VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System

Mental Health

If you qualify for VA health care, you can get high-quality mental health services as part of your benefits. You may also be able to get care for certain mental health problems even if you don't have VA health care.

About the Program

The mental health service at the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System provides consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of issues that can impact emotional well-being.  

Treatment is offered in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. Inpatient treatment includes an acute psychiatric treatment ward, a transitional care unit and a PTSD unit. Outpatient services include individual counseling and walk-in psychiatric services in the Primary Care Mental Health Clinic.

Services Offered

Mental health services provided include treatments for —

• depression, sadness, grief
• anxiety, worry, nervousness
• addictive behaviors
• relationship problems
• stress from medical problems and/or pain
• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• emotional problems, such as managing anger
• vocational issues
• troublesome thoughts or ideas
• confused thinking
• aggressive or self-harming behaviors
• memory problems

We also provide outreach to homeless Veterans.

Confidentiality

Mental health services are confidential. We will not talk to anyone about information you share unless you give written consent. Under federal law, a few exceptions to this rule exist. If you have questions, please ask your mental health consultant. 

Veterans Coordinated Approach to Recovery and Employment (Veterans CARE) is a VA initiative to help Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder find and keep good jobs. Please click on the "Veterans Care" symbol to learn more about the initiative.