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The VA Community Care Network
A Guide for Psychiatric Partial Hospitalization 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 healthcare professionals and behavioral health programs with opportunities to care for our nation’s veterans. This guide is specifically for mental health providers and behavioral health facilities offering Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) for psychiatric care. Whether you’re an integrated outpatient clinic, psychiatric hospital, or mental health program, this guide outlines how to join the VA Community Care Network (CCN) and deliver structured, high-acuity psychiatric services to veterans.
Step-by-Step Enrollment in the VA CCN
Verify Facility Credentials
- Ensure your program meets state licensing requirements
- Hold accreditation from The Joint Commission, CARF, or an equivalent body
- Ensure lead clinical staff maintain appropriate credentials (e.g., MD, PhD, LCSW)
Prepare Required Documents
- Facility and clinician state licenses
• Résumé or CV of clinical leadership - Malpractice insurance and proof of coverage
- Signed W-9 for reimbursement
- Detailed program description and daily treatment schedule
Submit Your Application
Submit your application through the appropriate regional CCN portal:
Complete Required VA Training
VA onboarding may include:
• HIPAA and VA privacy requirements
• Documentation standards for behavioral health services
• Care coordination practices and EHR usage
Credentialing & Site Review
- Clinical and administrative credentials will be reviewed
- The facility may undergo a site visit to ensure safety and quality standards
Final Contract & Activation
- Receive a formal contract outlining approved services and reimbursement
- Begin providing PHP psychiatric services to veterans in your region
Why Psychiatric PHP Providers Matter to Veterans
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) provide a vital level of care for veterans experiencing acute psychiatric symptoms that do not warrant full inpatient hospitalization. PHPs help bridge the gap between inpatient care and traditional outpatient therapy. These services support veterans managing PTSD, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and co-occurring substance use disorders, offering intensive daily care while allowing veterans to remain in their communities.
As a PHP provider in the VA CCN, your role includes:
- Delivering structured psychiatric treatment five days a week
- Providing individual therapy, group counseling, medication management, and psychoeducation
- Promoting recovery through evidence-based, multidisciplinary interventions
- Supporting crisis stabilization and preventing hospital readmission
- Coordinating closely with VA and community mental health teams
Key Benefits of Joining the VA CCN
- Serve High-Acuity Populations: Offer critical care to veterans with complex psychiatric needs who require more than outpatient support
•Multidisciplinary Care Models: Use team-based approaches that include psychiatry, therapy, social work, and peer support
•Reimbursement Support: Receive authorized payment for services when included in a veteran’s approved VA care plan
• Continuity of Care: Seamlessly coordinate with VA mental health services and facilitate smooth transitions from inpatient to outpatient care
• Program Growth & Recognition: Align with national standards for quality and safety, enhancing your program’s credibility and reach
Bridging the Gap for Veterans
Educational Support & Carrer Growth
- Access VA-sponsored training and CME on PTSD, suicide prevention, and integrated psychiatric care
• Collaborate with VA behavioral health leaders and participate in national care improvement initiatives
• Explore eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Stay informed on VA best practices for trauma-informed and culturally competent care
Transitioning from Military Behavioral Health Roles
- Former military mental health professionals may be eligible for expedited licensing and credentialing
• Highlight experience with trauma, combat stress, or crisis stabilization in your application
• Consider serving on VA mental health panels or advisory boards to support systems-level change
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) different from outpatient therapy?
PHPs offer structured, intensive treatment typically delivered 5 days a week for several hours per day. They are ideal for veterans who need more support than traditional outpatient therapy provides but do not require full hospitalization.
Are PHP services reimbursable under VA care plans?
Yes. PHP services are covered when they are medically necessary and part of a veteran’s VA-authorized care plan.
Can PHP services be offered via telehealth?
Some PHP components, such as therapy groups or medication check-ins, may be delivered virtually. However, most VA-authorized PHPs require in-person or hybrid care models due to the level of monitoring and intensity involved.
Can we offer dual-diagnosis treatment (mental health + substance use disorders)?
Yes. Many veterans experience co-occurring disorders, and integrated treatment is encouraged. Facilities must be appropriately licensed and authorized for both behavioral health and substance use disorder services.