HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has announced that emergency psychiatric care is now free for veterans experiencing a severe suicide crisis.
Benefits include 30 days of inpatient treatment, 90 days of outpatient treatment, and help with treatment and referral after an emergency. This extends to VA and non-VA medical facilities.
The new policy fits with the Biden administration’s focus on reducing veteran suicides.
While free mental health is more appealing, mental health services are always available, said local veteran Scott Martin. The tough job is getting some veterans to seek and get the help they need.
“It’s not good for their military career, so they just swallow it, move on, don’t complain. They don’t talk to anybody … it’s a shame of being weak,” he said.
These benefits apply to veterans regardless of whether they are registered with the VA.
Veterans can also get professional help by calling the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on 988 and press 1.
For more information, click here.
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