Question

[jmnn78]

Hello there,
I am currently a caregiver for my veteran who has been diagnosed with ALS. We have 2 children ages 9 and 8. Due to unfortunate circumstances that has happened, we had to tell the children that their dad will eventually pass away from this disease. That was about 3 weeks ago. Anyways, the kids are having a really tough time. I would like to get the kids into counseling. So my question is: Does the VA offer counseling for the kids? How would I find that out? Should I contact my PVA rep and ask? Thanks.

 

[GregK]

Yes, I'd try PVA first.

 

[Atsugi]

When the veteran is rated Permanently and Totally disabled, then his dependents have the option of getting health care from CHAMPVA.

Since I doubt VA has any pediatric counselors on contract, you might ask them to let you pick a non-VA counselor, and have the counselor bill VA Free Basis/Managed Care office at your local VA Medical Center.

A tiny one-person mental health business might not be sophisticated enough to know how to bill VA. This can be a problem, so inquire into that when choosing a counselor.

 

[maryhahnward]

You can reach out to TAPS: http://www.taps.org/

They assist active duty families and veteran families with grief. They are prepared to assist with children as well as adults. They provide services at no cost.

 

[gooseberry]

Our local VA had no resources for children of veterans with als. I got counselling with my son privately. It was the best thing.