VA - LGBT Care

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Veteran Care

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LGBT Veterans face increased health risks and unique challenges in accessing quality healthcare. The VA strives to be a national leader in the provision of health care to LGBT Veterans and assure that care is provided in a sensitive, safe environment at VA health facilities nationwide.

VHA’s commitment to LGBT Veterans includes:   - Promoting a welcoming health and work environment that is inclusive of LGBT Veterans and employees.   - Providing information, guidance and education to VHA providers about LGBT health issues.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ProgramIn 2012, the Office of Patient Care Services created the LGBT Program (10P4Y). Dr. Michael Kauth and Dr. Jillian Shipherd co-direct the LGBT Program, which provides policy recommendations, provider-education programs, and clinical services to support personalized, pro-active, patient-driven healthcare for LGBT Veterans.  For more information about the LGBT Program, email VALGBTProgram@va.gov.

Current program activities include the following:

  • We oversee a formal LGBT Point of Contact Program with identified LGBT Veteran Care Coordinators (LGBT VCCs) at each facility. We provide training and support to LGBT VCCs who, in turn, promote understanding of VA policies and best practices for serving LGBT Veterans at their facilities.
  • Ongoing review of VHA policies assuring inclusive language relevant for LGBT Veteran care, including non-discrimination policies, hospital visitation, caregiver education and the definition of family at VHA. See our policy page for additional information.  VA LGBT Policies link.
  • In partnership with the Office of Academic Affairs and Mental Health Services, we offer Postdoctoral Psychology Fellowship Training Positions with an Emphasis on Interprofessional Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Health Care for Veterans at several facilities.  See our LGBT training page for additional information. LGBT Veteran Training link.
  • We provide ongoing educational programs for VHA staff about best practices in LGBT healthcare. See our LGBT Training page for additional information. LGBT Veteran Training link.
  • We are working to create a more welcoming environment at VHA facilities for LGBT Veterans. See our Outreach page for additional information.  VA LGBT Outreach link.
  • We disseminate resources to the field to help make all facilities more welcoming to LGBT Veterans. For a list of facilities with LGBT Program websites, see our VA Facilities - LGBT Programs websites page for additional information. VA Facilities - LGBT Programs Websites link.

VA Partners:

Eligibility

Career Phase:
Discharges Allowed:
Military Branch:
Programs for Family Members:
Service Counties:
  • Virtual - Online Only
Services Category:
  • Mental Health
  • Physical Health
VA Disability Rating Requirement:
Vet Plus:
  • LGBTQIA