About the Program
The mental health service at the San Francisco VAMC provides consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of issues that can impact emotional well-being.
The staff work closely together to develop a treatment plan which meets the specific needs of each veteran we see. In order to make access to mental health care more convenient to veterans, we have mental health specialists located at VA community clinics in Santa Rosa, downtown San Francisco and Mare Island in Vallejo in addition to the services we offer at the Medical Center.
We conduct research and training to ensure state-of-the-art treatment.
Services Offered
Mental health services provided at the San Francisco VAMC include —
- General Psychiatry Outpatient Services
- Mental Health Research
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program
- Psychological Services
- Substance Abuse Programs
- Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM)
- Military Sexual Trauma
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center
We also provide outreach to homeless veterans.
General Psychiatry Outpatient Services: We offer comprehensive services for the full range of emotional problems people can experience. In addition to individual, group, medication and family treatment approaches, we offer specialized programs which include:
- Women's program
- HIV program
- Geriatrics program
Mental Health Research: We are committed to developing the most effective treatments for emotional disorders. Our clinical research guides and improves the clinical services we offer by carefully examining the effectiveness of the treatments we believe are most promising. Veterans who participate in research studies advance knowledge and understanding, which helps to improve care for other veterans. If you would like more information about the research studies in the Mental Health Service, please call one of the numbers below or visit our Research Study Subject Recruitment page.
Substance Abuse Research: (415) 750-2127
PTSD Research: (888) 488-8008 or info@ptsdresearch.net
Smoking Cessation Research: (415) 221-4810 x 4850
Participants in research protocols may be reimbursed.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Program: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after a person experiences or witnesses highly stressful and life threatening events. PTSD symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks and irritability. Our PTSD Program is a special program for veterans who have developed PTSD as a result of combat-related experiences or sexual abuse while in the military. Extensive treatment options include:
- Specialized group therapy
- Specific medication treatments
- Stress reduction training
- Family therapy
Psychological Services: The Neuropsychology and Psychological Assessment Program provides psychological assessment and neuropsychological evaluations. The Health Psychology Program offers services for people suffering from chronic medical conditions. Some of the services offered include:
- Health Psychology Program
- Biofeedback
- Pain Management
- Smoking Cessation
- Weight Control
- Stress Management
Substance Abuse Programs: Substance Abuse Programs Offers treatment for people who have found their use of alcohol or drugs has caused them significant distress or impairment with negative effects on family, personal relationships, health or work. Our treatment programs are structured to care for people through all stages of recovery. Some of our specialized programs include:
- Combat PTSD Care
- Substance Abuse Care
- Day Hospital
- Anger Management Classes
- Opiate Replacement Therapy
Mental Health Intensive Case Management (MHICM): The MHICM is a program serving veterans with psychiatric disabilities who sometimes find it difficult to stay in the community. The veterans served sometimes also struggle with alcohol or drug problems. The mission of the program is to provide state of the art, community-based care and to empower people to live at their greatest potential in the community. Treatments are provided by a multidisciplinary team. For more information, contact: (415) 551-7334.
Military Sexual Trauma: Veterans, both women and men, have experienced sexual trauma while they served on active military duty. While some of these veterans sought counseling and treatment for the aftereffects of the trauma, many have never discussed the incident or their medical or psychological condition with anyone.
VA provides eligible veterans with confidential counseling and treatment for the aftereffects of sexual trauma, helping them to better cope with the trauma experience, regain their confidence and self-esteem, and improve their quality of life. Call Nancy Herzoff, Military Sexual Trauma Coordinator at (415) 221-4810 x3907.
Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center: The San Francisco Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) supports veterans who have mental illnesses such as Schizophrenia, Major Depression and Bipolar Disorder in developing skills, support systems and wellness strategies to help improve their quality of life. Veterans participate in classes aimed at promoting community integration through effective symptom management, communication, and coping, as well as learning about computer and expressive arts skills. Go here to learn more about this program.
Confidentiality
Mental health services are confidential. We will not talk to anyone about information you share unless you give written consent. Under federal law, a few exceptions to this rule exist. If you have questions, please ask your mental health consultant.
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