United States Department of Veterans Affairs
NATIONAL CENTER for PTSD

Women’s Mental Health Services in the VA

 

Women's Mental Health Services in the VA

Where to Get Help for PTSD

There are far more men than women Veterans in the VA system. For this reason, many women Veterans are not aware of resources offered just for them. Many women Veterans prefer treatment with other women. Research shows that people often do better in treatment with others that are more like them. As a result, mental health services just for women are offered in many VA's across the country.

VA Women Veterans Program Managers

Every VA Medical Center in the country has a Women Veterans Program Manager. This person is your advocate. She can help you get to VA services and programs, state and federal benefits, and resources in the area where you live.

If you need help:

If you have questions about your VA care, you should first go to your Women Veterans Program Manager. During normal business hours, you can also contact:

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs Center for Women Veterans at (202) 273-6193.
  • The Veterans Health Administration Women Veterans Health Strategic Health Care Group at (202) 461-1070.

Types of VA programs for women

The following list describes some of the mental health service programs offered by VA for women Veterans. To find out more, see VA PTSD Treatment Programs. The fact sheet links to a list of VA PTSD treatment programs. The list includes programs for women, with contact information. For other help locating a program or service, you should ask your Women Veterans Program Manager.

  • Women's Stress Disorder Treatment Teams (WSDTTs). WSDTTs 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. These are 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. These programs are like the live-in programs discussed above except these programs accept both men and women. Some programs accept women in groups that start treatment together on a certain date. Sometimes the program has a space set apart for women.
  • Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Centers
  • Women Veterans homelessness programs. The Women Veterans Program can help you find shelter if you are homeless or at risk of being homeless. Certain VA 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.

For more information

To learn more about women and traumatic stress, please see this section of materials Specific to Women.

Date Created: See last Reviewed/Updated Date below.