By SDCN Editor

Sacramento, CA—CalVet announced the award of $33.2 million in grants to community organizations providing services to 45 of California’s 58 counties through the California Veterans Health Initiative Mental Health Support Grant Program.

The veterans program enables community-based organizations to expand access to outpatient mental health treatment options for California’s veterans and their families.

The grants are designed to increase veterans’ access to mental health services, reduce patient wait times for appointments, and develop veteran-specific mental health care options.

“Focusing on veterans’ mental health has always been a key priority at CalVet, and we’re pleased to partner with community-based providers statewide to expand the reach and effectiveness of resources for veterans seeking no cost, accessible mental health services in their own communities,” CalVet Secretary Lindsey Sin stated in a news release.

In addition, community-based providers awarded California Veterans Health Initiative grants will apply the funding to expand statewide telehealth and other accessible mental health services to veterans and their families. The grants will also work to increase California’s mental health workforce, specializing in the veteran population, by providing training and clinical supervision to the next generation of mental health professionals.

“CalVet is excited to collaborate with community-based organizations in the fight against veteran suicide. We want to ensure that if a veteran is in need, culturally-competent community-based mental health support is easily accessible at no cost, no matter their era, length, or character of service,” said Deputy Secretary Roberto Herrera of the Veterans Services Division.

The seven community-based grant recipients will provide a projected total of 100,000 outpatient therapy and counseling sessions, along with wraparound case management and peer support services.

Grantees have 90 days from receipt of the award to begin providing services to veterans and their families.