VA Community Care Network strengthens access to behavioral healthcare

For military personnel who live a distance from Veterans Administration healthcare facilities, it can be a challenge to locate specialized services such as mental health or substance use treatment. To reduce this barrier to care, the VA’s Community Care Network (VA-CCN) leans on local providers such as Rosecrance to offer high-quality care.

“We’re proud that as a VA-CCN-approved provider, Rosecrance can provide hope and healing for the people who laid their lives on the line for our freedom,” said Florian Program Director Dan DeGryse, CEAP, CADC, LAP/C. “VA-CCN is a godsend for many because they can get help right away, in their own community, and know that it will be the best care available.”

The VA-CCN partnership comes at a time when demand for veterans’ services is increasing. With more military involvement across the globe in recent decades, and mental health being promoted more prominently, more individuals are reaching out for resources.

The Rosecrance Florian Program for uniformed personnel provides veterans and first responders outcomes-informed residential treatment, as well as outpatient care designed to meet the needs of this population. Specialized programming incorporates occupational factors and traumas, along with peer support, therapeutic recreation, individual, group, and family counseling. For clients who lack secure lodging, Rosecrance also offers a transitional housing program.

“At Rosecrance, veterans will find someone they can relate to, who understands how unique military culture is,” said Army veteran and Director of Chaplaincy Christopher Druce Jones, M.Div. “The community that is formed here helps veterans feel more comfortable being open about their journeys as they take first steps toward recovery.”

Veterans interested in Rosecrance treatment through the VA-CCN are invited to learn more about the process to obtain a referral. VA physicians can contact Rosecrance’s VA-CCN VIP line at 815.222.7180 with questions or to initiate a referral.