Vet Centers

Norristown Vet Center and West Chester Community Access Point

Vet Centers help to guide veterans and their families through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after returning from combat. Services may include individual and group counseling in areas such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug assessment, and suicide prevention referrals. All services are free of cost and are strictly confidential.

Eligibility

Veterans and active duty service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve components, are eligible if ANY of the following applies:

  • Have served on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility* 
  • Experienced a military sexual trauma
  • Provided direct emergent medical care or mortuary services, while serving on active military duty, to the casualties of war, or
  • Served as a member of an unmanned aerial vehicle crew that provided direct support to operations in a combat zone or area of hostility.
  • Vietnam Era Veterans who have accessed care at a Vet Center prior to January 1, 2004.

Services are also provided to family members of veterans and service members for military-related issues when they aid in the readjustment of those who have served. This includes bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death.

*Service in combat theater or area of hostility to include but not limited to:

  • World War II (including American Merchant Marines)
  • Korean War
  • Vietnam War
  • Lebanon
  • Grenada
  • Desert Storm/ Desert Shield
  • Bosnia    
  • Kosovo
  • Operations in the former Yugoslavia area 
  • Global War on Terrorism
  • Operation Enduring Freedom
  • Operation Freedom's Sentinel
  • Operation Iraqi Freedom
  • Operation New Dawn


Referral

Veterans can call 215-823-5245  during normal business hours to schedule an appointment. The Combat Call Center is available 24/7 for crisis intervention and can make referrals to Vet Centers and other support resources: 877-WAR-VETS (877-927-8387).

 Readjustment counseling is a wide range of psycho social services offered to eligible veterans, service members, and their families in the effort to make a successful transition from military to civilian life. They include:

  • Individual and group counseling for veterans, service members, and their families
  • Family counseling for military related issues
  • Bereavement counseling for families who experience an active duty death
  • Military sexual trauma counseling and referral
  • Outreach and education including PDHRA, community events, etc.
  • Substance abuse assessment and referral
  • Employment assessment & referral
  • VBA benefits explanation and referral
  • Screening & referral for medical issues including TBI, depression, etc.