What are Vet Centers, and are they part of TRICARE?

Direct answer: Vet Centers are Department of Veterans Affairs readjustment counseling centers for eligible veterans and current service members. They are run by the VA, not TRICARE. The Vet Center Call Center is 877-927-8387.

Applies to: All TRICARE plans · All regions

Details

What they are

Vet Centers are run by the VA, not by TRICARE. They offer readjustment counseling to eligible veterans and current service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve. TRICARE is a separate health plan, so Vet Center visits are not TRICARE claims.

Who is eligible

According to the VA, you may be eligible if you served on active duty in a combat theater or area of hostility, experienced military sexual trauma (regardless of service era), provided mortuary services or direct emergency medical care to war casualties, were part of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew supporting combat operations, or are a current Reserve Component member in drilling status with a behavioral health condition related to service. Other categories apply, including some people using covered education benefits. Family members can use services when their participation supports the veteran’s or service member’s goals, and bereavement services are offered to some families.

The VA’s eligibility page does not say whether services cost anything or whether you must be enrolled in VA health care, so ask the Vet Center.

How to reach them

Call the Vet Center Call Center at 877-927-8387, or use the VA’s locations finder. In a crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.

For mental health care that TRICARE covers, see how to get mental health care and TRICARE and VA together. The VA’s page is Vet Center eligibility.

What to do next

Confirm this with your Primary Care Manager or regional contractor before scheduling — rules can vary by region and by service.