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For a sample support letter, please click HERE . For additional information on this project, please send a message to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .
What is a VET CENTER? A Veteran Outreach Center is a branch of the Department of Veterans Affairs, initially specialized in readjustment counseling for veterans of combat hostilities in Vietnam and Vietnam era veterans (August 1964 – May 1975) with readjustment problems. It was authorized by Public Law 96-22, which was enacted on June 13, 1979. This legislation was enacted after numerous studies had indicated that Vietnam veterans were experiencing numerous socio-psycological difficulties unique to their situation. These studies further indicated that the Vietnam veteran was extremely reticent to seek assistance through traditional veterans’ organizations and that a non-traditional approach would be more appropriate to reach this population. Begun as “store-front” community-based counseling centers, Congress initially intended this program to operate for two years, but due to its overwhelming success, the program was extended and continues to expand. Congress passed legislation in 1990 expanding readjustment-counseling benefits to war zone veterans of the Persian Gulf, Panama, Grenada, and Lebanon. On November 4, 1993, Congress enacted legislation to improve health care services for veterans, including priority counseling for sexual trauma/harassment and related health care services for veterans of all wars, all conflicts, and all eras. More recently on October 9, 1996, Public Law 104-262 extended Vietnam in-theater dates The Vet Center assists those veterans who have failed to make adequate socio-psychological adjustment and re-entry into civilian life. Psychological assessment, mental health services, and readjustment counseling, either individual, group, or conjoint, is available for any eligible veteran.
What is readjustment counseling? Readjustment counseling is wide range of services provided to combat veterans in the effort to make a satisfying transition from military to civilian life. Services include individual counseling, group counseling, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, medical referrals, assistance in applying for VA Benefits, employment counseling, guidance and referral. alcohol/drug assessments. information and referral to community resources, military sexual trauma counseling & referral, outreach and community education. Does VA have readjustment counseling for family members? Family members of combat veterans have been eligible for Vet Center readjustment counseling services for military related issues since 1979. Am I eligible for Vet Center readjustment counseling? If you, or a family member, served in any of the combat zones listed and received a military campaign ribbon (Vietnam, Southwest Asia, OEF, OIF, etc.) you are eligible for Vet Center services. KOREAN WAR - 27 June 1950 to - 27 July 1954 (eligible for the Korean Service Medal) WORLD WAR II - Three eligible categories - European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign-Medal (7 Dec. 1941 to 8 Nov. 1945), Asiatic - Pacific Campaign Medal (7 Dec. 1941 to 2 Mar. 1946), or American Campaign Medal (7 Dec. 1941 to 2 Mar. 1946) AMERICAN MERCHANT MARINES – In oceangoing service during the period of armed conflict, 7 Dec. 1941 to 15 Aug. 1945 VIETNAM WAR - 28 Feb. 1961 to 7 May 1975 LEBANON - 25 Aug. 1982 to 26 Feb. 1984 GRENADA - 23 Oct. 1983 to 21 Nov. 1983 PANAMA - 20 Dec. 1989 to 31 Jan. 1990 PERSIAN GULF - 2 Aug. 1990 to - SOMALIA - 17 Sept. 1992 to - OPERATION JOINT ENDEAVOR, OPERATION JOINT GUARD, & OPERATION JOINT FORGE - Veterans who participated in one or more of the three successive operations in the former Yugoslavia (Bosnia-Herzegovina and Croatia, aboard U.S. Naval vessels operating in the Adriatic Sea, or air spaces above those areas). GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM - Veterans who serve or have served in military expeditions to combat terrorism on or after September 11, 2001 and before a terminal date yet to be established. SEXUAL TRAUMA AND HARASSMENT COUNSELING - veterans of both sexes, all eras Vet Center services include individual readjustment counseling, referral for benefits assistance, group readjustment counseling, liaison with community agencies, marital and family counseling, substance abuse information and referral, job counseling and placement, sexual trauma counseling, and community education. BEREAVEMENT COUNSELING - Bereavement counseling is offered to parents, siblings, spouses and children of Armed Forces personnel who die in the service to our country. Also eligible are family members of Reservists and National Guardsmen who die while on federally activated duty.
Where is counseling offered? VA's readjustment counseling is provided at community-based Vet Centers located near veterans and their families. There is no cost for Vet Center readjustment counseling. To locate your nearest Vet center, click HERE orContact your nearest Vet Center through information provided in the Vet Center Directory or listings in your local blue pages. Vet Center staff are available toll free during normal business hours at 1-800-905-4675 (Eastern) and 1-866-496-8838 (Pacific).
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