Veteran hospital program ????

[Phantom Shadow]

I had thought because of my explosive temper and the thoughts of suicide. that has me withdrawing inward of late an avoiding the world that maybe I should go to the VA Hospital for the in hospital program. But I have found out that it is a locked door 30 or 60 day program. I can't be locked up for one thing. I also work and that would cause all kinds of problems with work and money's at home. As after x amount days I have to take a salary loss for the time away. Does anyone know the true benefits over appointment therapy one on one??? Has anyone heard of a night time program that you stay there at night for treatment??? Is it really benefiting??????

 

[FauxLiz]

I can’t answer related to VA programs but every thing I look at is what you are finding. I was in an inpatient program last month for three weeks which is only half the program but insurance decided I could continue to make headway in a lower level of care. My doctors agree I need more time in the program but my best shot would be to return inpatient in late April
I can’t afford to stay off work until then and the stabilization programs run from 9-12 the middle of the work day. I am struggling with basic outpatient therapy in the meantime

Sorry for the rant I just feel as though I have been turned inside out

 

[Phantom Shadow]

I can’t answer related to VA programs but every thing I look at is what you are finding. I was in an...

Thanks. I don't have to use the VA but most of my problems relate to that time in my life an thought it would be more centered to that arena. Thanks for your thoughts. It is truly sorry to see how the Insurance companies control the treatment. No matter the Doctors wishes the dollar is in control. Sad.

 

[FauxLiz]

Thanks, if you do consider inpatient, the location I was at was co-ed and we had a vet in our trauma group. It was his second stay and and he seemed to do very well with the program and the clinicians were I believe excellent.

 

[LuckiLee]

Do you have a Vet Center in your area?

 

[Phantom Shadow]

Yes. and a client also.

 

[LuckiLee]

Can they possibly give you a referral? My guy goes the VA and Vet Center. I don't think they ever mentioned a long term stay. But he never asked either.

@Friday and @Freida will come along and give you some information. Good luck and don't give up!!

 

[Phantom Shadow]

Can they possibly give you a referral? My guy goes the VA and Vet Center. I don't think they ever menti...

Thanks I am just so tired is all an too analytical.

 

[Freida]

So I'm assuming you aren't in the VA system yet?

Here's a quick rundown -- I can answer much more but didn't want to overwhelm you.

Step one. Call your local American Legion, VFW or Disabled Vets of America and ask for a VSO. That's the person who works with you to navigate the mess that is the VA. They can find you the best routes to go for your needs, and also get you started on service connected disability if that is going to apply. Starting here make the rest of your life way easier

I also looked for an inpatient and got the same answer -- nothing without locked doors which was a no go. but - I've heard a ton of good stuff from the people who have gone through the in patient program. They say it really does make a difference.

One benefit that I have heard about going into the ER for help is they can get you to a counselor faster than going thru the regular channels. I got into the system after calling the crisis line and they were amazingly kind and had people calling me for the next couple days to get organized to see someone. I really like my VA therapist and I see her once a week. She is still in the guard so she is familiar with all things military. Not all of them are - which was odd to hear. It took about a month to get in but that was because I was stable. If you are in crisis I think they get you in much faster.

The Vet Centers are kind of an off shoot of the VA and they can sometimes get you in faster. I haven't used those but I've heard really good things about them. Some people say they are easier to deal with than the VA - but I haven't had any problems.

Both the VA and the Vet Centers have multiple kinds of group counseling also.

Whew! Ok - just a bit to get ya started....

 

[Phantom Shadow]

So I'm assuming you aren't in the VA system yet?

Here's a quick rundown -- I can answer much more but...

Thanks Freida: I am in the system and have used their outpatient therapist program an it did help????. I maybe too far gone don't know. Then the Therapist moved to another state within the system and that clinic was without. The main hospital was an option but at the time I decided I didn't want to drive that for a while until they got someone in the clinic. Now I have waited 4 months or so an still no one an for some reason I am like I was many years ago. jumping under desks when loud noises are too close. I put a fellow worker on the ground a couple days ago an almost started anyway when he came up on my blind side. all from events over 6 week period 40 years ago last year. . Been hospitalized a couple of times due to passing out into that world again so they say.

But I have never been a inpatient in a mental facility, they wanted me too but I couldn't do it. Don't see a benefit to it plus I would have major problems being told what to do let alone the locked doors, can't handle locked doors I can't get out of.

Afraid to go to the inpatient clinic in the hospital for mental health, thy might attempt to make me go into the lockup program. I know myself well enough it would take a lot of staff to make that happen. I would rather die than even think about hurting anyone again. Not worth it bad enough when I come out of the gasses at the end of surgery over the years.

Sorry for the RANT Frieda. One part of me wants to be cured but what is the price. I am too analytical and think way too much about everything. Any way thanks Freida Maybe it is the magic time to disappear.

 

[DharmaGirl]

I'm not a combat vet, but I have been inpatient. I go nuts. Everything gets worse. I can't be locked up and told when to eat, what to eat, when to bathe, go back to bed etc. I can't tolerate it. I decompensate in the hospital. If you feel this would not benefit you, I wouldn't do it. It was a horrible nightmare for me every time I was hospitalized.

 

[Phantom Shadow]

Thanks DharmaGirl: You stated what I was thinking but was worried about. I have been known to hurt people whom attempted to cage me so i am about have convinced not too. Worried that they might make me it being the government.