VSO Helps MA Veteran Access Mental Health Care 

Last year, Steve Schultze, chief veteran service officer (VSO) for the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) in Massachusetts, met with a veteran who has struggled mentally since getting out of the service. 

She was not enrolled in VA health care and was using her husband’s insurance to see a primary care physician. After completing a lengthy claim,  Schultze helped the veteran get enrolled in VHA. 

She had moved to the area about three years prior and has not been able to find a mental health provider with openings matching her availability. She reached out to the local VA clinic, but wasn’t able to get a timely callback. 

Schultze used his contacts at the local clinic to explain the issue and the veteran’s desire to access needed mental health care. He was asked to tell the veteran to go to the clinic in person to arrange an appointment. She was skeptical, but Schultze convinced her to meet him there the following morning.

The next morning, they walked into the clinic together, and the veteran was able to see counselor for her initial exam. She now has weekly mental health appointments and is extremely grateful to her VSO.

Contact a VVA Veteran Service Officer to assist with your claim in states that have a benefits program here, or search for a VSO from another organization through the VA’s website in states where we do not. Enter your ZIP code or city and state, and you’ll see which VSOs serve your area.