Bay County 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 have established relationships with community partners throughout our 11-county catchment area. If you have a need that’s not directly within our ability to provide, we know where to direct you.
Look for the outreach tent or table at many local events including fairs, festivals, and events. Our goal is to reach every person who may know a Veteran or service member.
To arrange a presentation or display for your event, call 850-522-6102. Be sure to leave a message for the Outreach Specialist.
We also offer bereavement counseling to any Gold Star family members. If you’re a Gold Star family member, we are here for you, no matter how distant or recent your loss.
We commonly address the following concerns:
- Anxiety or stress reactions
- 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
Here are some of the evidence-based treatments we offer:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Prolonged Exposure (PE)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational interviewing and relapse prevention
- Adaptive disclosure for moral injury
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 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.
Individual sessions are always available. Groups are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Call us for specific details and to be scheduled for an initial appointment with one of our Veteran counselors. We have 3 experienced full-time Veteran counselors who understand your Veteran or service member experience.
We have a military sexual trauma group every Wednesday.
One-on-one counseling is also available. We have male and female counselors available based on your preference.
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 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.
Individual sessions are always available. Groups are scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Call us for specific details and to be scheduled for an initial appointment with one of our Veteran counselors.
We have three experienced full-time Veteran counselors who understand your Veteran or service member experience.
We recognize 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 service
We partner with agencies who focus on suicide prevention and awareness, including:
- The Gulf Coast VA Suicide Prevention Office
- SPARE (Suicide Prevention Awareness Response and Education)
- Life Management Center
- Emerald Coast Behavioral
We also participate in special events, including the SPARE Bridge of Hope Walk, the SPARE Candlelight Vigil, and the annual Suicide Prevention Conference.
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 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 850-522-6102 to find out more.
Busy schedule? Don't have time for traffic? We get it. 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.
We also offer alternative therapies based on participation and availability including:
- Zentangle: relaxation through doodle art
- Art: instructor-led paint class
- Music: guitar lessons
- Golf therapy (every Tuesday): for Veterans with PTSD and/or physical disabilities; taught by golf course pros
We specialize in serving the unique needs of those who served, including:
- First responders
- Women Veterans
- Veterans of color
We try to help any Veteran, service member, or their family. If we can't help, we'll connect you with an organization that can, possibly, one of our many community partners.
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.