Lexington Vet Center
We understand the challenges of substance use problems and addiction. We work closely with the following partners to help you access inpatient and outpatient recovery services as well as community support programs and groups:
We understand that military service impacts not only Veterans and service members, but also their family members. We provide couples and family counseling focused on supporting the Veteran or service member's successful transition to civilian life. In addition to individual counseling, we offer a group specifically for spouses and significant others of our Veteran clients.
We value community partnerships and we're intentional about engaging with our local communities regularly. Established local partnerships include:
- National Guard and Reserve units
- State universities and community colleges
- Veterans Service Organizations
- Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs (KDVA)
- Fayette County Veterans Court
We value the role of connecting Veterans with each other. We regularly sponsor and host events to help Veterans and service members meet and connect.
We have counselors with specific training and extensive experience in the provision of grief counseling and bereavement support services.
We offer individual and group counseling focused on mental health needs. We use a whole health focused approach in everything we do. The following evidence-based therapies are available:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Guided imagery/clinical hypnosis
Our specialty groups include:
- PTSD coping skills
- Military sexual trauma, women’s group
- Military sexual trauma, men’s group
- Moral injury group
Military sexual trauma can happen to both men and women. If you experienced sexual assault or harassment during military service—no matter when or where you served—we provide both individual and group counseling treatment and support. We have both male and female counselors who are experienced and knowledgeable on the needs of those who have experienced military sexual trauma. We also work closely with our local VA military sexual trauma coordinator to help you access available services.
Our staff are all trained to provide assessment, counseling, and support for PTSD. We offer evidence-based therapies, including:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Guided imagery/clinical hypnosis
We also offer several PTSD-focused groups for those we serve.
Sometimes the return to civilian life after military service can be more challenging than expected. We’re here to support you during this important time. Our counselors understand military culture, some of them are Veterans themselves. As a community-based program, we can assist you with both local and VA referrals to support your transition.
We understand that searching for resources can be challenging. Let us help you navigate through and connect with:
- How to activate VA medical benefits and enroll in care
- Where to file disability claims and other forms
- How to access VA burial benefits
We can also connect you to the local Veteran Service Officer in your town.
Veterans who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness are strongly encouraged to contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for assistance.
We work closely with the following partners to help you connect with services:
We understand that your time is important and that it may be more convenient for you to have a phone or video appointment. Let your assigned counselor know and we will accommodate your request.
We have easy-to-use telehealth platforms that allow us to provide you with our same high-quality services virtually. All you need is a smartphone or similar device, an internet connection, and a private location.
The whole health approach is a part of everything we do. Our goal is to put you at the center of care.
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.