How to get VA care for military sexual trauma — free MST-related treatment without enrollment, a report or service connection, through the MST coordinator, Vet Centers and VA mental health
Military sexual trauma (MST) means sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment experienced during military service; it can happen to anyone. VA provides free treatment for any physical or mental health condition related to MST, and you do not need to have reported it at the time, to have other proof, or to be service-connected. Every VA medical facility has an MST coordinator who helps you access care; MST-related outpatient services are available at every VA medical center and many clinics, residential and inpatient programs exist for more intensive treatment, and Vet Centers offer MST counseling in a separate, confidential setting. Eligibility is broader than for other VA care: veterans and most former service members qualify, including those with other than honorable discharges or fewer than two years of service, along with former Guard and Reserve members with federal active duty or a service-connected disability, and current service members (some services need a Defense Department referral). You may ask for a clinician of a particular sex, and you do not have to disclose the MST when you register.
What you'll need
- The MST coordinator at your nearest VA medical center (ask the operator), or the Vet Center call center 877-927-8387
- No documents are required; a DD-214 or other service record helps VA find your record
- Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net — any time
Step-by-step
Step 1: If you are in crisis, call now
Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or use the chat at veteranscrisisline.net. The Veterans Crisis Line is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day to veterans, service members and their families, whether or not you are enrolled in VA care, and responders can connect you to MST-related care afterward.
Step 2: Know that you qualify
MST-related care is available to veterans and most former service members, including those with an other than honorable discharge or who served fewer than two years; the usual length-of-service rules do not apply, service connection is not required, and some people can get MST-related care even if they are not eligible for other VA care. Former National Guard and Reserve members with federal active-duty service or a service-connected disability (not necessarily related to the MST) and current service members are also eligible. You do not need to have reported the MST or have proof that it occurred.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma/
Step 3: Contact the MST coordinator or a Vet Center
Call your nearest VA medical center and ask for the MST coordinator; every VA medical facility has one, and they are the contact for MST-related issues and will help you access care. Or ask for a clinical evaluation with a VA health care professional without disclosing the MST at registration — the provider can refer you to MST-related mental health or medical care. Vet Centers (community-based counseling centers) provide MST counseling to any veteran or service member who experienced MST regardless of era, with records kept separately from VA medical records; find one through VA's facility locator or call 877-927-8387.
Step 4: Choose the level of care
Outpatient services at every VA medical center and many community clinics include psychological assessment, medication evaluation and treatment, and individual and group psychotherapy for conditions associated with MST, plus treatment for related physical health conditions. VA residential and inpatient programs provide more intensive treatment and support. Vet Centers offer individual, group, couples and family counseling. You can request a clinician of a particular sex, and treatment can focus on coping with the effects of MST without discussing the experience in depth, or go deeper, as you prefer.
Reference: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma/
Step 5: Benefits are separate, and optional
Getting MST-related care does not require, and does not start, a disability claim. If you choose to file for PTSD or another condition related to MST, 38 CFR 3.304(f)(5) lets VA accept evidence outside your service records — counseling, medical or law enforcement records, statements from people you told, and evidence of behavior changes after the event — and VA must tell you this before denying. Use VA Form 21-0781 with VA Form 21-526EZ; a county veterans service officer or VSO can help for free, and you can ask for a woman representative.
Critical tips
- Vet Center records are confidential and separate from your VA medical record; they are released only with your consent.
- Family members may take part in Vet Center counseling when it supports the veteran's goals, and Vet Centers offer bereavement counseling to families.
- Women veterans can also call or text the Women Veterans Call Center at 855-829-6636 to be connected with the Women Veterans Program Manager at their facility.
- Questions about MST-related services: contact the MST coordinator at your nearest VA medical center.
- A county veterans service officer can help with a related claim: warriorsfund.org/find-cvso.