Technology and mental health

As one of the Nation’s largest, most advanced health care systems, the Department of Veterans Affairs invested early in an integrated information technology and communications infrastructure. This system has been critical to providing our Veterans with more comprehensive care.

In the words of Dr. Dean Robinson, who worked as a clinical psychiatrist across several VA locations, “The things that we are able to do here at VA are state-of-the-art in so many different areas.”

An integrated health records system improves efficiency by eliminating redundant tests and allows caregivers to share relevant notes about Veterans. This helps us better coordinate services between psychiatrists and physicians, nurses, social workers and other health service providers. A critical component of truly multidisciplinary environment for Veterans starts with proper coordination among team members.

To increase Veterans’ access to mental health care, VA implemented the Telemental Health service, providing close to 200,000 virtual consultations a year. Allowing us to expand our reach, the Telemental Health service helps us reach more Veterans – even those living in more rural areas.

By using technology like Telemental Health and electronic health records, VA continues to reach out to more Veterans. We consistently strive to improve the quality and access to care for Veterans everywhere.

Dr. Dean Robinson said, “It’s been a tremendous professional reward to work with the individuals at VA and also work with the patients who’ve benefited so much from the investments our country has made in the VA health care system.”

To support the challenges facing a new generation of Veterans, VA is committed to the recruitment and development of Mental Health professionals. Explore career opportunities at VAcareers.va.gov/MentalHealth.