Women Veterans Health Care

LGBTQ+ Health

VA recognizes that LGBTQ+ Veterans face increased health risks and unique challenges in health care due to stigma, discrimination, and stress.

However, getting preventive care reduces the risk for disease, disability, and death. VA believes in providing a safe and inclusive environment that fosters patient trust, engagement, and positive health outcomes for LGBTQ+ Veterans.

What services does VA provide for LGBTQ+ health?

VA encourages Veterans to talk about all.aspects of their lives with their providers, including sexual orientation and gender identity, so we can provide the best care possible. Conversations and the information you share with your VA provider are confidential.

VA is dedicated to being a leader in health care for LGBTQ+ Veterans. VA provides comprehensive care for LGBTQ+ Veterans including:

• Gender-affirming hormone therapy
• Substance use/alcohol treatment
• Tobacco use treatment
• Treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, including PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) and PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for Veterans at risk for HIV
• Intimate partner violence reduction and treatment of aftereffects
• Military sexual trauma screening and treatment of aftereffects
• Suicide prevention services. If you are in crisis, please call the 24-hour Crisis Hotline at 988 option 1 or visit the Veterans Crisis Line.
• Heart Health
• Whole Health
• Cancer screening, prevention, and treatments
• Infertility. VA is committed to helping Veterans navigate challenges that may arise from issues with fertility and the conception of a child.

And much more...

How do I access services for LGBTQ+ Health at VA?

A great place to start is to contact the LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator (LGBTQ+ VCC) at your local VA facility. Every VA facility has an LGBTQ+ Veteran Care Coordinator to connect LGBTQ+ Veterans to health care services. They help Veterans find providers, answer questions, and report problems, if encountered. VA also offers Women Veterans Program Managers to assist with your care coordination needs and to help you get the care and services you need.

VA also has Women's Mental Health Champions at every VA medical center. They are mental health clinicians with specific training, interest, and expertise in women Veterans' mental health. Women's Mental Health Champions can help connect you with local resources and support.

If you don't already use VA health care, you may want to use the following online tools:

Find out if you are eligible for VA health care

Enroll in VA health care if you haven't already

Find your local VA and make an appointment

Where can I find more information, help, and resources on LGBTQ+ health?

• If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line now: Dial 988 then Press 1 or visit www.veteranscrisisline.net. You can call, text, or chat online with caring, qualified VA responders. Many of them are Veterans or family members of Veterans.
• Find more information about VHA's LGBTQ+ Program at LGBTQ+ VHA Program. Download fact sheets, posters, policy documents and more. Check out mental health resources from VA for LGBTQ+ Veterans at Mental Health LGBTQ+. The Office of Resolution Management, Diversity & Inclusion has a multitude of resources and information.
• For information regarding adoption, check out this blog.
• Coming out to your health care provider* is an important step in maintaining your health. To see that you receive the best care possible, your health care provider needs to know who you are.
• Virtual Mental Health Care: Veterans can connect with a VA mental health provider through a computer or mobile device from the comfort of their home or at their nearest VA health facility.
• VA Tobacco Cessation Resources: VA offers a variety of resources and programs to help Veterans quit tobacco use.
• Substance Use/Alcohol Treatment: Effective treatments for substance abuse problems are available through the VA. Options include therapy, either alone with a therapist or in a group, as well as medications.
• Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention/Treatment: VA encourages all Veterans of all gender identities to get tested for HIV and other STIs.
• Intimate Partner Violence Support: Veterans may contact their local VA hospital and ask to speak with the Women Veterans Program Manager who can connect them with appropriate resources. Learn more at Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP).
• Beyond MST Mobile App: Free, secure, and private self-help mobile app created specifically to support the health and well-being of people who have experienced MST. You do not need to create an account or be in treatment to use the app. Any personal information entered in the app is not shared with anyone, including VA.

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Women Veterans Health Care Outreach Posters

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The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:

• Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
• Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
• Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
• Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

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