title: Initiatives to improve access to behavioral health services in the Veterans Affairs Health System.
abstract: In response to veterans' needs in the context of recent deployments, the Veterans Affairs (VA) health system has increased the number of its facilities and caregivers and has pioneered changes in policy and programs. We review significant recent initiatives to improve access to behavioral health services in the VA health system.
authors.affiliation: VISN 6 Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, 508 Fulton St, Durham, NC 27705, USA. harold.kudler@va.gov
authors.forename: Harold
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kudler
authors.forename: Kristy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Straits-Tröster
authors.forename: Mira
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brancu
mesh_terms: D005190:Family; D006703:Ill-Housed Persons; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000600:supply & distribution*; D012423:Rural Health; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology*; D016387:Women's Health; D000092864:Suicide Prevention