If you’ve been following veterans’ health care news lately, you’ve probably heard the growing concerns about new mental health policy changes at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The latest wave of criticism comes directly from veterans who feel abandoned—and one voice, in particular, is ringing loud and clear.
A combat veteran who credits the VA with saving his life is now publicly calling out the agency, saying the new policies could prevent other veterans from getting the care they need. In his own words:
“If these policies had been in place when I needed help, I wouldn’t be here.”
So what’s going on? The VA is reportedly implementing a cap on mental health therapy—specifically limiting veterans to 24 sessions regardless of their condition or clinician’s recommendation.
What is the 24-session therapy cap at the VA?
You might be asking: “What is the new therapy limit at the VA all about?” The short version? Many VA therapists and clinicians are now being pressured to cut veterans off after 24 therapy sessions—even if they still need help.
This policy goes against long-standing VA standards and American Psychological Association (APA) recommendations, which stress individualized care based on each veteran’s unique recovery timeline. That’s not what’s happening now.
“They’re being told to push vets out after 24 sessions—no matter what their symptoms are, no matter what their professional opinion is on how they’re doing,” the veteran explained.
This change has sparked alarm among both providers and patients, especially those who rely heavily on long-term mental health support.
How does this affect veterans’ access to care?
This is where things get personal—and serious. For many veterans, mental health therapy isn’t a luxury—it’s a lifeline. Especially for those dealing with PTSD, depression, or combat-related trauma, healing can take months, even years.
Under the new 24-session rule, veterans risk being discharged from mental health care too early, possibly leading to relapses, isolation, or even suicide.
The veteran who stepped forward didn’t just speak for himself. He was asked to do so by clinicians inside the very VA hospital that saved him—a facility now being forced to deny extended care due to administrative guidelines.
Are VA mental health providers supporting the policy?
The short answer? No, many are not. In fact, some clinicians are deeply frustrated by the pressure to follow a rigid quota rather than practicing evidence-based care.
“A group of VA clinicians… reached out and asked me to speak up because they’re being forced to watch their patients suffer,” the veteran said.
Therapists feel caught in the middle: wanting to help their patients but being told to follow a script that goes against their professional judgment.
What can veterans do if their VA care is cut off?
If you’re a veteran or you know one who’s been impacted by these policy changes, don’t stay silent. Here are a few things you can do:
- Ask for a treatment extension in writing. Sometimes exceptions can be made if you advocate.
- Get a second opinion from another VA provider or external specialist.
- Contact the VA’s Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to report any concerns about unethical discharge from care.
- Reach out to veterans advocacy groups like the Wounded Warrior Project or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), who can help fight for your access to treatment.
This isn’t just about red tape—it’s about real lives. As the veteran put it,
“They met me where I was, whether I had an appointment or not. They were always there for me. And that’s why I’m still here today.”
