Okaloosa County Vet Center
We offer evidence-based groups and individual treatment.
We can offer assessments and referral for addictions and substance use. We maintain an active relationship with substance abuse counselors at the VA Medical Center, in the community, and local substance use programs.
We also assist the Okaloosa County Vet Court program with referrals in support of Veterans' recovery.
We meet with couples and families to offer support and counseling for military-related concerns. We work to establish clear lines of communication and emotional expression to facilitate development, growth, and sustainment of a healthy relationship. We also conduct groups to support the spouses of Veterans.
We work with various VA, Department of Defense (DoD), and community organizations to support our clients with employment, homelessness resources, medical benefits, and claims.
We conduct outreach and education, including Post-Deployment Health Reassessment (PDHRA) and community events.
We have established relationships with organizations such as these:
Whether it is the death of a spouse, child, or parent who is a Veteran or service member, we can provide support and assistance. We offer services such as these:
- Bereavement counseling for family members of service members who died while serving on active duty or to family members of Veterans who were receiving services at the time of their death
- Grief counseling
- Contact information to the Veterans Benefits Administration and National Cemetery Administration regarding possible burial
- Referral to a Veterans Service Officer for survival benefits
We provide individual and group-based counseling, focusing on a whole health approach to recovery and growth. We offer services such as these:
- One-to-one counseling, including but not limited to proven methods like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Group therapy for needs, like anger or stress management, or combat support
- Group therapy for Veterans or service members who served in certain combat zones or who’ve been through similar traumas
- Support for PTSD symptoms
- Movement-based support (yoga or referral to VA Whole Health Program)
- Recreation-based support (creative expressions groups)
We recognize the impact of sexual assault or harassment during military service. We use a trauma-informed care approach to provide therapy and supportive services to those who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST).
Whether you just returned from a deployment or have been home for 40 years, it’s never too late to get help for PTSD. Getting counseling or treatment can help you manage your symptoms and keep them from getting worse.
We provide individual and group-based counseling for PTSD, focusing on a whole health approach to recovery and growth. We offer services such as these:
- One-to-one counseling, including but not limited to proven methods like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Group therapy for needs, like anger or stress management, or combat support
- Group therapy for Veterans or service members who served in certain combat zones or who’ve been through similar traumas
- Support for PTSD symptoms
- Movement-based support (yoga or referral to VA Whole Health Program)
- Recreation-based support (creative expressions groups)
The National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD) is a resource for information, including PTSD basics, assessment, and treatment information, to include professional research and literature.
Our team is knowledgeable on federal and state benefits for Veterans and their families. We can help you navigate and connect with services related to these topics:
- Enrollment in VA health care
- VA compensation and pension claims
- Retirement benefits
- Survivor benefits
We can connect you with community services and resources if you require additional assistance.
Your safety comes first and foremost. We are here to support you as you recover, grow, and overcome the challenges you face. Please reach out to us. You are not alone.
The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by calling their phone number, texting 838255 or using the chat feature on their website.
We understand that the transition from military to civilian life can be a challenge.
We offer a variety of ways to assist you in that process:
- How to get VA medical benefits and register for care
- Where to go to file claims and other forms
- Understanding your VA education benefits
- Help with housing and home loans
- Education and referral for VA burial benefits
We can also connect you to Veterans Service Organizations in your community.
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.
-
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.