MST Care in the VA

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Related Care

The VA’s Universal Screening Program ensures that every woman Veteran seen for health care is asked about experiences of MST.  This helps ensure Veterans are connected with appropriate MST-related services as needed and that this history is considered in provision of care more generally. It is also an important way of identifying individuals potentially at increased risk for suicide.

Treating MST-Related Conditions: VA provides free care for any mental or physical health conditions related to a Veteran’s experiences of MST. This free MST-related care is available at every VA health care system. MST-related counseling is also available at VA’s Vet Centers. Veterans do not need to have a VA disability rating (that is, have a service-connected disability) and may be able to receive services even if they are not eligible for other VA care.

MST Coordinator: Every VA health care system has a designated MST Coordinator who serves as the local point person for MST-related issues and can help Veterans access MST-related services and programs.

Women Veterans Call Center

Call or text 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636) to contact responders who can make referrals to Women Veterans Program Managers, the Health Eligibility Center, the Veterans Benefits Administration, and suicide and homeless crisis lines as needed.

More information about the Women Veterans Call Center is available at www.womenshealth.va.gov/programoverview/wvcc.asp.