VA Lacks Resources To Handle Veterans Mental Health Needs

Share More than one-third of mental health professionals with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are unable to schedule appointments within 14-day VA window. Additionally, 70% said they lack sufficient staff or space to meet the mental health care needs of the veterans they serve. Nearly half, 46% said the lack of off-hour appointments prevented veterans from accessing care. About a quarter, 26% said the need to perform compensation and pension examinations pulled them away from patient care. The findings were reported by the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs as results of a survey of . . .