VA Caribbean Healthcare System

Doctor comforts unhappy young man.

“It takes the strength and courage of a warrior to ask for help.”

Are you a Veteran in emotional crisis?  Or maybe you know a Veteran who might be?

The VA Caribbean Healthcare System has a wide range of mental health services available to Veterans in inpatient and outpatient settings and diverse locations ranging from the main VA hospital to community and rural clinics.  Some services can even be provided virtually, bringing the care directly to the Veteran.     

 “All mental health care is completely confidential,” stressed Dra. Maria L. Reyes-Rabanillo, Chief Psychiatry Service. “We want Veterans to ask for and get the help they need.  In our clinics, for example, many of our mental health experts are integrated into the patient’s primary care team so a Veteran may be able to see a provider on the same day as their regular appointment.”  

Mental health services include consultation, evaluation and treatment of issues related to depression, sadness, and grief; addictive behaviors; relationship problems; post traumatic stress disorder; stress from medical problems; emotional problems (like managing anger); confused thinking or memory problems; aggressive or self-harming behaviors; and others.

There are also specific programs for those with special needs such as Women Veterans, Veterans returning from combat areas, suicide prevention, military sexual trauma, Veterans involved with the criminal justice system, older Veterans, and homeless Veterans.

A program at VA Caribbean Healthcare System that is making a difference in Veterans’ lives is the Substance Abuse Clinic and the Intensive Outpatient Program, providing a patient centered and recovery oriented treatment approach to veterans with substance abuse problems.

 VA Research—Advancing Care for Veterans with Mental Health Care Needs

Likewise, world-class VA investigators, many who provide patient care, are pioneering advances in the understanding and treatment of mental health disorders.  At VA Caribbean Healthcare System studies have been looking for the adaptation and implementation of prolonged exposure psychotherapy  for the treatment of PTSD, the understanding of treatment interventions for patients with Dementia, the collaborative care for depressed patients with chronic medical conditions, and the suicidal ideation among general practice patients with chronic health conditions.

 To locate the nearest VA facility or Vet Center for enrollment and to get scheduled for care, visit VA’s website at www.va.gov.  Immediate help is available at www.VeteransCrisisLine.netor by calling the VA Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (push 1) or texting 838255.

 If you’re a Veteran who is already enrolled for care at a VA hospital or clinic, talk to a member of your Primary Care Team to schedule an appointment.  

 More Resources:

 -        Where to Get Help:  http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/gethelp.asp 

-        Veterans Crisis Line: http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/index.asp 

-        PTSD Help & Information: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/ 

Make the Connection: Shared Experiences and support for Veterans:  http://maketheconnection.net/