If you need mental health services through the VA, can you use a private doctor or does it have to be directly through the VA?

2024-12-23T11:23:06-05:00

I ran into a problem where the cost of regular visits to my therapist have become too expensive. The VA provides veterans free mental health services but does that mean I must go to a VA clinic and see a VA doctor? Or can I use my existing doctor and have them bill the VA? TIA

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Dec 23 at 2024 12:06 PM

2024-12-23T12:06:02-05:00

The VA does provide mental health care services to veterans for many (but not all) mental health problems. Depending on your needs, I suspect the VA will likely provide services to you directly for free, but they won't pay for outside providers unless you are enrolled for VA care, the mental health need is service-connected, they don't have capacity to see you, and you will use one of their preferred providers. It's not as open-ended as "Go wherever you want for whatever services you need, and send us the bill."

Have you reviewed this resource page?

https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/

VA mental health services | Veterans Affairs

Find out how to access VA mental health services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs. You can use some services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care.