House Democrats Question VA Leadership Over Dwindling Veteran Mental Health Services
Over 60 House Democrats have asked VA Secretary Doug Collins for details on the agency’s worsening mental-health staffing and veteran wait times.
More than sixty House Democrats, with Rep. Judy Chu at the forefront, have written to VA Secretary Doug Collins demanding transparency about the department’s mental-health crisis. Their request references one outlet's investigation revealing a steep decline in VA mental-health workers and longer wait times for veterans under the current administration. The lawmakers seek specific figures on provider gaps, the duration of veteran wait periods, and the impact on care quality.
Former VA psychologist accounts describe group sessions of up to 35 veterans and individual appointments cut to as little as 16 minutes. VA spokespersons defended the agency, claiming record appointment numbers and reduced wait times, while also accusing one outlet of selective reporting. The VA has been given until Aug. 14 to reply.
Why it matters
Veterans’ access to mental health care is slipping, risking higher suffering and suicide rates among those who served.
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