PTSD: National Center for PTSD

Care for Women Veterans

Available en Español

VA is committed to offering women Veterans the care they deserve. There are effective treatments for PTSD and research shows they work well for women Veterans. Whether you need treatment specific to PTSD or related problems, or you are looking for services for general well-being, you have options. If you are not already enrolled in VA health care, you can apply for VA Benefits and Programs.

How can women Veterans connect with VA mental health care?

Every VA Medical Center in the country has a Women Veteran Program Manager (WVPM). This person is your advocate for resources and services, including care for women-specific health concerns. For mental health needs, your WVPM can connect you to your local Women's Mental Health Champion (WMHC). These are mental health clinicians who have specific training to support women's mental health, and they serve as a point of contact trained to support your PTSD recovery.

To connect:

• Find contact information for your local Women Veteran Program Manager (WVPM)
• Call your local VA and ask to speak to the Women Veteran Program Manager (WVPM)
• Learn more about VA's Women Veterans Health Care for general health care

If you have questions about your VA care in general, reach out to the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-VA-WOMEN (or 855-829-6636). This service is available weekdays from 8a to 10p ET and on Saturday from 8a to 6:30p ET. You can also text the WVCC at the same number.

What types of PTSD care are available for women Veterans in VA?

As a Veteran, you have options for PTSD treatment. For an overview, see VA PTSD Care. There are also services specific to women Veterans who have unique needs. Women Veterans can also request to receive treatment from women providers.

Some options for women Veterans include:

• Specialized mental health residential rehabilitation treatment programs (MH-RRTPs) for women.
  VA recognizes that women Veterans have unique and specific health care needs. VA Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs provide treatment in a way that is sensitive to these needs. MH-RRTPs offer women Veterans the safety and security they need to focus on their recovery. Some programs are designed for women Veterans only. For help locating a program, ask your Women Veteran Program Manager or call your local VA facility. Learn more about VA's MH-RRTPs, including locations and program details.
• Treatment for Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Related Problems
  Military sexual trauma is more common among women Veterans. Like any form of traumatic event, MST can be a life-changing event. Many people are resilient and recover on their own after an MST event. For others, MST may affect physical or mental health, including being diagnosed with PTSD. Every VA facility has an MST Coordinator who can help you access care.
• Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program
  Women are more likely to experience intimate partner violence (IPV). Whether or not IPV leads to PTSD, there are risks to your physical and mental health, as well as your overall well-being. In addition to PTSD treatment, VA offers services to help you build healthier relationships. Learn about VA's Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP). If you need immediate help, contact the national Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or TTY 1-800-787-3224.
• VA Homeless Programs
  VA is committed to helping all Veterans have a place to call home. If you are homeless or at risk of being homeless, contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at (877) 4AID-VET (877-24-3838). Certain VA locations have programs for homeless women Veterans and homeless women Veterans with children.

Summary

Women Veterans have unique health care needs and VA offers services specifically for you. PTSD treatment works, and you have options. If you have questions about VA health care benefits or about transitioning from TRICARE, call VA's Health Benefits Hotline at 1-877-222-VETS (8387).