VA Mental Health Services for Virginia Veterans
Last reviewed: September 2026
Quick Answer
The VA provides comprehensive mental health services to eligible veterans including therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, and crisis support. Virginia has three VA Medical Centers (Hampton, Richmond, Salem) plus community clinics offering these services. Veterans with service-connected mental health conditions pay zero copay. Even non-service-connected veterans and those with other-than-honorable discharges may qualify for crisis services. Most services are delivered in person or via telehealth at no or minimal cost.
Key Facts
- •VA provides free mental health services to eligible veterans regardless of service-connected disability status.
- •Virginia has 3 VA Medical Centers offering comprehensive mental health and behavioral health programs.
- •Veterans can apply online via VA.gov, by phone, or in person at any VA facility.
- •Services include individual therapy, group counseling, psychiatric medication management, and crisis support.
- •No copay required for service-connected mental health conditions; non-service-connected veterans may have minimal copays.
Federal Eligibility Requirements
Veterans are eligible for VA mental health services if they have been discharged from active duty, active Guard, or Reserve service under conditions other than dishonorable. There is no minimum service length requirement for mental health services—even those serving less than 24 months may qualify. Under 38 U.S.C. § 1710(a)(1), all enrolled veterans receive mental health services. No service-connected rating is required; mental health conditions do not need to be rated as service-connected to access care.
Veterans experiencing mental health crises, suicidal ideation, or acute behavioral health needs qualify for emergency mental health services regardless of enrollment status. Post-9/11 combat veterans and those with PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, adjustment disorders, and other psychiatric conditions qualify for treatment. Surviving spouses and dependent children may access certain mental health counseling under 38 U.S.C. § 1720D (Readjustment Counseling Services).
Honorably discharged veterans are fully eligible. Veterans with other-than-honorable (OTH) discharges may qualify for substance use disorder treatment and mental health crisis services. There are no income limits or asset tests for mental health eligibility. Veterans must be enrolled in the VA health system (or apply concurrently with their mental health request). Enrollment is free and does not require service-connected disability rating.
Specific conditions including PTSD, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, adjustment disorders, and military sexual trauma (MST) are routinely treated. Combat-related PTSD and other combat-related mental health conditions receive presumptive consideration. Telehealth mental health services are available to enrolled veterans in all locations.
Benefit Amounts
Federal mental health services are provided at no cost for service-connected mental health conditions. For 2024, there are no copayment charges for eligible veterans receiving mental health treatment through the VA. Non-service-connected veterans enrolled in VA health care may have minimal copays (typically $0–$50 per visit depending on enrollment priority group), but many receive free services. Combat veterans post-9/11 and those rated service-connected receive free mental health care with no copay structure. Veterans in priority groups 1–6 typically have zero or minimal copays. The VA adjusts rates annually; no per-visit cap applies to mental health treatment—veterans receive ongoing care regardless of visit frequency.
Virginia Benefits on Top of Federal
Virginia does not provide a separate state-funded mental health benefit beyond federal VA services. Mental health care for Virginia veterans is exclusively administered through the federal VA system. However, Virginia offers valuable complementary resources and support networks that enhance federal VA care.
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVRS) operates the Virginia Veterans Crisis Line, providing 24/7 crisis support, mental health referrals, and peer support. The agency operates 8 regional Veterans Services Offices with trained County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs) who help navigate VA mental health enrollment and connect veterans to VA facilities. DVRS staff can assist with transportation to mental health appointments, emergency referrals, and advocacy for benefits.
Virginia partners with the VA on suicide prevention initiatives and peer support programs. The state funds outreach programs targeting homeless veterans and those in crisis. Virginia hospitals and community mental health centers coordinate care with VA providers for uninsured or partially insured veterans. The state does not duplicate federal mental health funding; instead, it provides navigation, referral, and supplementary crisis support services.
