A closer look at mental health services at the g. V. (sonny) montgomery va medical center | va jackson health care | veterans affairs

Mental health care is more than a service—it’s a commitment to walk alongside Veterans on their journey toward healing, resilience, and self-empowerment. This Mental Health Month, the G. V.

(Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center is highlighting its wide range of mental health programs designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of Veterans. From crisis support and therapy to

substance use treatment and intensive outpatient care, the facility is focused on treating the whole Veteran—not just the diagnosis. “Our Veterans deserve care that honors the whole

person—not just their medical history, but their lived experience,” said Dr. Sharetta Young, Associate Chief of Staff for Mental Health. “Every program we offer is built on the belief that

healing requires compassion, connection, and a tailored approach to each individual’s goals.” COMPASSIONATE PROGRAMS, COORDINATED CARE These beliefs are reflected in key mental health

services such as the PSYCHOSOCIAL REHABILITATION AND RECOVERY CENTER (PRRC), which helps Veterans with serious mental illness achieve their personal recovery goals, and PRIMARY CARE-MENTAL

HEALTH INTEGRATION (PCMHI), which embeds mental health support directly within primary care settings. For those requiring more structured support, programs like the INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT

PROGRAM (IOP) and RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION TREATMENT PROGRAM (RRTP) offer focused care in flexible formats. SUICIDE PREVENTION remains a top priority at the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA

Medical Center. Veterans have access to suicide prevention coordinators who provide individualized risk assessments, safety planning, and ongoing follow-up care. These coordinators also

offer training for staff, outreach to at-risk Veterans, and support for families and caregivers. “We know that suicide is a complex issue that demands an immediate, compassionate response,”

said Dr. Young. “Our team is dedicated to building trust, reducing stigma, and connecting Veterans to the help they need—before a crisis escalates.” Additional services include CRISIS

INTERVENTION, PEER SUPPORT, MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, and MENTAL HEALTH INTENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT (MHICM) for Veterans with serious mental illness who need ongoing, community-based care.

Demesia Brown, Acting Associate Nurse Executive of Mental Health Operations, emphasizes the importance of seeking support, adding “Prioritizing your mental well-being is crucial for leading

a fulfilling and healthy life. We understand the unique challenges Veterans face and are here to provide compassionate, individualized care. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and we’re

here to walk that path with every Veteran who reaches out.” YOU ARE NOT ALONE At the heart of the G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center’s approach is INTEGRATED CARE COORDINATION, where

mental health professionals work hand-in-hand with primary care providers and specialists. This unified approach ensures Veterans receive consistent, whole-person care that supports

long-term wellness and recovery. Whether you’re living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), managing depression, recovering from substance use, or navigating a mental health

crisis—the message remains clear: YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Every service, every provider, and every program is here to help Veterans take the next step forward. To learn more about mental health

services or get connected to care, visit: https://www.va.gov/jackson-health-care/health-services/mental-health-care/