Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Hi all, my brother who is a retired Airforce veteran has ongoing psychiatric issues. He is currently inpatient for severe anxiety. He has had ongoing psychiatric problems since he left the military and has been treated by the VA ever since. I'm starting to question the level of care that he is getting there. Has anyone else had the same or different experience and what did you do to get outside help? I'm afraid that he is going to harm himself and appreciate any help. He is residing in NYC.
You don't say where your brother is but if he is in WNC, I have never heard anything but good about the Asheville VA>. The VA elsewhere that I go to have been excellent. Am sure there are some not so good, but they really are pushing that "Choice" program to get into a civilian physician
If you fear for his well being and you fear harm, there is a hotline number that the VA will respond to immediately. Or just take him to the ER and let them coordinate with the VA if you think it is that imminent.
Do you know if he is compliant with his medications? and when he last saw someone in behavioral health in the VA? could be relevant.
You don't say where your brother is but if he is in WNC, I have never heard anything but good about the Asheville VA>. The VA elsewhere that I go to have been excellent. Am sure there are some not so good, but they really are pushing that "Choice" program to get into a civilian physician
If you fear for his well being and you fear harm, there is a hotline number that the VA will respond to immediately. Or just take him to the ER and let them coordinate with the VA if you think it is that imminent.
Do you know if he is compliant with his medications? and when he last saw someone in behavioral health in the VA? could be relevant.
am sorry that your brother is going through this.
Thanks for the response! He is located in NYC. It’s my belief that he is compliant regarding his meds and goes to the VA for psychiatric help regularly there.
Do you happen to have that hotline # handy?
Part of the problem with mental health issues is the Veteran can be good at concealing issues. Even if they are fully complying with their heath professionals instructions and medications, the illness itself can also have an adverse impact on the caregivers. So, it's not only the Veteran who needs help, the caregivers also need help in dealing with the whole picture including support for assisting the VA understand what may be happening with that Veteran.
So, garb a pencil and write this number down.
1-855-260-3274
This is essentially the help line for the caregivers.
You can also go here: VA Caregiver Help
This will enable you to get the name, phone numbers and direct extensions of the counselors to help the caregivers in your immediate area.
The VA has recognized that a Veteran with mental health issues can become too "macho" to really seek or accept help. This often places an additional hardship and burden on the family. So, they want you to seek help for not just the Veteran, but also for yourself by being part of the process. You don't have to be an outside forced to side, you can become engaged in the care which ends up helping everyone
Part of the problem with mental health issues is the Veteran can be good at concealing issues. Even if they are fully complying with their heath professionals instructions and medications, the illness itself can also have an adverse impact on the caregivers. So, it's not only the Veteran who needs help, the caregivers also need help in dealing with the whole picture including support for assisting the VA understand what may be happening with that Veteran.
So, garb a pencil and write this number down.
1-855-260-3274
This is essentially the help line for the caregivers.
You can also go here: VA Caregiver Help
This will enable you to get the name, phone numbers and direct extensions of the counselors to help the caregivers in your immediate area.
The VA has recognized that a Veteran with mental health issues can become too "macho" to really seek or accept help. This often places an additional hardship and burden on the family. So, they want you to seek help for not just the Veteran, but also for yourself by being part of the process. You don't have to be an outside forced to side, you can become engaged in the care which ends up helping everyone
That^^^was so very helpful! Thank you so much. My brother is very hard to communicate with. Any conversation that lasts more than a minute or two and he gets anxiety and stopts communicating.
Hi all, my brother who is a retired Airforce veteran has ongoing psychiatric issues. He is currently inpatient for severe anxiety. He has had ongoing psychiatric problems since he left the military and has been treated by the VA ever since. I'm starting to question the level of care that he is getting there. Has anyone else had the same or different experience and what did you do to get outside help? I'm afraid that he is going to harm himself and appreciate any help. He is residing in NYC.
Since your brother is a military retiree he may also use Tricare for his healthcare provider.
The VA focus on veterans. But as a retiree he can basically go to any medical facility to be treated.
I would suggest that he leave the VA for the veterans, and go seek treatment at a higher quality facility.
I am also a military retiree. I only use civilian medical facilities. Thank him for his service for me
Since your brother is a military retiree he may also use Tricare for his healthcare provider.
The VA focus on veterans. But as a retiree he can basically go to any medical facility to be treated.
I would suggest that he leave the VA for the veterans, and go seek treatment at a higher quality facility.
I am also a military retiree. I only use civilian medical facilities. Thank him for his service for me
Thanks! So sorry, but I did not mean to write that he is retired from the military, he's just retired. I'm guessing that he can't take advantage of Tricare? He did 4 years of active duty.
Thanks! So sorry, but I did not mean to write that he is retired from the military, he's just retired. I'm guessing that he can't take advantage of Tricare? He did 4 years of active duty.
No he cannot take Tri-care. He can though use the VA health system. He might have to make co-payments but if his income is low he may get that waived. Look here for your answers.
I never understood why veterans limit their healthcare to what is provided by the VA. I know it's free coverage but...
There are many known treatment options for PTSD. CBT therapy, EMDR, and other therapies.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
