How Veterans Can Access Mental Health Support Through VA Community Care
Many veterans receive mental health care directly through the Department of Veterans Affairs. In some situations, veterans may also be eligible to receive care through the VA Community Care Network (VACCN). Community care allows eligible veterans to receive mental health services from approved providers in their local community when authorized by the VA.
What Is the VA Community Care Network?
The VA Community Care Network is a program that allows eligible veterans to receive medical and mental health services from providers outside the VA system when certain criteria are met. These services must be approved and authorized through the Department of Veterans Affairs before appointments can be scheduled.
When Veterans May Be Eligible for Community Care
Veterans may qualify for community care when:
• The VA cannot provide care within a certain time frame
• A veteran lives far from a VA medical facility
• The required specialty service is not available at the VA
• The veteran and VA care team determine community care is appropriate
Eligibility decisions are made by the VA.
For more information about VACCN and covered services, visit:
https://www.va.gov/resources/about-our-va-community-care-network-and-covered-services/
Horizons Mental Wellness is an independent practice and is not a VA facility. Services are provided only after formal authorization through the VA Community Care Network. The VA is solely responsible for determining eligibility, approving referrals, and coordinating care.
How the VA Community Care Referral Process Works
Veterans who believe they may benefit from community care services should speak with their VA provider or VA Community Care coordinator. The VA will review the request and determine whether a referral to a community care provider is appropriate.
If approved, the VA will issue an authorization that allows the veteran to schedule care with an approved provider in the VA Community Care Network.
For more information on how to get a community care referral, visit:
https://www.va.gov/resources/how-to-get-community-care-referrals-and-schedule-appointments/
Requesting a Specific Community Care Provider
Veterans receiving care through the VA Community Care program may request a specific provider when discussing referral options with their VA care team or Community Care office.
While provider selection is determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans may share their preference for a provider based on factors such as availability, location, or telehealth services.
Important Information
All Community Care referrals, eligibility decisions, and authorizations are determined solely by the VA. Requesting a specific provider does not guarantee approval
The VA will determine if the requested provider is available and appropriate for care
For more information about the VA Community Care program, visit the official VA website.
Horizons Mental Wellness is an independent practice and is not a VA facility. Services are provided only after formal authorization through the VA Community Care Network. The VA is solely responsible for determining eligibility, approving referrals, and coordinating care.
Telehealth Mental Health Care for Veterans in Louisiana
Telehealth appointments allow Veterans to receive psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and follow-up care from the comfort of home. When authorized through the VA Community Care Network, telehealth services may provide a convenient option for veterans throughout Louisiana who are seeking mental health support.
Questions About Community Care Referrals
Veterans who have questions about community care eligibility or referrals should contact their VA provider or local VA Community Care office. For general questions about our telehealth psychiatric services, you may contact Horizons Mental Wellness directly.
What should Veterans do if they need mental health care quickly?
Veterans experiencing urgent mental health concerns should contact the VA directly or reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line.
Veteran's Crisis Line: Dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255
If there is an immediate safety concern, call 911 or present to the nearest Emergency Department.
These services provide 24-hour support for Veterans experiencing urgent mental health concerns.
Horizons Mental Wellness is an independent practice and is not a VA facility. Services are provided only after formal authorization through the VA Community Care Network. The VA is solely responsible for determining eligibility, approving referrals, and coordinating care.
VA Community Care Information
Horizons Mental Wellness is an independent community care provider and is not part of the Department of Veterans Affairs. This page is provided for general informational purposes to help Veterans understand how VA Community Care referrals work. All eligibility decisions, referrals, and authorizations are determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Official VA Community Care Information
Veterans can learn more about the VA Community Care program directly from the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
Visit VA Community Care Information
Link:
https://www.va.gov/communitycare/
About Our Services (Independent of VA)
Horizons Mental Wellness LLC provides telehealth psychiatric services for adults across Louisiana, including evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management.
For general information about our services or appointment availability, you may contact us directly.