You called the VA to schedule a mental health appointment. They told you three weeks. Or six weeks. Or that they would call you back.
Meanwhile, you are not sleeping. Your anxiety is getting worse. Your family is noticing. And every day you wait is another day you have to push through without help.
You earned your benefits. You should not have to wait months to use them.
The Short Answer
If VA mental health wait times are too long, you can use TRICARE, CHAMPVA, or the VA Community Care program to see a civilian psychiatrist. Private practices like MindWell Psychiatric Services offer same-day appointments, shorter wait times, and providers who specialize in veteran mental health.
The VA Wait Time Problem
The VA provides care to millions of veterans, and many VA providers are excellent. But the system is overwhelmed. There are not enough psychiatrists to meet the demand.
According to the VA’s own data, mental health appointment wait times vary significantly by location. Some veterans wait a few days. Others wait weeks or months. In high-demand areas like Las Vegas, the wait can be frustrating.
And wait time is only part of the problem. When you finally get an appointment, it might be 15 to 20 minutes. That is not enough time for a thorough evaluation, especially if you are dealing with complex issues like PTSD, depression, and substance use at the same time.
Many veterans leave VA appointments feeling unheard. Not because the provider does not care, but because the system does not give them enough time.
Option 1: The VA Community Care Program
If the VA cannot see you within certain wait time standards, you may be eligible for Community Care. This program lets you see a civilian provider at the VA’s expense.
You may qualify if your wait time exceeds 20 days for mental health care. You live more than 40 minutes from the nearest VA facility that offers the service you need. The VA does not offer the specific service you need. Your provider and the VA agree that community care is in your best interest.
To request Community Care, contact your VA primary care team or call the VA at 1-800-698-2411. If approved, the VA will issue a referral to a community provider.
This option lets you access civilian care while still using your VA benefits. The process takes some paperwork, but it can significantly shorten your wait time.
Option 2: Use TRICARE
If you are a military retiree, reservist, or family member, you likely have TRICARE coverage. TRICARE covers psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and therapy with civilian providers.
With TRICARE Select, you can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without a referral. With TRICARE Prime, you may need a referral from your primary care manager.
MindWell accepts TRICARE and can verify your eligibility before your appointment. Check our full list of accepted insurance plans.
Option 3: Use CHAMPVA
If you are a veteran with a permanent, service-connected disability and are not eligible for TRICARE, you may have CHAMPVA coverage. CHAMPVA covers psychiatric services with civilian providers.
Many veterans do not realize they have CHAMPVA benefits or do not know how to use them. Contact the CHAMPVA office at 1-800-733-8387 to verify your eligibility.
MindWell accepts CHAMPVA and makes the process straightforward.
Option 4: Private Pay
If you do not have TRICARE or CHAMPVA and the VA Community Care process is taking too long, some veterans choose to pay out of pocket for civilian care.
At MindWell, same-day appointments are available for cash-pay patients. The cost of a private appointment may be worth it if you are in crisis and cannot wait for the VA system to process your request.
Think of it this way. If you had a broken arm, you would not wait three months for treatment. Your mental health deserves the same urgency.
What to Look for in a Civilian Provider
Not every civilian psychiatrist understands veteran mental health. When choosing a provider outside the VA, look for someone who has military experience or has worked extensively with veterans. Someone who understands PTSD, moral injury, military sexual trauma, and the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. A provider who accepts your insurance, whether that is TRICARE, CHAMPVA, Medicaid, or another plan. A practice that offers both in-person and telehealth appointments.
You should not have to spend your first appointment explaining what a deployment is or why transitioning to civilian life is hard. Your provider should already understand those things.
Learn more about why the right provider matters in our article on why veterans struggle to find psychiatrists who understand.
Why MindWell for Veterans
MindWell was founded by Michael Kuron, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, a Navy Corpsman who deployed to Iraq with the Marines. After his service, he worked at the VA in inpatient mental health.
He opened MindWell because he saw veterans waiting too long and getting too little. At MindWell, veteran mental health is a priority, not an afterthought.
Same-day appointments are available. Evaluations are thorough, not rushed. And your treatment plan is built around you, not around what a system allows.
MindWell offers both in-person appointments at our Las Vegas office and telehealth for veterans across Nevada.
You Can Use Both the VA and Civilian Care
Choosing a civilian provider does not mean you are abandoning the VA. Many veterans use both systems.
You might see a civilian psychiatrist for medication management and regular appointments while using the VA for specialty services, labs, or therapy groups. The two systems can work together.
The most important thing is that you are getting help now, not three months from now.
FAQs
How do I get a VA Community Care referral?
Contact your VA primary care team or call 1-800-698-2411 to request a referral to a community provider. You may qualify based on wait times, distance, or specific clinical needs.
How fast can I get an appointment at MindWell?
Same-day appointments are available for new patients, including veterans. Call or schedule online to get started.
Does MindWell accept TRICARE and CHAMPVA?
Yes. MindWell accepts TRICARE, CHAMPVA, and most major insurance plans.
Can I see a civilian psychiatrist and still use the VA?
Yes. You can use both systems. Many veterans see civilian providers for regular psychiatric care while continuing to use VA services for other needs.
Will my civilian psychiatric records be shared with the VA?
Not automatically. Civilian providers do not report to the VA unless you authorize it. Your records at MindWell are private.
You Should Not Have to Wait to Feel Better
You served when your country called. You deserve care when you call for help.
