Birmingham VAMC - City AL 35906

Many Veterans are often not aware of the available mental health services provided through the Birmingham VA Medical Center; however, mental health nurses who are employed by the VA are able to help guide veterans in the right direction to available resources. The Veterans Access, Choice and Accountability Act of 2005 (VAQCA) were introduced in the hopes of reducing the number of Veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan with psychological disorders. According to the act, the Birmingham VA Medical Center must implement an effective mental health policy, which includes screening and assessment procedures.\n\nMental health care is critical to the overall health and well-being of Veterans, their families and the nation as a whole. In order to accomplish this goal, there are a number of organizations that provide mental health training to healthcare providers at the Birmingham VA Medical Center. These include:\n\nThe Birmingham VAMC provides its patients with a wide variety of services that can be tailored to meet the needs of their unique circumstances. One service that may be offered at your initial visit is group counseling; this can be offered as part of a comprehensive clinical treatment program or to help provide support as you begin your recovery. The Birmingham VA Medical Center offers many other benefits, including education about the law, as well as referral services to legal assistance and other non-VA healthcare professionals. In addition, the Birmingham VA Medical Center is one of only two VA hospitals in Alabama, and is a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Office of Public Health. The Birmingham VA offers Veterans an easy online portal to obtain a list of licensed psychologists in your area, as well as to receive updates on changes in medical regulations.