Veterans’ Health

Project Title

Expanding Access to Telemental Health for Veterans Across New York

Grant Amount

$105,000

Priority Area

Veterans’ Health

Date Awarded

March 13, 2020

Region

NYC

Statewide

Status

Closed

Website

https://nyulangone.org/locations/steven-a-cohen-military-family-center

SEE GRANT OUTCOMES

Despite the comprehensive response of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), there continues to be a shortage of mental health providers.

Approximately one in five veterans in New York screen positive for a probable diagnosis of PTSD or depression. Only 50% of returning veterans who have mental health issues and injuries will receive the services they need. And, although the VA Mission Act increased veterans’ eligibility for private care, an NYHealth-funded study found that less than 3% of health care providers in New York State fully met the readiness criteria to provide high-quality, culturally competent care to veterans. As a result, there is a need to expand services for veterans who receive care through community partners. In 2016, the Military Family Center (MFC) at NYU Langone Health responded to this need with a pilot telemental health services program as a cost-effective way to overcome barriers in access to care. In 2020, NYHealth awarded MFC a grant to help expand its no-cost telemental health services to veterans in high-need areas across New York State.

Under this grant, MFC conducted strategic outreach to connect veterans and their families to expanded telemental health services. MFC provided no-cost, high-quality telemental health services to post-9/11 veterans in hard-to-reach, under-resourced areas outside of New York City. After identifying underserved areas across the State, MFC shared information, partnered, and formalized referral agreements with key stakeholders such as VA and non-VA service providers, veterans service organizations, VA hospitals, VA and community-based outpatient clinics, and faith-based organizations. MFC then used this program and referral data to improve outreach and services accordingly. Additionally, MFC shared lessons learned and best practices for conducting outreach to veterans and their family members.