Congressman Brian J. Mast | Congressman Brian J. Mast Website
Congressman Brian J. Mast | Congressman Brian J. Mast Website
Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) has voiced concerns over the increasing number of veterans being denied access to their mental health providers. In a call to Veterans Affairs Secretary Denis McDonough, Mast questioned why these denials are happening and if they are connected to an official policy change.
"If a veteran has developed trust and a relationship with their mental health practitioner, then they should be able to keep seeing that practitioner," stated Congressman Mast. He emphasized the importance of continuity in care for veterans dealing with past trauma and afflictions.
Mast argued that by cutting off access to existing mental health providers, the VA is forcing veterans to relive traumatic events and situations. He underscored this as an unacceptable risk given the high suicide rate among veterans, which continues to rise.
For years, due to its inability to retain adequate mental health professionals, the VA had allowed veterans to receive outside care. This flexibility provided an escape from last-minute appointment cancellations and high staff turnover rates within the VA's mental health department.
However, now veterans are being informed that they must return to the VA system as it will no longer cover referrals to outside mental health providers. Since January, over 70 veterans, relatives, and mental health providers have contacted Congressman Mast's office regarding this issue.
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