VA Social Workers Changing Veterans’ Lives Daily
By Camille Weston, Public Affairs Officer
A Veteran sits in a primary care exam room, talking about more than blood pressure or medications. Stress at home. Trouble sleeping. Feeling overwhelmed. Within minutes, a social worker joins the conversation, helping connect the dots between health and life.
That kind of support is happening every day at the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center.
During Social Work Month, their role stands out as a critical link between medical care, mental health and real-life challenges Veterans face.
“Being a social worker for Veterans is a privilege,” said Kimberly Moore, assistant chief of social work service. “It allows me to support those who have sacrificed so much, helping them navigate life’s challenges with the respect and dignity they deserve.”
Care built into every visit
Social workers are embedded in primary care, meaning Veterans can talk about mental health concerns during routine appointments. This approach makes it easier to ask for help and removes barriers that often delay care.
They support services like outpatient mental health care, trauma recovery, suicide prevention and treatment for substance use. They also help Veterans work toward recovery through programs like compensated work therapy, which focuses on building skills and returning to work.
For Veterans with more complex needs, social workers provide intensive case management and support community reintegration, helping them adjust to life after military service.
Support that extends beyond the clinic
Beyond medical visits, social workers help Veterans manage daily life. Programs like the Caregiver Support Program give families the tools and guidance they need to care for loved ones at home.
“My favorite part of being a social worker serving Veterans in the Caregiver Support Program is the opportunity to support both the Veteran and the caregiver as a unit,” said Shalonda Carlisle, caregiver support coordinator. “Caregivers often carry an invisible weight, and being able to provide them with education, resources and a sense of validation is incredibly meaningful to me.”
They also coordinate long-term care through options like the Medical Foster Home Program and Community Residential Care Program, offering safe, supportive living environments. Services like Homemaker and Home Health Aide Care, and Adult Day Health Care, allow Veterans to stay independent while receiving help.
For those who want more control, the Veteran Directed Care Program allows Veterans to choose how their care is delivered in their own homes.
Meeting Veterans where they are
Social workers also step in during some of the most challenging moments in a Veteran’s life. They support Veterans involved in the justice system, help address relationship safety through the Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program and connect Veterans to resources when they need extra support.
Their work often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is clear. Veterans get answers faster. Families feel supported. Care becomes more connected and easier to navigate.
A steady presence when it matters most
The impact of social workers is not always measured in numbers. It is seen in the Veteran who feels heard, the family that finds relief and the patient who takes the first step toward healing.
At the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, social workers are more than part of the care team. Our 112 social workers are advocates, problem-solvers and trusted partners in every step of a Veteran’s journey.
Because for many Veterans, the right support at the right time can change everything.