The short answer
Refer when a client could benefit from readjustment counseling, peer connection, or family and bereavement services you can't offer, especially after combat, MST, or a service member's death. Vet Centers are community-based VA counseling centers. They can complement your work, but coordinate with the client so care doesn't overlap or conflict.
What is a Vet Center?
Vet Centers are community-based VA counseling centers that provide readjustment counseling: help with the transition from military to civilian life and the effects of service. They're separate from VA medical centers and often have a more informal, peer-oriented feel. Many staff are Veterans themselves. Call 877-927-8387 to reach the Vet Center Call Center.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on the type of service, not just Veteran status. According to VA's Vet Center eligibility page, Veterans and service members may qualify if they:
- Served on active duty in a combat theater or area of hostility.
- Experienced military sexual trauma.
- Provided certain medical or mortuary services during wartime, or served on certain unmanned aerial vehicle crews.
- Are Guard or Reserve members with service-related behavioral health concerns, among other groups VA lists.
Family members can get services when their participation supports the Veteran's or service member's goals. Bereavement services are available to family members of service members who died in service and of Veterans or service members who died by suicide, among others.
When might a referral help?
- A combat Veteran wants peer connection or a group with other Veterans.
- A client experienced MST and wants an additional, no-cost option.
- A family has lost a service member, or a Veteran to suicide.
- A Veteran's spouse and kids need family support tied to the Veteran's readjustment.
- A client can't afford the number of sessions they need and qualifies for Vet Center care.
Can a client see you and a Vet Center at the same time?
Often, yes, but coordinate. Two individual therapists working on the same trauma in different directions can confuse a client. A common setup is individual therapy with you and a group or family service at the Vet Center. Get a release of information and talk with the Vet Center counselor if both of you are involved.
How ValorWell handles this
ValorWell therapists decide referrals and care coordination as a clinical matter. If you think a Vet Center group or family service would help, that's your call to make with the client. ValorWell's admin team can help with logistics on the ValorWell side, such as scheduling and authorizations.
For how Vet Center care compares with VA Community Care from the Veteran's side, see Vet Centers vs. Community Care.
Important limits
- VA decides Vet Center eligibility. Refer clients to check; don't promise they'll qualify.
- Vet Centers aren't crisis services. Use the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1) for crises.
- Services vary by location. Groups and family programs depend on the local Vet Center.
- Coordinate, don't duplicate. Overlapping individual therapy can work against the client.