There seems to be a misconception that community mental health doesn't offer many services to our veterans. Contrary to this belief, Shiawassee County Community Mental Health Authority has served veterans for many, many years.
There are many veterans that have medical benefits allowing them mental health treatment through the Veterans Administration. However, the service array is limited. That said, community mental health does try to link and coordinate with the Veterans Administration for those services that are covered and can be obtained through that system. Generally, this is psychiatry, outpatient therapy, an limited case management.
As you may recall from earlier Blog entries, Shiawassee County Community Mental Health provides services to those diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness. This applies to all, whether or not the consumer has no insurance, has Medicaid, private insurance, or happens to be a veteran. Services provided mostly include community-based, e.g. Assertive Community Treatment, Targeted Case Management, Home-Based, etc. These community-based services are not covered by private insurance companies, nor the VA, and therefore wouldn't be available unless provided by the public mental health system.
That being said, there are many veterans served by Shiawassee CMH. Depending on the symptoms, functioning status, resources, and supports, veterans are enrolled in our community-based services and many times see our psychiatrist. Emergency mental health, outreach and education, and linking and collaborating with the VA are also available.
It is important that our veterans obtain the needed assistance. SCCMHA is dedicated to ensuring that this is done...either directly or through the VA. In both cases, SCCMHA staff are willing to help and make sure that the appropriate services are in place.
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