration Women Veterans Health Strategic
Health Care Group at (202) 461-1070.
Types
of VA programs for women
The
following list describes some of the mental health service
programs offered by VA for women Veterans. To find out more,
see VA
PTSD Treatment Programs. The fact sheet links to a list
of VA PTSD treatment programs. The list includes programs
for women, with contact information. For other help locating
a program or service, you should ask your Women Veterans Program
Manager.
Women's Stress Disorder Treatment Teams (WSDTTs)
WSDTTs are special outpatient (not live-in) mental health
programs. They focus on treatment of PTSD and other problems
related to trauma.
Specialized inpatient and residential programs for
women
These are live-in programs for women Veterans who need more
intense treatment and support. While in these programs, women
live either in the hospital or in a residence with other women.
For help locating a program, ask your Women Veterans Program
Manager.
Cohort treatment or separate wings for women
These programs are like the live-in programs discussed above
except these programs accept both men and women. Some programs
accept women in groups that start treatment together on a
certain date. Sometimes the program has a space set apart
for women.
Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Centers
Complete health centers for women Veterans are located in
many VA's around the country. Many of them provide outpatient
mental health services to women Veterans. Check with your
local Women Veterans Program Manager to see if there is a
women's health center that provides mental health services
near you.
Women Veterans homelessness programs
The Women Veterans Program can help you find shelter if you
are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Certain VA locations
have programs for homeless women Veterans and homeless women
Veterans with children. Contact your Women Veterans Program
Manager for resources near you. You can also contact the Social
Work Services department at your local VAMC. For more information,
go to Homeless
Veterans.
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