Birmingham Vet Center
Unhealthy substance use often goes hand-in-hand with PTSD, depression, or stress. We can help you understand how problematic drinking, drug use, or gambling might be related to other stressors in your life. And we can teach you how to take control over your substance use.
We can also connect you to more intensive or comprehensive substance use treatment programs within VA or in our local community, if needed.
We also offer opportunities for your partner or other family members to join your individual therapy sessions, once or twice. This can provide an opportunity for your family members to learn more about your needs and ways to best support you during your treatment.
We currently host a group for spouses and significant others every 2 weeks on Tuesdays, called Hope. To join that group, you’ll need to get a referral from a counselor. Contact us for more information.
We’re committed to functioning as a focal point where Veterans and community partners can connect and engage. We actively partner with:
- Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs
- Alabama Veteran
- Team Red, White & Blue
- Three Hots and a Cot
- Volunteer Lawyers Birmingham
- Central Alabama Veterans Collaborative (Facebook)
- Veterans Upward Bound
- Priority Veteran
- Alabama Workforce Innovation & Opportunity
- Alabama Career Center
Call 205-212-3122 if you or your organization is interested in learning more about ways to partner with us.
We also offer bereavement counseling to any Gold Star family members. If you’re a Gold Star family member, we’re here for you, no matter how distant or recent your loss.
We commonly address the following concerns:
- Anxiety or stress reactions, like PTSD
- Depression or lack of motivation
- Sleep difficulties, including sleep problems caused by shift work
- Anger, aggressive behavior, and reckless behaviors
- Overuse of alcohol or drugs
- Difficulties adjusting to civilian life following a deployment or activation
We have groups available to meet your needs, such as:
Tuesdays
- Hope (spouses and significant others group), meets every 2 weeks
- Beyond Deserts and Jungles (Vietnam PTSD group), meets weekly
- Battle Buddies (recreation group), meets weekly
Wednesdays
- Phoenix (male MST group), meets weekly
- PTSD support group (male only), meets weekly
Thursdays
- Genesis (female Veteran group), meets weekly
- Band of Warriors (post-Vietnam PTSD group), meets the first and third Thursdays of the month
To join these groups, you’ll need to get a referral from a counselor.
We have male and female counselors available to meet with you based on your preference. We also have a military sexual trauma group on Wednesdays for males only. To join, you’ll need to get a referral from a counselor.
If you’re feeling on edge and on guard, having trouble with sleep or motivation, or just feeling unlike yourself following a major event or critical incident, we can help. We’ll teach you tools to manage these problems and get back on track. Asking for help takes courage. We provide the private, comfortable setting with expert counselors to help you take that next step.
Learn more about PTSD treatment options
We also offer the following groups:
- Beyond Deserts and Jungles (Vietnam PTSD group)
- PTSD support group (male only)
- Band of Warriors (post-Vietnam PTSD group)
- Battle Buddies (recreation group)
To join these groups, you’ll need to get a referral from a counselor.
We know that completing military service can come with a variety of new challenges. Navigating the VA system and other benefits alone can be overwhelming. We can provide education and connection for:
- Enrollment in VA health care benefits
- Filing a military-related disability claim
- Connection to employment opportunities
- Using VA education benefits
- Using your VA home loan
- Connecting to state benefits and services
We understand that searching for resources can be frustrating. Let us help you navigate through these challenges:
- How to activate VA medical benefits and enroll in care
- Where to file disability claims and other forms
- How to make the most of your VA education benefits
- How to use your VA home loan
- How to access VA burial benefits
We can also connect you to the local Veteran Service Officer in your town. Call us at 205-212-3122 to find out more.
We understand the unique experiences and needs of women Veterans. We'll work with you to find a counselor that fits your preferences, and can help you connect with other agencies as needed. We also have a women Veteran group that meets weekly on Thursdays. To join any group, you’ll need a referral from a counselor.
We specialize in serving the unique needs of those who served, including:
- First responders
- Women Veterans
- Veterans of color
If we can't help, we’ll connect you with someone who can.
How we're different than a clinic (FAQs)
How we’re different than a clinic
What are Vet Centers?
Vet Centers are small, non-medical, counseling centers conveniently located in your community. They’re staffed by highly trained counselors and team members dedicated to seeing you through the challenges that come with managing life during and after the military.
Whether you come in for one-on-one counseling or to participate in a group session, at Vet Centers you can form social connections, try new things, and build a support system with people who understand you and want to help you succeed.
Who is eligible to receive services at Vet Centers?
Vet Center services are available to you at no cost, regardless of discharge character, and without you needing to be enrolled in VA health care or having a service-connected disability. If you’re a Veteran or service member, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, you can access our services if you:
- Served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility
- Experienced military sexual trauma (regardless of gender or service era)
- Provided mortuary services or direct emergent medical care to treat the casualties of war while serving on active military duty
- Performed as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operations in a combat theater or area of hostility
- Accessed care at a Vet Center prior to January 2, 2013, as a Vietnam-Era Veteran
- Served on active military duty in response to a national emergency or major disaster declared by the president, or under orders of the governor or chief executive of a state in response to a disaster or civil disorder in that state.
- Are a current or former member of the Coast Guard who participated in a drug interdiction operation, regardless of the location.
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Are a current member of the Reserve Components assigned to a military command in a drilling status, including active Reserves, who has a behavioral health condition or psychological trauma related to military service that adversely effects quality of life or adjustment to civilian life.
We encourage you to contact us, even if you’re unsure if you meet these criteria. If we can’t help you, we’ll find someone who will.
Our services are also available to family members when their participation would support the growth and goals of the Veteran or active-duty service member. If you consider them family, so do we. We also offer bereavement services to family members of Veterans who were receiving Vet Center services at the time of the Veteran’s death, and to the families of service members who died while serving on active duty.
Do I have to be enrolled in VA health care to access Vet Center services?
No. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA health care or have a service-connected disability.
What about my privacy?
Safe and confidential. Our records can’t be accessed by other VA offices, the DoD, military units, or other community networks and providers without your permission or unless required to avert a life-threatening situation. Here, you can be as open as you want—there’s absolutely no judgment.