VETERANS
Although being a military service member is an honorable career, it comes with a cost. Family sacrifices, constant transitions, rigid structure,
and personal safety all are part of the job description of our prior and present veterans. In Kings County, we have over 13,000 Veterans and the need for serving these Veterans is increasing. Out of this need, services for Veterans has evolved
Kings County Behavioral Health is proud to offer services to anyone who has worn a military uniform. All services are free of charge and were developed to meet the unique needs of service members, veterans and their families.
and personal safety all are part of the job description of our prior and present veterans. In Kings County, we have over 13,000 Veterans and the need for serving these Veterans is increasing. Out of this need, services for Veterans has evolved
Kings County Behavioral Health is proud to offer services to anyone who has worn a military uniform. All services are free of charge and were developed to meet the unique needs of service members, veterans and their families.
Veterans Counseling Services
Veterans counseling services includes assessments, individual or group counseling services for veterans and service members experiencing mental health issues. We utilize the most up‐to date, evidence based treatment approaches for various issues that Veterans present, which include: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, Stress, and Anger. We also address Veterans struggles in integrating back with family and friends. Call us at 852-2444 for more information.
Veterans Support Group
This Support Group meets on a biweekly basis, which serves to provide veterans with information, guest speakers, camaraderie, and sharing of universal experiences. There is no cost to attend this or the Trauma Group. The size of the groups are kept small to allow discussion and sharing among other fellow Veterans. We serve meals and soft drinks to all our participants. Call 852-2444 for more info.
Veterans Trauma Group
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Another Kind of Valor
Families and agencies who serve veterans are constantly being challenged on how to best serve Veterans who turn to them for assistance and support. Families of these Veterans must also try to come to grip with loved ones who have returned home changed in so many ways. The dilemma is how can professionals and loved ones learn to be
supportive of behaviors that they can’t begin to understand? Does one confront the Veteran’s resistance to talk? Does one challenge his/her emotional outburst? What does one do when the Veteran is faced with triggers of war and will recluse themselves for days on end? What do you do when caring words are met with stony silence? And how does one deal with a spouse that feels le out of the family after returning from an overseas tour? These are all important concerns Kings County Behavioral Health is addressing these questions and more through the “Another Kind of Valor” training. The 7 hour training is provided to a variety of agencies who work closely with Veterans. These agencies include the courts, law enforcement, college counselors, doctors, churches and mental health agencies, just to name a few. The training provides tools on how to reach Veterans by having actual Veterans speak about their experiences and directly letting us know what they need from all of us. Military spouses also speak out about their experiences of being married to a Veteran. Female Veterans discuss their experiences of serving in the military. Numerous videos are presented to exemplify the effects of war on our Veterans. Discussions on the availability of services in Kings County are also presented. The topic of what to say and not say, as well as what to ask and not ask Veterans is discussed. Finally, working with Veterans can be very taxing to family members and service providers; therefore, Vicarious Traumatization/Compassion Fatigue is thoroughly reviewed. The Valor training is available to any agency or person that works or plans to work with Veterans. For additional information please call Mario Lopez, LCSW at 559‐852‐2444. |
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Other Resources
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The Kings County Veterans
Service Office aggressively seeks out Veterans and their families to provide
assistance and service to those who have serve their county. To meet this
objective, the KCVSO seeks to increase awareness of eligibility, entitlements,
benefits programs, and services provided to Veterans by Federal, State and local
government agencies. The information is provided by outreach, counseling, and
referral services.
We provide a ONE-STOP office environment for all Veterans and their family members. We provide any and all of the following Veterans Administration Services and we do it with a genuine smile and professionalism. |
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The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
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VA Central California Health Care System (VACCHCS) has been improving the health of the men and women who have so proudly served our nation. We consider it our privilege to serve your health care needs in any way we can.
VACCHCS consists of 1 inpatient facility located in Fresno (Fresno Medical Center), plus 3 outpatient clinics in Merced, Oakhurst and Tulare. We are expanding to better serve Veterans in Central California! VACCHCS mission is to honor America's Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being. |
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Make the Connection
Launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Is creating ways for Veterans, its family members, and professionals to connect with the experiences of other Veterans, connect with local information and resources to help veterans confront the challenges of transitioning from service, face health issues, or navigate the complexities of daily life as a civilian. Resources for Mental Health, Substance Use, Suicide Risk, Group Therapy and Peer Support that may help veterans live more fulfilling lives. |