VA Western New York Healthcare System

Military Sexual Trauma Counseling

VA has special services available to help Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). These services can be provided in an inpatient setting for more intensive care or in outpatient counseling sessions and treatment. For more information on mental health care at VA Western New York Healthcare System, visit our behavioral health page 

To help Veterans recover from military sexual trauma, VA provides free confidential counseling and treatment for mental and physical health related to experiences of MST. You do not need to have a service-connected disability. In fact, you may be able to receive this benefit even if you are not eligible for other VA care. You do not need to have reported the incidents when they happened or have other documentation that they occurred.

VA Western New York Healthcare System has a designated MST Coordinator who serves as a contact person for MST-related issues. This person is your advocate and can help you find and access VA services and programs, state and federal benefits, and community resources. Vet Centers also have specially trained sexual trauma counselors. You are encouraged to ask to meet with a health care provider of the same or opposite sex if it would make you feel more comfortable.

More information on violence and sexual abuse is available from the National Center for PTSD.