Virginia recognizes that federal VA mental health services are comprehensive and available free or at minimal cost to eligible veterans. The state's role is to ensure veterans access those federal benefits through the three VA Medical Centers in Hampton, Richmond, and Salem, plus 18 community-based outpatient clinics (CBAOCs) throughout the state. Veterans cannot receive additional state mental health payments, but Virginia Veterans Services offices provide free application assistance and claims support.
How to Apply
Federal VA Application
Veterans apply for VA mental health services through multiple avenues. Online: Visit VA.gov, log in with VA.gov credentials (or create a free account), and click 'Apply for Health Care' or 'Mental Health Services.' Complete VA Form 10-10EZ (Application for Health Benefits) online—the system will guide you through eligibility questions. This is the fastest method; processing typically takes 2–3 weeks.
By Phone: Call 1-877-222-VETS (8387) and speak to an enrollment specialist. They will take your discharge information, service dates, and screen for mental health needs. They can expedite crisis cases. Phone applications take 1–2 weeks to process.
In Person: Visit any of Virginia's three VA Medical Centers (Hampton VA Medical Center, Central Virginia VA Medical Center in Richmond, or Salem VA Medical Center) or any of 18 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBAOCs) across the state. Walk-in applications or same-day appointments for crisis mental health needs are available. Bring discharge papers (DD-214), government ID, and proof of Virginia residency.
Documents Needed: Discharge certificate (DD-214 or certified copy), valid government-issued ID, Social Security number, and proof of residency. Veterans without DD-214 can request it from military records; the VA will assist.
After Submission: The VA sends an enrollment determination letter within 3 weeks. Once enrolled, veterans can schedule mental health appointments immediately. Crisis mental health services are available before formal enrollment; call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or 1-800-273-8255 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Status checks: Log into VA.gov or call 1-877-222-VETS. If denied, veterans receive a decision letter explaining reasons; appeals are available.
State Application
Virginia does not administer a separate state mental health benefits application. However, Virginia Department of Veterans Services (DVRS) provides free application support for federal VA mental health services. Veterans can contact DVRS at 1-800-827-1000 or visit dvs.virginia.gov to be connected with a County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO).
County Veterans Service Offices are located in every Virginia county and independent city. CVSOs provide free help completing VA Form 10-10EZ, gathering discharge documents, and submitting applications. Many CVSOs can schedule appointments at VA Medical Centers or clinics. Locate your county CVSO at dvs.virginia.gov or call the state hotline.
In-Person Options: CVSOs conduct in-person applications at county offices. Veterans can bring their DD-214, ID, and residency proof. The CVSO completes the paperwork and submits it directly to the VA, often resulting in faster processing. No fee is charged.
VA Facilities: Veterans can apply directly at the three VA Medical Centers or any of 18 CBAOCs. Walk-ins are accommodated; mental health intake staff will complete applications same-day for crisis cases.
Virginia Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-827-1000 (select option for mental health crisis). This state-run line connects veterans immediately to mental health support, referral to local VA services, or emergency services if needed.
Processing Times: CVSO-assisted applications typically process within 2–3 weeks. Direct VA applications may take 3–4 weeks. Crisis cases are expedited to same-day or next-day appointments.
No State-Specific Forms: Virginia uses only the federal VA Form 10-10EZ. The state does not require additional paperwork.
Common Reasons for Denial
VA mental health service applications are rarely denied outright, but access delays or coverage limitations occur due to specific factors. The most common issue is incomplete discharge documentation. If the VA cannot verify a valid discharge (DD-214 not provided or unverifiable), the application stalls. Solution: Request certified copy from National Archives at archives.gov/st-louis or contact your state's military records office.
Second, other-than-honorable (OTH) discharge may trigger secondary review. While OTH veterans can access crisis mental health and substance use disorder treatment, they do not automatically qualify for all mental health services. The VA must review the individual case. Solution: Provide detailed documentation of the circumstances leading to OTH discharge; apply for discharge upgrade if possible through your state's Board of Veterans Appeals.
