After assessing 5 veterans, I finally found one that qualifies (at least on paper). We contacted mental health services to schedule an appointment. We got an appointment... with his primary care physician 1 month from now.
This is the problem. The vet and I were told that we must have a referral from his physician before mental health services will see him.
Not true.
Program guidelines state specifically:
12. REFERRAL
As HUD-VASH is one available program in the homeless continuum of care, close collaboration with HCHV outreach and other VA homeless programs is essential. A primary source of HUD-VASH Program referrals are Veterans that have been identified through HCHV outreach, or those currently receiving services. Veterans may be referred to HUD- VASH through:
a. The HCHV Program;
b. The Domiciliary or RRTP;
c. The Health Care for Re-Entry Veterans (HCRV) Program;
d. The GPD Program;
e. The VA medical facility inpatient and outpatient programs;
f. The VA emergency services;
g. The Community-based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC); or
h. A community source, such as an agency that provides services to individuals who are homeless.
So, rather than have a more speedy entry into the program, this gentleman must wait another month just to see his promary care docor, and hope for a referral. Luckily, he has a warm place to say. Many don't.
I don't want to risk effecting the vets chances for entry, so I've decided that it's best that I not push the issue. But, as you can see from the section above pulled right from the program manual, this man should be in mental health services now. Not a month from now.
Jason Watkins
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