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“Even in the midst of this pandemic, providing ongoing mental healthcare remains a priority for the VA,” said Stacey Pollack, PhD, national director of Program Policy Implementation in VA’s Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, based in Washington.
“Within states and communities, many organizations and VAMCS have canceled nonessential appointments, the VA has not canceled mental health appointments,” Pollack told U.S. Medicine. “The difference is how those appointments are provided. Now they are via telephone or videoconference instead of in-person.”
Many veterans have turned to telehealth in recent months. The VA conducted more than 177,000 telehealth appointments in April, representing a 500% increase over the number seen in February. In addition, VA healthcare providers had more than 814,000 telephone contacts with veterans in April, a fourfold increase over the number of calls two months earlier.
For veterans in acute crisis, immediate help is also available by phone, Pollack emphasized. “Anyone struggling in the community can call the crisis line. It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year.”
The important thing is to get help. “Individuals are not coming in for much needed care because of fear of getting infected with COVID,” said Schnurr. “If someone needs care, it can be provided in a virtual manner.”
That’s true whether a veteran has previously connected with the VA or not.
“Veterans who have not previously sought care through the VA can come in for the first time at this point. They can call the local VA and get an appointment,” Pollack noted. “We can initiate therapy by phone or video. We have tools, strategies, and resources to help.”