Third, some veterans apply for mental health services but fail to complete enrollment in VA health care. Mental health services require active VA enrollment. If the application is incomplete (missing Social Security number, invalid address, or residency not confirmed), enrollment is delayed, delaying mental health access. Solution: Ensure all contact information and residency documentation is current before applying.
Fourth, veterans may be enrolled but not referred to mental health services if intake staff do not identify or screen for mental health needs. Solution: At your first VA appointment, explicitly request a mental health evaluation. Use VA Form 10-10EZ to check the box for mental health services.
Fifth, veterans diagnosed with service-connected PTSD or other service-connected mental health conditions sometimes face scheduling delays due to high demand at certain facilities. This is not a denial but a waitlist issue. Solution: Request telehealth mental health appointments, which have shorter wait times. Call your local VA Mental Health clinic directly and request expedited scheduling if in crisis.
For non-service-connected mental health, some veterans believe they are ineligible. This is false; all enrolled veterans access mental health services. Solution: Clarify with the VA that mental health services do not require a service-connected rating.
If You Are Denied: The Appeals Process
If the VA denies a mental health service application, or if a veteran is wrongly categorized as ineligible, three formal appeal lanes exist under the Veterans Benefit Maturity Review System (established by PACT Act 2017) and the Appeals Modernization Act (2019).
Lane 1 – Supplemental Claim (Best for New Evidence): File within one year of the decision. Use VA Form 20-0995. Submit new medical evidence, statements, or documentation not previously submitted. Example: A denial letter states insufficient evidence of mental health condition; you submit recent therapy records or psychiatric evaluation. Processing time: 4–6 weeks. Best for veterans who can gather additional evidence after initial denial.
Lane 2 – Higher-Level Review (HLR) (Best for Legal Errors): File within one year of the decision. Use VA Form 20-0996. Request a senior VA rater review the decision for legal or factual error without submitting new evidence. No new medical evidence is reviewed. Useful if the VA misapplied law, miscalculated eligibility, or ignored existing evidence. Processing time: 4–6 weeks.
Lane 3 – Board of Veterans' Appeals (BVA) (Best for Complex Cases): File within one year of the decision. Use VA Form 10-182 (Notice of Disagreement). The case goes to an independent BVA judge. You may submit new evidence and request a hearing (video, phone, or in-person). Takes 6–18 months. Best for veterans wanting thorough legal review or challenging the VA's reasoning on complex mental health diagnoses.
Deadlines: All three appeals must be filed within one year of the VA's decision letter. If you miss this deadline, you may still file a new application (Supplemental Claim), which restarts the one-year window.
Free Help: Contact the Veterans Service Officer at your county CVSO office (virginia.gov/dvrs). They provide free appeal representation. The DAV, VFW, and American Legion also provide free appeals assistance. Do not pay for appeals help; it is illegal for non-attorneys and illegal for attorneys under certain conditions—use free VSO help.
Need help applying for VA mental health services? Contact your County Veterans Service Officer at no cost. Every Virginia county has a free CVSO who can assist with applications, appeals, and documentation. Find your CVSO at dvs.virginia.gov or call the Virginia Department of Veterans Services at 1-800-827-1000. The DAV, VFW, and American Legion also provide free claims assistance.
Get notified when VA benefit rates change
Benefit rates and eligibility rules update — usually each January. We'll let you know when they do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a service-connected rating to get VA mental health services?
No. Under 38 U.S.C. § 1710(a)(1), all enrolled veterans are eligible for VA mental health services regardless of service-connected status or disability rating. You do not need to have a mental health condition rated as service-connected. Even if your mental health condition is not service-connected, you qualify for free or minimal-cost mental health treatment. The only requirement is honorable or general discharge (OTH veterans can access crisis mental health and substance use disorder services). Enrollment in VA health care is free and has no income limits. Once enrolled, you can schedule mental health appointments immediately.
