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The VA Community Care Network
A Guide for Faith-Based and Marital Therapy Providers
In California, independent Physician Assistants (PAs) can bill the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for services provided to veterans, but it’s essential to understand the regulations surrounding this process.
Welcome to Veterans Desk, your trusted resource for connecting licensed mental health professionals with opportunities to serve those who have served our country. This guide is tailored for faith-based counselors, pastoral therapists, and marital or couples therapy specialists interested in enrolling in the VA Community Care Network (CCN).
Whether you are an LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LMHC, or licensed pastoral counselor (where recognized), this page provides everything you need to join the network and begin supporting veterans and their families through spiritually integrated and relationship-centered care.
Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN
Verify Your Credentials
To qualify, you must hold one of the following licenses:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
- Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Licensed Pastoral Counselor (in states where this is a recognized license)
Specialized training or continuing education in faith-based counseling or marital therapy is strongly recommended.
Prepare Required Documents
You will need:
- Active state license
- Documentation of specialized training in faith-based or marital therapy
- Current CV or resume
- Proof of malpractice insurance
- Signed W-9 form
Submit Your Application
Apply through your designated VA CCN regional portal:
Complete Required Training
After submitting your application, you must complete VA onboarding, which may include:
- Suicide prevention training
- VA HIPAA and privacy standards
- Care coordination with VA Chaplain and Behavioral Health Services
Credentialing & Site Review
- Your credentials, licensing, and training will be verified
- Your practice may be reviewed for compliance, accessibility, and telehealth readiness (if applicable)
Receive Contract and Begin Services
Once approved, you will receive a contract outlining your reimbursement structure and service scope. You may begin providing care to veterans under authorized VA referrals.
Why Faith-Based and Marital Therapists Matter to Veterans
Veterans and their families often face unique relational and spiritual challenges, particularly when coping with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Moral injury and spiritual distress
- Marital strain due to deployment, reintegration, or trauma
- Isolation and loss of community
As a faith-based or marital therapist in the VA CCN, your role includes:
- Supporting veterans in exploring spiritual beliefs as a pathway to healing and meaning
- Strengthening relationships affected by combat trauma, communication breakdowns, or mental health concerns
- Providing evidence-based couples therapy, such as Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), the Gottman Method, or Cognitive-Behavioral Couple Therapy
- Collaborating with VA Chaplain Services, Behavioral Health Teams, and Family Support Programs
Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN
- Serve a Values-Centered Population: Veterans often seek providers who understand the role of faith, moral purpose, and family in healing.
- Reimbursement for Diverse Services: VA reimburses for individual, couples, and family counseling, including spiritually integrated therapy.
- Collaborative Care: Join a network of chaplains, psychologists, social workers, and case managers supporting holistic veteran care.
- Telehealth Opportunities: Deliver secure, HIPAA-compliant therapy sessions to veterans in rural or underserved areas.
Bridging the Gap for Veterans
Educational Support & Career Growth
The VA offers robust educational benefits that support both veterans entering the counseling field and current providers:
- GI Bill® – Covers degrees in counseling, psychology, pastoral care, and marriage and family therapy
- VR&E (Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment) – Assists veterans with service-connected disabilities pursuing mental health careers
- Yellow Ribbon Program – Helps offset tuition at private or graduate-level institutions.
- Tuition Top-Up – Provides additional financial aid when VA benefits fall short.
Transitioning from Military Chaplaincy or Behavioral Health Roles
Former military chaplains or behavioral health professionals may be eligible for:
- Expedited licensing or credential transfer
- Recognition of deployment-related counseling experience
- Specialized VA programs supporting military-to-civilian transitions in healthcare roles
Be sure to include your DD214 and service record during enrollment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is pastoral counseling reimbursable under the VA CCN?
Yes. Faith-based therapy provided by licensed clinicians is reimbursable when integrated into an authorized VA mental health care plan.
Are marriage and family therapy services reimbursable?
Yes. Evidence-based marital therapy, family counseling, and couples sessions are reimbursable under VA-authorized mental health contracts.
Can these services be delivered via telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth delivery of faith-based and marital counseling is permitted with VA approval and proper documentation. Be sure to indicate this capability when applying.