One of VA’s Mobile Vet Centers is seen at the back of a vigil held in Orlando, Florida this weekend. Counseling is available to Veterans and community members who need it.
On June 12, shortly after the deadly shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, VA deployed Mobile Vet Centers to help those exposed to the trauma and aftermath of that deadly event. While VA’s Vet Centers and its mobile teams usually serve combat Veterans and family members, in light of the tragedy, all federal agencies were asked to assist with response efforts. VA’s Under Secretary for Health Dr. David Shulkin temporary lifted restrictions so trained counselors could provide crisis counseling to anyone in need in Orlando.
So far, more than 2,000 people — including Veterans and community members — have received confidential counseling services from VA’s experienced readjustment counseling teams who have extensive expertise serving Veterans, active duty Servicemembers and families who have been exposed to trauma or who have experienced the sudden traumatic loss of a loved one.
VA positioned crisis counselors and Mobile Vet Centers, which are 38-foot, RV-style vehicles, in several Orlando locations to assist anyone in need of crisis counseling including bereavement-counseling and trauma-survivor counseling. Each location is staffed by bilingual English/Spanish speaking counselors.
These counselors will be available this week for those in the Orlando area who remain in need of their services at the following locations and times through Friday:
- Counseling available for family members of the victims: Daily from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. through June 22 at Camping World Stadium, 1 Citrus Bowl Place, Orlando, Florida
- Counseling for anyone: Daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Dr. Phillips Center, 445 South Magnolia Ave, Orlando, Florida
- Counseling for anyone: Daily from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Lake Eola Park, 512 E Washington St, Orlando, Florida
Topics in this story
More Stories
Be ready before a suicide crisis by learning about resources that are available. You don’t have to face it alone.
In a two-part series, Dr. Colleen Becket-Davenport discusses some common myths surrounding PTSD with Dr. Kelly Maieritsch.
In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, we speak with with Dr. Greg Brown, Philadelphia VA clinical psychologist, about how safety planning can prevent suicide.
Hello, my name is Neil E. Hougland and I’m trying to find out how I can acquire, or purchase a cemetery plot. Am I able to do this online?
Neil E. Hougland
Mr. Hougland. NCA’s home page is a goo place to start/ Plots are not for sale in National Cemeteries, they are earned through the Veterans service. For those not wishing to be buried in a National Cemetery, VA does offer other benefits to offset the cost.