Veterans Affairs Increases Mental Health Staff
The Department of Veterans Affairs will add approximately 1,600 mental health clinicians as part of an ongoing review of mental health operations.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Eric K. Shinseki, announced that this will include nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and social workers as well as nearly 300 support staff to its existing workforce of 20,590 mental health staff.
VA will allocate funds from the current budget to all 21 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) across the country this month to begin recruitment immediately.
The VA says that some of its facilities require more mental health staff to serve the growing needs of Veterans.
“As the tide of war recedes, we have the opportunity, and the responsibility, to anticipate the needs of returning Veterans,” said Shinseki.
To locate the nearest VA facility or Vet Center for enrollment and to get scheduled for care, Veterans can visit VA’s website at www.va.gov. Immediate help is available at www.VeteransCrisisLine.net or by calling the Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 (push 1) or texting 838255.
