The Department of Veterans Affairs has expanded its mental health services to include professionals from two additional health care fields: marriage and family therapists and licensed professional mental health counselors.

“The addition of these two mental health professions is an important part of VA’s mission to expand access to mental health services,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.

The two fields will be included in the hiring of an additional 1,900 mental health staff nationwide.  Recruitment and hiring will be done at the local level.  The new professionals will provide mental health diagnostic and psychosocial treatment services for veterans and their families in coordination with existing mental health professionals at VA’s medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, and Vet Centers.