MILITARY: Veteran counseling centers planned for Temecula, Chula Vista

Thirty-nine new centers planned around the country to meet rising need

By MARK WALKER - Staff Writer | Wednesday, July 16, 2008 11:04 PM PDT ∞

With more troops suffering from stress and readjustment disorders after their military service, the Department of Veterans Affairs is creating new counseling centers in Temecula and Chula Vista.

The centers are among 39 new ones being opened across the country next year, bringing the number of such clinics nationwide to 271. California now has 22 counseling centers, including one in San Marcos.

"Nearly one-third of our clients now are veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan," said Richard Talbott, the department's Pacific Western regional manager in Fairfield. "There is an increasing need and we expect that to continue for several years."

Each center initially will be staffed by a team leader, three counselors and an officer manager. The staffing level is expected to grow as more veterans seek assistance, Talbott said.

The centers provide free counseling on employment and family issues. They were first established by Congress in 1979 in response to continuing problems experienced by many Vietnam War veterans.

Bereavement counseling is available to family members of troops killed on active duty, and counseling also is available for veterans who were the victims of sexual harassment during their service.

The centers are a key component of the Veteran Affairs mental health programs, said department Secretary James Peake.

Now in the planning stages, the centers are not expected to open until the middle of next year. When they do, Talbott said, each is expected to serve about 600 veterans and their families in their first year of operation.

The centers differ from the Veterans Affairs medical clinics; people who use the centers' services can opt for as much anonymity as they desire.

"We won't release anything that the veteran doesn't want us to," Talbott said.

The centers are generally more "vet friendly" than larger, multipurpose Veterans Affairs medical centers, said Bill Rider, president of the independent San Diego County group American Combat Veterans of War.

"A lot of vets are more likely to come in and talk to their counselors because they won't report it back to the VA," said Rider, whose group also offers outreach and counseling services. "One is especially needed in Riverside County because there are a lot of combat veterans living without these kinds of services."

Talbott said Chula Vista was chosen to better serve the southern area of San Diego County.

"We're trying to cover the major population centers and with one already in downtown and one in San Marcos, I think our next step will be to look at better serving the eastern part of the county," he said.

In May, the department announced it will build a $4 million outpatient clinic in a central Oceanside business park.

The 65,000-square-foot clinic will handle roughly 88,000 patient visits per year and offer general medical and dental care, rehabilitation therapy and a host of other services.

The department has similar outpatient clinics in Vista and Escondido, serving more than 35,000 patients annually.

The main hospital is in La Jolla.

Contact staff writer Mark Walker at (760) 740-3529 or mlwalker@nctimes.com.

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Pre-Registration Comments[-]Go to Top

Not in Temecula please wrote on Jul 16, 2008 3:57 PM:We have enough problems with sex offenders, drug addicts, and other less than desirables. The last thing we need is a place for mentally ill guys who got drummed out of service because they couldn't hack it!

Put this clown house in Murrieta or Lake Elsinore, or Perris!

You are the sick one wrote on Jul 16, 2008 8:22 PM:Soldiers are coming out of an impossible war waged for no noble reason. They deserve any help they may ask for. You are the undesirable. You are the kind of person I would not want in my neighborhood.

Better late than never wrote on Jul 17, 2008 7:24 AM:Everytime you read something, thank a teacher. If it's in English, thank a vet. The people that chose to boot up and suit up and put their lives on the line for the rest of us deserve all the help we can offer! My dad is a Korean war Veteran and only in recent years has been able to meet with other combat vets from various wars to receive group counseling through programs like this. In the entire 50 years prior, he lived each day wondering what was wrong with himself. He says, people just didn't talk about the life changing events that occur in combat, until now. He has a place to go and share vivid memories that always cause him pain and tears, with people that truely relate to him. It has lifted some of the weight from his heart just knowing he's not alone, or wierd after all. Thanks to all who make these places available and recognize this wide spread need. And to all vets who fought for us. I hope they set up the facility right next door to that idiot in Temecula, how dare you!

Yes in Temecula Please wrote on Jul 17, 2008 7:31 AM:Sounds like there's enough unstable people in Temecula already. You do know that Riverside County already runs their Mental Health department in Temecula right? So you need to make an appointment like today! They need an actual outpatient clinic for medical care, not just counselors. Why is Oceanside getting another clinic? Is the one off of Emerald closing? I know it's Vista but it's still close enough to O'side. There's another in Escondido, why so many? Murrieta's Oak Grove is providing mental health services aren't they? The real question would be; how many vets are actually staying in these areas to be able to use them?

Honored wrote on Jul 17, 2008 11:01 AM:We live in the land of the free because of the brave. If our vets need help, I would be honored to help. Couldn't be any worse living next to a casino.

A proud Mother of a Vet wrote on Jul 17, 2008 4:34 PM:I have lived in Temecula for over 14 years and seen many changes. Being a Social Worker, I can tell you that there are a lack of resources in this area for all types of issues. Being a Mother and a Mother-in-law of a Vet (who almost lost his life in Iraq)I am personally offended by the negative comments that I have read. My Son-in-Law joined the Military to help his country and not only witnessed, but experienced horrific events that no person should have to witness! The human mind is not equipped to deal with the kinds of images these men and women have to deal with on a day-to-day basis. Wether you agree with the war or not, we all owe these brave soldiers a debt of gratitude for what they have tried to do for all of us. And for any soldier reading this, most of us are more than happy to help in any way we can. (it's the least we can do). For the person who posted the negative, nasty comment - be glad you can read this because my Son-in-law now can't because he lost his eye and is now blind - all because he defended America (that includes you!)

Who Graham must have been talking about... wrote on Jul 19, 2008 6:31 PM:family members of Vets!

I've never heard so much whining after one guy posted his honest opionion.

I tell you what, when it happens, history shows Temeculans will be screaming bloody murder how unbalanced, menatally ill, no mater how honorable the cause of their affliction, will hurt their property values.

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