What mental health services does the VA provide?
VA mental health services include individual psychotherapy, group counseling, psychiatric medication management, substance use disorder treatment, PTSD treatment (including Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy), crisis intervention, suicide prevention counseling, and peer support groups. Telehealth mental health appointments are available statewide. The VA also provides Readjustment Counseling (Vet Centers) for combat-related stress, sexual trauma counseling, and family therapy. Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization is available for crisis cases. Virginia has three VA Medical Centers with full mental health departments and 18 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics offering mental health services. Wait times vary; crisis appointments are same-day.
How do I schedule a mental health appointment once I'm enrolled?
Once enrolled, call your local VA Medical Center or CBAOC mental health clinic directly and request an appointment. Most Virginia VA facilities can schedule new mental health patients within 2–4 weeks; urgent/crisis cases are scheduled same-day or next-day. You can also request an appointment through VA.gov by logging into your account and using the 'Appointments' feature. For immediate mental health support, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) or 1-800-273-8255 available 24/7. If you have already been seen by a VA primary care provider, ask them for a mental health referral, which may expedite scheduling. Telehealth appointments typically have shorter wait times than in-person visits.
Will I have to pay copays for mental health services?
If your mental health condition is rated as service-connected, you pay zero copay. If you are enrolled in the VA and your mental health condition is not service-connected, you may have a minimal copay (typically $0–$50 per visit) depending on your enrollment priority group. Combat veterans post-9/11 and many veterans in priority groups 1–6 have zero copay for mental health. Call your VA facility to confirm your specific copay status based on your enrollment category. Crisis mental health services and the Veterans Crisis Line are always free, regardless of service-connection or copay status. No cost should prevent you from accessing VA mental health care.
What if I have an other-than-honorable (OTH) discharge—can I still get VA mental health services?
Veterans with OTH discharges do not automatically qualify for all VA benefits, but they can access critical mental health and substance use disorder treatment under 38 U.S.C. § 1720C. If you have an OTH discharge, you can apply for VA mental health services, and the VA will conduct a character review. If approved, you can access crisis mental health care, mental health counseling, and substance use disorder treatment. You will not have access to disability compensation or other non-health-care benefits. The VA encourages OTH veterans to seek mental health support without penalty. If your OTH discharge was issued in error or was unjust (e.g., due to mental health condition, military sexual trauma, or discrimination), you may apply for discharge upgrade through your state's Board of Veterans Appeals. Contact your County Veterans Service Officer for help filing upgrade paperwork.
What are Virginia's three VA Medical Centers and how do I find mental health clinics near me?
Virginia has three VA Medical Centers: Hampton VA Medical Center (Hampton), Central Virginia VA Medical Center (Richmond), and Salem VA Medical Center (Salem). Additionally, 18 Community-Based Outpatient Clinics (CBAOCs) are located throughout Virginia, many offering mental health services. Find your nearest clinic at va.gov/find-locations or call 1-877-222-VETS. Most clinics offer both in-person and telehealth mental health appointments. If your nearest clinic does not have a mental health provider, you can request telehealth services or be referred to a closer facility. County Veterans Service Officers can help you locate your nearest mental health service and arrange transportation if needed. Call the Virginia Department of Veterans Services at 1-800-827-1000 for local referrals.
Related Benefits in Virginia
Sources & References
- 38 U.S.C. § 1710(a)(1) — Establishes VA authority to provide mental health services
- 38 U.S.C. § 1707 — Covers eligible veterans' access to outpatient services including mental health
- 38 C.F.R. § 17.38 — Defines mental health services and counseling coverage requirements
- 38 U.S.C. § 1720C — Authorizes substance use disorder treatment and mental health counseling
VA benefit rules and state programmes change. Verify at va.gov or with a free Veterans Service Officer.
Editorial standards: This guide is reviewed against primary government sources and cites 4 statutes. Last reviewed September 2026. Scheduled for re-verification by September 2027.
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