For many of America's Veterans, some battles begin after their service ends. They struggle to readjust to life after combat, and VA mental health professionals are the key to helping Veterans — and their families — successfully make that adjustment.

The battles some Veterans face include PTSD, traumatic brain injury, depression, and other psychological problems. As a VA mental health professional, you'll help Veterans take back their lives.

VA mental health professionals are core members of the interdisciplinary care teams, working with primary care and other health care professionals in an effort to provide the best, most comprehensive care possible. The goal is to foster an integrated, collaborative care environment where innovation and state-of-the-art care are encouraged.

The following links offer a comprehensive look at some recent mental health care initiatives and developments within VA:

VA Adds $5 Million to Budget to Train More Psychologists
VA Brings Mental Health Programs to Primary Care Settings
VA Agrees with Key Points about PTSD Treatment
VA PTSD Psychiatrist Given Genius Award
The Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC)
VA's National Center for PTSD

VA employs evidence-based mental health practices throughout the system. As part of this effort, VA is in the process of providing system-wide clinical training to the VA mental health staff in the delivery of state-of-the-art mental health services.

All too often, mental health care is contingent on the patient's insurance policy. But at VA, mental health care is not a business decision. A career with VA allows you to break free of the restrictions of managed care and practice the way you were trained.

At VA, mental health professionals are core members of the interdisciplinary care team, working with primary care and other health care professionals in an effort to provide the best, most complete care possible. The goal is to foster an integrated, collaborative care environment where innovation is encouraged.

VA is a leader in technological innovation, and innovation is at the core of mental health care delivery throughout the VA health care system. Examples of VA's mental health innovations include the integration of mental health services into primary care settings and the widespread availability of the telemental health services.

VA is a leader in treating several of today's most urgent mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), serious mental illness, and traumatic brain injuries. The emphasis of the mental health care provided in VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics is on recovery. It's VA's mission to help Veterans recover from mental illness and allow our Nation's heroes to live their lives to their fullest potential.