Veterans Administration to Offer Mental Health Counseling Services at CVE

In a new initiative aimed at improving the well-being of local veterans, the Veterans Administration (VA) is preparing to introduce mental health counseling services to veterans residing in Century Village East. The program, set to launch in October, represents a significant step toward addressing the mental health needs of veterans in the area.

The program is expected to begin by offering twice-monthly counseling sessions, with plans to expand to weekly meetings in the future, depending on participation and demand. While an official agreement between the village and the Veterans Administration is still pending, both parties are optimistic about finalizing the details soon.

“We concentrate on combat veterans, military trauma, and bereavement,” said Gertrude Perez-Dusek, a counselor who works at the Pompano Beach Vet Center and spoke to residents in the village.

Providing mental health services to veterans is essential, particularly for those who have experienced trauma during their military service. Many veterans face unique challenges upon returning to civilian life, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and difficulties with reintegration into society. These issues, if left untreated, can severely impact veterans’ quality of life, leading to long-term mental health problems, strained relationships, and even substance abuse.

For older veterans, particularly those who may have mobility issues or find it difficult to access VA facilities, bringing services directly into the community is a critical step in ensuring that support is available.  By holding counseling sessions within the village, the VA aims to eliminate barriers to access, such as transportation or scheduling difficulties, that may prevent veterans from seeking the care they need.

The sessions will be led by licensed mental health professionals with experience working with veterans. These counselors will provide individual and group therapy, offering veterans a safe space to discuss their experiences, challenges, and emotions. Group counseling is expected to foster camaraderie and peer support, which can be especially meaningful for veterans who may feel isolated or disconnected from others who understand their experiences.

While the initial plan is to meet twice a month, the VA anticipates that interest and participation will grow, leading to an expansion of the program to weekly meetings.

Meetings are tentatively scheduled to take place in the Activity Center, but anyone interested in attending should call the Clubhouse office for the latest information, times and location.