WVSJ Network: Women Veterans Services (Part 1)

Our nation’s current military force is comprised of nearly 15% women. Given this fact and the changing roles women are playing in the military, the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are implementing new programs designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s servicewomen and women veterans.

Services 101:

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has established services which address the unique needs of women veterans. The Women’s Program includes the Women's Primary Care Clinic, Gynecology Clinic, Reproductive Clinic, Breast Clinic, Mental Health Services and The Sexual Trauma Treatment Center.

The Veterans Health Care Act of 1992 enabled the VA to significantly improve its programs for women veterans. VA has established state-of-the-art facilities which focus on women’s health, as well as create an environment that is warm, comfortable and private. It is important to note that under the “Patient Care Bill of Rights” you are entitled to request a different physician at any time. If you feel you are not receiving the highest quality of care VA has to offer, or if you are uncomfortable with seeing a male doctor, you may request to be seen by a female doctor for your gender specific care.

Examples of Women Veteran’s Primary Care Services (PCS):

Family Planning and Birth Control
GYN & Maternity Care
Infertility Evaluation & Treatment
Midlife and Menopause Issues
Cancer Screenings
Wellness and Healthy Living
Mammograms

Your Primary Care Physician (PCP) may also refer you for mental health services. Mental health services can help with:

Depression and mood disorders
Anxiety disorders
Intimate partner and domestic violence, sexual trauma, elder abuse, or neglect
Parenting and anger management issues
Marital or family-related stress
Post-deployment adjustment

VA also provides free confidential counseling and treatment for mental and physical health conditions related to Military Sexual Trauma (MST). If you feel you have experienced MST you may receive free care at any Vet Center, regardless of your enrollment in a VA healthcare system or combat status. Some problems associated with MST include:

Disturbing memories or nightmares
Difficulty feeling safe
Feelings of depression or numbness
Problems with alcohol or other drugs
Feeling isolated from other people
Problems with anger or irritability
Problems with sleep
Physical health problems

VA provides pregnancy care and services through arrangements with community based providers. VA will pay for prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care if you meet the eligibility requirements. You should contact your Women Veterans Program Manager as soon as possible to discuss local processes relating to your prenatal care, and to explore options for healthcare services for your baby. Currently, VA is not equipped with the resources needed to provide care in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).

Your Primary Care Physician can also make referrals for:

- Management and screening of chronic conditions

- Rehabilitation therapy

- Home-bound therapy

- Long-term care

VA Services are Provided to any Veteran, Active Duty Military, National Guard or Reserve Member who:

· Completed active military service in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, or Coast Guard (or Merchant Marines during WW II), or

Was discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, or

National Guard members and Reservists who have completed a federal deployment to a combat zone.

~Please note that only emergency services can be received through VA until your enrollment is processed. For more information, and to apply for VA healthcare services, complete the Online 10-10EZ Application.

If you are currently serving in the military, and need assistance with your transition from DoD healthcare to VA healthcare, you may get assistance from a military liaison. Military liaisons are present at Base Readiness Centers and are instrumental in providing a multitude of connections between the military and civilian communities. Liaisons are responsible for ensuring that military orders are in place and all service-related transitional needs are addressed in a timely manner.

SERVICES:

Every VA Medical Center (VAMC) in the country has a Women Veterans Program Manager. This person is your advocate. S/he can help you access VA services and programs, state and federal benefits, and resources in the area where you live. If you need help, call your local VA and ask to speak to the Women Veterans Program Manager.

Currently the VA is offering women veterans the following additional services and programs:

~ Women's Stress Disorder Treatment Teams (WSDTT’s), which are special outpatient (not live-in) mental health programs. They focus on treatment of PTSD and other problems related to trauma,

~ Specialized Inpatient and Residential Programs for Women, which include live-in programs for women veterans who need more intense treatment and support. While in these programs, women live either in the hospital or in a residence with other women. For help locating a program, ask your Women Veterans Program Manager,

~ Cohort Treatment or Separate Wings for Women, which are like the live-in programs discussed above, except these programs treat both men and women. Some locations accept women in groups that start treatment together, while others offer a separate wing, or space set apart for women,

~ Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Centers, which are complete health centers for women veterans located in many VAMC's around the country. They provide outpatient mental health services to women veterans. Check with your local Women Veterans Program Manager to see if there is a women's health center that provides mental health services near you,

~ Women Veterans Homelessness Programs can help you find shelter if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Certain VAMC locations have programs for homeless women veterans and homeless women veterans with children. Contact your Women Veterans Program Manager for resources near you. You can also contact the Social Work Services department at your local VAMC. For more information, go to Homeless Veterans.

Please note services and programs vary from one location to another. For example the Palo Alto VAMC is currently leading the way in the development and implementation of services, programs and facilities dedicated to women veterans.

The Women's Prevention Outreach & Education Center (WPOEC), was created to provide gender specific services to women veterans regardless of service era. Located in Menlo Park, CA, WPOEC provides preventative healthcare services such as; screenings and assessments, case management, promoting healthy living, mental health, outreach, and education. Women veterans can choose to participate in group and individual treatment.

All VAMCs offer gender specific counseling services such as:

Sexual trauma counseling
Substance abuse treatment
Psychological support groups
Vocational rehabilitation programs
Programs for survivors of domestic violence
Evaluation and treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Current research involving stress, end of life issues, depression, medical, spiritual, social, and wellness issues.

Getting Your Benefits?

Any woman veteran already enrolled in the VA healthcare system is eligible for treatment and benefits relating to gender specific care, programs and benefits.

If you are not already enrolled in the VA healthcare system, but are entitled to care and benefits, you need to enroll by using VA Form 10-10EZ. The 10-10EZ may be obtained by visiting, calling, or writing any VA healthcare facility or benefits office. You can also call toll-free 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387).

Any veteran in need of immediate assistance due to Military Sexual Trauma (MST) may be seen, free of charge, at any Vet Center, regardless of enrollment in the VA healthcare system. You may be seen on a walk in basis, or through the scheduling of an appointment. No veteran seeking help for sexual trauma will be denied care. You can locate a VA Vet Center by zip code utilizing the Vet Center Locator Directory.

IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM:

The Patient Advocacy Program is for all veterans and their families who receive care at

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities and clinics. We want to be sure you have

someone to go to with your concerns in a timely manner and to help you receive care.

If you need help getting care or getting your problems resolved, talk to the Patient

Advocate at your VA Medical Center. We want to provide you with world-class veteran

customer service and this is just one important way in which we do that!

The Patient Advocate works directly with management and employees to facilitate

resolutions. You may contact the Patient Advocate at your facility. FIND YOURS HERE!