Using Your VA Benefits at Warriors Heart
Warriors Heart is an approved VA Community Care provider
If you’re a veteran struggling with addiction, PTSD, and/or co-occurring disorders, you have the right to choose community care when the VA cannot provide timely treatment. Warriors Heart has active contracts with TriWest and Optum, which means all VA regions can refer eligible veterans to our program.
We’re here to help you access the care you’ve earned.
your Right to Community Care
The VA Mission Act of 2018 expanded access to care for veterans when the VA cannot provide it in a timely or accessible manner.
You qualify for VA Community Care if:
- A VA doctor recommends treatment that is not available at a VA facility
- The VA cannot provide an appointment within 20 days
- The VA facility offering treatment is more than 50 miles from your home
- The VA does not offer specialized co-occurring addiction and PTSD treatment at a nearby facility
If any of these apply, you are legally entitled to choose an in-network VA Community Care provider like Warriors Heart.
Warriors Heart is Fully Approved
Warriors Heart has official VA Community Care contracts with both TriWest and Optum, covering all VA regions. We comply with all VA accreditation, credentialing, and billing requirements, and our programs meet VA guidelines for residential addiction, PTSD, and co-occurring disorder care.
If Your VA Provider Denies Your Referral
While many VA facilities actively refer veterans to Warriors Heart, some locations mistakenly deny referrals due to misunderstandings or administrative discretion. Veterans have the right to choose community care when they qualify under VA guidelines.
If your VA provider refuses to issue a referral to any Community Care provider, follow these steps:
- Request a Written Denial
If the VA denies a referral, ask for a formal written statement explaining why. - Contact Your VA Patient Advocate
Each VA facility has a patient advocate to assist veterans with referral issues. - File a Formal Appeal
Veterans have the right to appeal denied care requests through the VA. - Engage Congressional Support
Your Congressional Representative can assist in ensuring VA compliance with the Mission Act. - Reach Out to Warriors Heart
Our team can help guide you through the process and ensure proper documentation is in place.
Call (866) 516-9540 for assistance navigating VA Community Care.
Verify Your VA Eligibility
Step 1: Meet with Your VA Mental Health Provider
Schedule an appointment with your VA Mental Health Provider or LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). Request a referral to Warriors Heart for substance use disorder treatment.
Important: Your referral diagnosis must identify a substance use disorder as your primary diagnosis. We treat co-occurring psychological disorders (PTSD, depression, anxiety), but the primary diagnosis must be substance abuse and/or addiction.
Step 2: Your Provider Places the Referral
Your VA mental health provider will place a referral in the Community Care portal.
Step 3: Wait for VA Approval
You must have approval from Veterans Affairs before receiving care at Warriors Heart to avoid being billed for our services. Warriors Heart will bill the VA directly for your treatment.
Step 4: Contact Warriors Heart
Once your referral is approved, call (866) 516-9540. Our admissions team will verify your authorization and begin the admissions process.
Step 5: Begin Treatment
We’ll schedule your arrival and coordinate all details with you and the VA.
Not sure if you qualify for VA Community Care? Call us at (866) 516-9540, and we’ll help determine eligibility and guide you through the referral process.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
You’ve handled pressure, responsibility, and situations most people never face.
Asking for help doesn’t take that away. It protects it.
If drugs have started to take more than they give, you don’t have to figure this out alone. Support is available right now, and the conversation is confidential.
