The short answer
Vet Centers are VA community counseling centers that provide free readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, service members, and their families, often without VA health care enrollment. Community Care is VA paying outside providers for care VA approves. They're separate programs with different eligibility. A Vet Center doesn't need a Community Care referral, and Community Care doesn't run through Vet Centers.
How are Vet Centers different from Community Care?
| Vet Centers | VA Community Care | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | VA community-based counseling centers | VA paying outside providers |
| Main rule | 38 CFR 17.2000 | 38 CFR 17.4000-17.4040 |
| Who's eligible | Combat and certain other service, and families | Enrolled Veterans who meet a Community Care rule |
| Enrollment needed | No | Usually yes |
| Referral needed | No, walk in or call | Yes, VA approval first |
| Cost | Free | $0 at the visit; VA may bill copays |
| Care offered | Counseling and referrals | Medical, mental health, and extended care |
What do Vet Centers offer?
Readjustment counseling: help with the move from military to civilian life and the effects of service. Under 38 CFR 17.2000, that includes individual, group, marriage and family counseling, bereavement counseling, MST counseling, substance use assessment, employment assessment and referral, referrals to VA medical care and benefits, and outreach.
Vet Centers aren't medical clinics. They don't prescribe medication. For medication or medical care, they refer you to VA.
Who can use a Vet Center?
Under 38 CFR 17.2000, Veterans and service members, including National Guard and Reserve, who:
- served on active duty in a combat theater or area of hostilities;
- gave direct emergency medical or mental health care, or mortuary services, to combat casualties from outside that area;
- took part in combat by remotely controlling an unmanned aircraft, wherever they were located; or
- got Vet Center counseling before January 2, 2013.
Family members of eligible Veterans and service members can also get counseling, including spouses, parents, children, extended family, and others living in the home.
Vet Centers keep their records separate from VA medical records and from the Department of Defense.
To find out if you're eligible or find a location, call the Vet Center Call Center at 877-927-8387, open 24/7, or search Vet Centers in Find VA locations.
Does Vet Center counseling cost anything?
No. Readjustment counseling and related mental health services are on VA's list of services with no copay, under 38 CFR 17.108(e)(8).
When is Community Care the better fit?
When you need care a Vet Center doesn't provide, or you don't meet Vet Center eligibility:
- ongoing therapy with a licensed community provider;
- psychiatry and medication;
- intensive or residential treatment; or
- medical care.
Community Care requires that you're enrolled in VA health care, meet one of the Community Care eligibility rules, and get VA's approval. See Mental Health Access Rules.
Can I use both?
Yes. Many Veterans see a Vet Center counselor and also get VA or Community Care for medication or other treatment. Tell each provider about the other so your care fits together.
Does Vet Center counseling count against VA's access standards?
They're separate programs. If you ask VA for mental health care, VA's 20-day and 30-minute standards apply to VA's own appointments. Being offered Vet Center counseling isn't the same as VA scheduling the care you asked for. If you think it's being used that way, ask VA to explain in writing.