By Matthew Lowery, LCSW
Oct. 7, 2019

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You probably know inTransition provides confidential, free, one-on-one coaching for service members who need support accessing mental health care during relocation or when they're returning from deployment, transitioning from active duty to reserve or reserve to active duty, or preparing to leave military service. And you also probably know inTransition coaches help guide and empower patients to make a successful transition from their current mental health provider to a new or "gaining" provider in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Military Health System, or local community. However, you may not know inTransition is available to veterans, too!

It's true. Clinicians working with veterans, and veterans themselves, are eligible to use inTransition to support their access to mental health care. In fact, the process works exactly the same as it does for a service member. inTransition will help the veteran get connected with mental health care at a location and cost that works for them (to include no cost), whether they are seeking to transition within the VA system, or into a VA facility, Vet Center, or a community location.

This is good to know, but I have some questions . . .

What if the veteran I treat separated from service in 1980, can they still use inTransition? Yes! If a veteran separated last week, or 50 years ago, they and their clinician can use inTransition. There is no time from separation threshold which would exclude a veteran from using inTransition.

What if the veteran I treat was discharged with other-than-honorable status? Can they use inTransition? Yes, inTransition can help with these veterans, too! InTransition does not have any disqualifying factors for service members or veterans seeking services and support. For example, did you know Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans with other-than-honorable discharges have twice the suicide risk compared to OIF/OEF veterans with honorable discharges? If you are treating a veteran, inTransition is there to help you and them, regardless of discharge status.

If you're a current or former member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard, or reserves, you're qualified to use inTransition. Simple as that. Licensed and experienced staff within the program provide participants with free, confidential support and coaching to ensure they are connected to mental health care.

If you're a service member or veteran seeking help in finding a mental health provider, or you're a mental health provider who wants assistance transitioning a patient who you're working with, don't hesitate to contact inTransition today. The program is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, via a toll-free phone number, email, or online chat. Visit our website for contact information, details on the enrollment process, and other resources.

Mr. Lowery is a licensed clinical social worker and outreach communications consultant for inTransition and the Psychological Health Resource Center at the Psychological Health Center of Excellence.