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Services & Resources Available for VeteransCrisis and Suicide Prevention Line for Veterans: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) choose (option 1) The Department of Veterans Affairs is reaching out to veterans in crisis and their families to raise awareness about suicide prevention resources, such as the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), then select option 1 to reach a trained VA mental health professional who can assist them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So far, more than 379,000 people have called the hotline, and more than 200,000 of these callers have identified themselves as veterans, family members or friends of veterans. The hotline has led to more than 13,000 rescues of actively suicidal veterans. "As more veterans return from Iraq and Afghanistan, the critical need for mental health care is rising," said Sonja V. Batten, assistant deputy chief patient care services officer for mental health. "VA is increasing its efforts to reach out to veterans in need and their families, to inform them about available services and programs." "Suicide is preventable," said Batten. "Every veteran suicide is tragic and regardless of the numbers or rates, one veteran suicide is too many. We feel the responsibility to continue to spread the word throughout the nation that suicide prevention is everyone's business." The hotline also operates an online Veterans Chat program, which provides veterans, their families and friends with the ability to communicate anonymously online in real-time with a trained VA mental health professional. Veterans Chat can be accessed through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline's website at http://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans/Default.aspx. Through the hotline and Veterans Chat, VA can connect veterans and their families with important services, including suicide prevention coordinators, as well as general inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services at VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics.
Returning Support for Veterans ProgramClick here to view a Memorandum issued on 04/10/08 from the Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse Services regarding the Returning Support for Veterans Program (RSVP) “Vets FIRST” A program for VeteransThis program is partially funded by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is available to veterans who have served their country and have a General or Honorable Discharge.“Vets FIRST” is a twelve month minimum specialized program which is designed to meet the needs of the homeless substance abusing veteran and prepare them for reintegration into their communities as productive self-sufficient, substance free citizens. The Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville has a MHICM Range Program (Mental Health Intensive Case Management) program that is a service provided by the VA Outpatient Clinic. It is a specialized intensive case management program for veterans who have a Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) and will contact veterans in the community. It is based on the Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT) Model and is a best practice model for veterans, including Medication Management, Education, case Management, Advocacy, Skills Training, Therapy, Linkage to other VA and local community resources, Family Education and support, crisis planning and intervention as well as group activities. MHICM Range Coordinator is Leslie Utterback, LCSW at 828-299-2519. Getting help is easier than ever before... Mental Health Services Available Through the VAServices are available for veterans at the Mental Health (MH) Clinic at the VA include:
To Access Services
Vets who have a 100% disability may be eligible to receive Mental Health treatment services from a private community provider. While treatment for PTSD and other MH problems is available in the community, the services at the VA are especially focused on veteran’s issues, services are received with other veterans, and many VA employees are themselves veterans. The veteran specific focus and training probably make any extra travel worth the effort. Recent increases in VA funding have also helped to improve the intensity and quality of services. It seems that veterans with PTSD and other MH issues should be referred to the VA whenever possible. VA MH Clinic phone is 828-299-2519, however interested individuals are strongly encouraged to go to the VA.
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Western Highlands Network | 356 Biltmore Avenue | Asheville, NC 28801
Consumers: 828-225-2800 or 1-800-951-3792 | Providers: 828-225-2785 or 1-800-671-6560 | Fax: 828-225-2784
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