Mental health care
VA Gulf Coast health care operates a comprehensive behavioral health program. We are a regional center of excellence for Veteran-focused mental health care. Ask a care coordinator about treatment options suited to your unique needs.
Connect with a care coordinator
Care we provide at VA Gulf Coast
The Behavioral Health Department offers both inpatient and outpatient services, including telehealth appointments. We provide consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of issues impacting emotional well-being. Our services include:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Services for Veterans who are homeless
- Treatment for addictive disorders, including residential rehabilitation treatment programs
- Transition and care management for returning Veterans (OIF/OEF/OND)
Confidentiality
Mental health services are confidential. We will not talk to anyone about information you share unless you give written consent. Under federal law, a few exceptions to this rule exist. If you have questions, please ask your mental health provider.
Behavioral Health Group Catalog for Patients
Homeless Program Groups
VJP Peer "Recovery and Resiliency
This group focuses on various recovery programs and building a resiliency in recovery such as maintaining sobriety and coping with the challenges of recovery. This is open to HUD-VASH program Veterans only.
- When: Wednesdays at noon
- Where: Virtual
Transcending Self Therapy
This group provides integrative – CBT, which aims to help clients identify and change unhealthy thinking and behavioral patterns. This is open to HUD-VASH program Veterans only.
- When: TBD
- Where: Combination of virtual and in-person meetings
SUD Recovery Groups
These groups are open groups utilizing MI, CBT and DBT interventions for those in various stages of change. This is open to HUD-VASH program Veterans only.
- When: Fridays at 1 pm
- Where: Virtual
Peer Support Coffee Socialization
Community integration group for Veterans to socialize with each other and exchange resources. Veterans from all phases of case management participate. This is open to HUD-VASH program Veterans only.
- When: Fridays from 9 - 10 am
- Where: In-person at Eglin VA Clinic
Substance Abuse Groups
Quit Tobacco
This program focuses on educating veterans about various medications and behavioral strategies to assist them in developing a new daily routine and effectively managing withdrawal symptoms. Through supportive discussions and expert guidance, the group aims to empower veterans on their journey to quitting tobacco. Referral is needed to attend.
- When: Every other Monday from 9 - 10 am
- Where: Virtual
Seeking Safety
Seeking Safety is a psychoeducational and coping skills group designed for individuals with trauma-related problems (including PTSD symptoms) and problems with alcohol or other substances. The group focuses on the relationship between trauma-related problems and substance use, provides opportunities to receive and give support, and teaches coping skills with an aim of coping safely with problems. Referral is needed to attend.
- When: Thursdays from 9 - 10 am
- Where: Virtual
Mental Health Groups
Trauma Symptom Management
Trauma Symptom Management group teaches Veterans how to better manage common signs and symptoms associated with exposure to traumatic events. Examples of signs and symptoms include, but are not limited to avoidance, hyperarousal, intrusive experiences, emotion regulation, and sleep disturbances. Specific traumatic events experienced by participants are not discussed in a group. Referral is needed to attend.
- When: Mondays from 4:30 - 5:30 pm
- Where: Virtual
Seeking Safety
Seeking Safety is a psychoeducational and coping skills group designed for individuals with trauma-related problems (including PTSD symptoms) and problems with alcohol or other substances. The group focuses on the relationship between trauma-related problems and substance use, provides opportunities to receive and give support, and teaches coping skills with an aim of coping safely with problems. Referral is needed to attend.
- When: Thursdays from 9 - 10 am
- Where: Virtual
PTSD 101
This is a onetime group for loved ones of people with PTSD. When someone you care about has PTSD, the symptoms may affect you and others too. Family and friends spend time and energy to help that person cope. Learning about PTSD will help you understand what a loved one is going through. Referral is needed to attend.
- When: 2nd and 4th Friday of the month from 9-10 am
- Where: Virtual
VIP Boot Camp
Brief evidence-informed group treatment addressing the most common co-occurring problems for Veterans referred from Primary Care. Referral is needed to attend.
- When: Mondays from10 - 11:30 am
- Where: Virtual