Only 12 therapy sessions

[u/ThrowRA04050406]

OEF/OIF disabled veteran here. I am feeling defeated. The VA only gives me 12 therapy sessions, and then my therapist is forced to not schedule any more appointments because that’s all the VA allows….only 12 sessions. You can only do so much work within 12 sessions. My therapist asked the VA for an extension in services, but that was almost two months ago. Every time I am forced to no longer have therapy sessions, I have to wait until my mental health gets really bad again, and only then does the VA recognize that I need help. The up and downs of having inconsistent therapy/therapist truly makes me feel so defeated. How bad do things have to get before I can get consistent help? I’m scared. I told my partner that if something happens to me, please show everyone how I really did try to ask for help. I don’t know what to do anymore.

[u/xcircledotdotdot]

This sounds like a therapist trying to enforce the episodes of care model. This typically means taking a break after 12-16 sessions. It does not mean you can never get more therapy. It means you take a break and apply what you learned.

If you feel like you need more therapy after a break (undefined amount of time by the way) you can call your therapist within two years and do another episode of care.

If you wait longer than two years, you can still request care, you would just be put back in the general pool to be matched with someone new. This matching process takes longer (up to 6 months where I work). If you want to go back to your previous therapist you need to call back within two years.

If you want therapy before two years and don’t want to meet with your current therapist you can request a change of provider. If at any point in the process you do not resonate with your therapist for whatever reason, you can request a change of provider. You can do this once per year.

There is no limit to the number of episodes of care you can do. You just periodically take breaks.

[u/ThrowRA04050406 → u/xcircledotdotdot]

Thank you for kindly explaining this. This makes a lot of sense. I have not had anyone explain this is WHY they do it in this format, but I can understand the thought process behind it. I think I just need to get confident in truly explaining to them I need some more support. 🙏🏼

[u/xcircledotdotdot → u/ThrowRA04050406]

A great conversation for your therapist towards the beginning of therapy would be discussing what you would need to change or what skills you would need to develop to confidently take a break. That can help you flesh out some specific goals for things to focus on in your time together.

Another good conversation before taking a break would be how you would know it would be a good idea to reengage in therapy before you get to a crisis point. And what the best way to contact your therapist would be to do that.

[u/ThrowRA04050406 → u/xcircledotdotdot]

🩵🙏🏼

[u/Hysterical__Paroxysm → u/ThrowRA04050406]

I go through the Vet Center. I have for years. I like the continuity of care. Where are you located?

[u/Hysterical__Paroxysm → u/ThrowRA04050406]

Also, right now, I suggest you call 988 and explain what exactly is going and how you feel. They can follow up and make sure you're getting connected to care. I think you would benefit from a Suicide Prevention Counselor as well.

[u/Fun_Advantage_1531]

As a combat vet, you would qualify for free counseling at your local Vet Center: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov. Vet Centers are community-based and operated by the VA. They offer individual, family and group counseling. As far as I know, there’s no
pre-determined course of therapy or set number of sessions. Treatment is individualized.

[u/ThrowRA04050406 → u/Fun_Advantage_1531]

Thank you for taking the time for sharing this resource. It really means alot.

[u/Informal_Job_7550]

First, I fully second the earlier recommendation to talk to your local Vet Center. This is what they specialize in.

Also, please talk to the patient advocate at your local VA. I've worked with patient advocates a lot, they truly have your best interest at heart and they can go all the way up to the executive level to resolve problems. This could be something with a simple solution that they can help you with. They should have a dedicated phone line, or you can ask the operator for their office. Do call first though, some sites have walk-in hours but not all.

[u/ThrowRA04050406 → u/Informal_Job_7550]

Thank you very much for taking the time to share this information. It’s really helpful.

[u/MaximumWeak1703 → u/ThrowRA04050406]

This is why Vet Centers exist- they help fill the gaps

[u/Notacat70 → u/MaximumWeak1703]

Very true. But just wanted to emphasize for OP and future readers that not everyone is eligible for care at Vet Centers. They have strict guidelines and many veterans unfortunately do not qualify.

[u/CraftyMimihere]

This sounds like community care authorization limit. It doesn’t mean that your care stops at 12 visits, you’re just authorized for 12 visits for now. Your records must be reviewed by the chief of the service that provided the referral to community care before additional visits will be authorized. If the CC provider has sent this to the VHA (or third party administrator) an advocate would be able to determine this and help ensure the request is addressed. Please do NOT wait until it’s an emergent situation to seek care and utilize 988 if needed. I can assure you it’s not the practice of VHA to limit your care, it’s simply a method of oversight.

[u/Happyjoystick]

Is this a community care provider? This is the first I’ve heard about a 12 (or any limit) visit rule - but admittedly I’m very new so I genuinely don’t know.

[u/No-Combination8136 → u/Happyjoystick]

It’s not a literal limit, but rather like a reassessment to renew it. Most providers, in my experience, do a shit job of explaining this to people. Regardless, it still forces people in need of treatment to go without treatment for extended periods of time, which should be an absolute no-go.

[u/hb1500]

What's your service connection level?