VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A new clinic is officially opening its doors to help Hampton Roads veterans and their families have strong mental health.
The Virginia Beach facility is called the Steven Cohen Military Family Clinic, and it’s part of the Cohen Veterans Network, but it’s the first of its kind in the Commonwealth.
At the grand opening Tuesday, Virginia Beach Mayor Bobby Dyer said, “I am especially proud of the way we treat our veterans and value the military that live in the community right here among us.”
Inside the new facility, professionals are expected to help more than 500 clients in its first year alone.
“This clinic will serve our military families and veterans well,” said the CEO of The Up Center, Tina Gill.
They offer customized therapy ranging from mental health issues, like depression and PTSD to transitioning back to civilian life.
The non-profit’s clinicians and staff know the issues that veterans, such as Kyle White and his family, face.
“Having gone through this journey, I realize how important it can be and how critical mental health care is to living a quality life,” said White.
He is an ambassador for the clinic and he said it offers same-day help at no or low cost to veterans. All care is confidential unless required by law.
It’s comprehensive mental health services, now available for one of the largest military communities.
“Now that we are here, we’re not going anywhere. We look forward to serving the area," White said.
Here's Congresswoman Luria's full speech given during the event:
Good morning, and welcome to the grand opening of the 12th Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic here at the Up Center in Virginia Beach! I’m Elaine Luria and I’m very proud to represent Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads area in the U.S. Congress.
Before speaking, I want to take a moment to thank Mr. Cohen for his generosity, the Cohen Veterans Network staff, Up Center staff, and all organizers of this event for making today possible. And thank all of you for being here to support this critical effort to help our military families across the Hampton Roads community.
For 135 years, the Up Center has touched lives in Hampton Roads as the largest and oldest human services agency in our community. Providing resources ranging from group therapy to parenting education, the impact of the Up Center cannot be overstated in Coastal Virginia.
Now, the Cohen Veterans Network and The Up Center have joined forces to provide our Commonwealth’s veteran and family member population with compassionate and effective mental health care to heal the invisible wounds of war.
There’s a growing demand for mental health care here and across America, and I’m glad this partnership here in Hampton Roads is working to help fill that need.
Every day, thousands of our troops spend time away from our beloved country and their loved ones while serving. Many come home with physical and mental reminders of the trauma that they endured.
As a Navy veteran myself, I know that it’s essential to tend to the needs of our bravest men and women and to think of new ways to serve them. The Up Center and Cohen Veterans Network are perfect examples of this service, and we’re so proud of having this new service within our community to help our veterans.
Thank you to the Up Center and the Cohen Veterans Network for all that you have done and will continue to do for our servicemembers here and around the country. They and their families greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for the honor of being here to celebrate this great occasion today.