FAQ: VFSS Program

Simply call the state-wide number (877-929-9797) or your local number if there is a VFSS site in your community. All new clients will see or speak to one of our case managers to determine the type and level of services required.

The VFSS team are not employees of the VA and the program itself is not a VA program or a program of any other federal agency. The program is funded by the state of New Mexico for the benefit of New Mexico veterans and their family members. The program does work closely with VA clinicians to provide the best care for New Mexico veterans.

There are two broad categories of people eligible for services through VFSS: Veterans, and their family members.

• Veterans. Any citizen of New Mexico who is a current or past member of any US military department (active, Guard, Reserve). The veteran does not need to have combat experience, be enrolled in the VA system, or have retired from a military department. The only requirements are citizenship in New Mexico (not necessarily current address), and military experience.
• Family members. Family members of New Mexico veterans are eligible for services as their own category of client regardless of whether the veteran receives services through VFSS or not. For the purposes of this program, a family member is any immediate or extended family member of a veteran who is suffering the effects of the veteran's military service. The program seeks to provide services to as wide a population as possible so if you'd like services but don't know if you qualify, call and speak to one of our team members.

Yes, although the VA may provide services that VFSS does not, and there are some things that must be accomplished through the VA. For instance, medical screening for VA benefits must be done through the VA. The VFSS program does not provide direct medical services of any kind, but does provide direct behavioral health and case management services. Additionally, it may be advantageous to get your benefits through the VA so that all your records remain at one location.

Our direct behavioral health and psychiatric services are provided only at our facilities, although televideo sessions can be arranged for clients that live at great distances from a service site. There are specific technical and privacy arrangements that must be made prior to providing televideo services. If you might be interested in using that service, please let your case manager know. Case management services, including initial interviews and assessments, can be conducted in the community in locations that provide the necessary confidentiality (client offices, homes, etc.). In fact, our case managers' schedules include at least half their time in the community.

We make referrals to community, veteran, and government agencies that can provide the services needed by our clients. However, our referrals are not simply a list of phone numbers for community agencies though. Our behavioral health referrals are only to those agencies that we believe are capable of understanding and helping clients deal with the demands of military life and deployments. In addition, our case managers will often assist clients with making the contacts or escort clients to a referral site to ensure that the appropriate services are provided.