Va. Braces for Veterans' Needs

In addition, mental health officials in Hampton Roads said they are treating dozens of active duty soldiers and family members who have quietly sought services away from the military's programs.

The reasons veterans choose community services over military services vary. Some don't want to be seen in VA facilities out of concern of being perceived as weak by their comrades. They see the community centers as more private. Others say it's a matter of familiarity and convenience.

"The issue for me is that I wanted someone nearby . . . and I wasn't trying to see the inside of a vet hospital, " said Wesley Hull, 25, a Marine who served two tours in Iraq before returning home to Nelson County, just north of Charlottesville.

To address the issue, the state Senate and House of Delegates have passed legislation that could allocate up to $2 million a year for tracking the mental health needs of combat veterans who do not engage with the VA system or private health care. The bills are subject to revision and must be signed by Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D). The state also is seeking grants from the federal government to help coordinate services between veteran's hospitals and state mental health agencies.

The issue is not confined to Virginia. Several states, including Kentucky and Missouri, also have established programs to help returning veterans. "The VA isn't the bad guy here, but they can't be responsible for the mental health needs of all 1.7 million soldiers deployed," said Pat Kerr, director of Operation Outreach for the Missouri Veterans Commission.

VA officials said they think they have the structure in place -- 152 VA hospitals across the country and 740 mental health agencies they contract with -- to meet the needs of returning veterans. Virginia has three VA hospitals and four counseling centers and contracts with 29 outpatient facilities across the state. But the officials acknowledge that there is more work to do.

"We know we have to make access easier in some areas," said Ira Katz, head of the VA's mental health services. "We're not sure we know what the best mechanism is to do that yet. But the important thing is for the VA and mental health providers to work together in the community."