Exploring Effective, Insurance-Covered Alternatives Like TMS and Ketamine Therapy for Veterans Struggling with PTSD and Depression
“The brave men and women who serve their country deserve more than gratitude—they deserve proper care.” – Senator Tammy Duckworth, U.S. Army Veteran
When it comes to military mental health services, the need is overwhelming—and growing. Over 30% of active-duty and veteran service members experience some form of mental health issue, with depression and PTSD being among the most common. Shockingly, the suicide rate for veterans is more than 50% higher than for non-veterans. Despite the availability of services through the VA, many veterans are still falling through the cracks.
Whether due to long wait times, stigma, or lack of access to specific therapies, mental health care for veterans needs more options—and fast. This is where private clinics, like Bella Vida TMS in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert, step in with fresh, effective solutions such as TMS therapy and ketamine treatment, covered by Tricare and other major insurances.
Let’s break down what you should know about mental health care outside of the VA.
The Gaps in VA Mental Health Services
The VA provides vital services, but it often struggles to keep up with demand.
Limited Access and Long Waits
- According to a 2022 GAO report, veterans waited an average of 29 days for mental health appointments at VA facilities.
- Rural veterans may live over 40 miles from the nearest VA mental health clinic.
These delays can mean the difference between life and death for a veteran struggling with suicidal thoughts or severe PTSD symptoms.
One-Size-Fits-All Treatment Plans
The VA often focuses on traditional therapies and medications, which don’t always work for every patient. Combat-related PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, and moral injury can be especially difficult to treat with standard talk therapy or SSRIs alone.
What Mental Health Services Are Available Outside the VA?
Veterans and active-duty service members aren’t limited to the VA. Many private practices now specialize in advanced treatments backed by science and approved by the FDA.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
TMS is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that uses gentle magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive parts of the brain. It’s FDA-cleared for depression and OCD, and is showing promising results in PTSD as well. The best part? It’s covered by Tricare, making it accessible for military families.
Bella Vida TMS offers personalized TMS therapy in Scottsdale, Phoenix, Gilbert, and Glendale, providing an alternative for veterans who haven’t found relief elsewhere.
“TMS saved my life when nothing else worked. It gave me hope again.” – Bella Vida patient & veteran
Ketamine Therapy for Depression and PTSD
Ketamine therapy, including IV infusions, intramuscular injections, and Spravato (nasal esketamine), is emerging as a powerful treatment for combat-related depression and trauma. Unlike traditional medications that may take weeks to work, ketamine can reduce suicidal thoughts in hours.
- A 2019 study in the American Journal of Psychiatry found rapid symptom relief in 68% of veterans treated with ketamine for PTSD.
- Ketamine is now available at many outpatient clinics like Bella Vida TMS and may be covered by insurance in certain cases.
How to Access These Services
Covered by Tricare
Tricare now covers TMS therapy, Spravato, and some psychiatric services. Veterans and active-duty personnel can use their Tricare benefits to receive mental health care outside of the VA, especially if they experience:
- Depression that hasn’t improved with medication
- PTSD symptoms that interfere with daily life
- Anxiety, OCD, or suicidal thoughts
Bella Vida TMS works with Tricare and helps with all necessary paperwork to get started.
Short Wait Times and Local Clinics
You don’t have to wait months. Private practices often offer same-week consultations and personalized treatment plans. At Bella Vida TMS, you’ll get care tailored to your unique needs—from therapy and medication management to advanced neuromodulation.
Why Choose Bella Vida TMS?
Bella Vida TMS is committed to veteran-centered care in Phoenix, Glendale, Gilbert, and Scottsdale. Their providers understand the complexities of military trauma and offer:
- Individualized treatment plans
- Compassionate, trauma-informed care
- FDA-cleared TMS and ketamine options
- Therapy and psychiatric support under one roof
They even assist with FMLA paperwork if you’re employed and need time off to heal.
Let’s Build a New Future for Mental Health
Mental health support for our service members shouldn’t stop at the VA’s door. Military mental health services are evolving—and now include cutting-edge treatments like TMS and ketamine available right in your community.
If you or someone you love is a veteran or active-duty service member struggling with PTSD, depression, or anxiety, it’s time to explore what’s possible beyond the traditional system.
Bella Vida TMS is ready to walk with you every step of the way—because healing should be personal, powerful, and accessible.
Bella Vida TMS
If you’re in Phoenix, Glendale, Gilbert, or Scottsdale, Bella Vida TMS is here to help. We accept Tricare and most major insurances. Book your free consultation today and take the first step toward hope, healing, and relief.
FAQ
❓ What mental health services are available for veterans outside the VA?
Veterans can access a variety of mental health services outside the VA, including therapy, psychiatric care, medication management, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), and ketamine treatment. Many private clinics in Phoenix, Glendale, Scottsdale, and Gilbert accept Tricare and offer faster access to care.
❓ Does Tricare cover mental health services like TMS or ketamine therapy?
Yes, Tricare covers many mental health services, including therapy and psychiatric care. While ketamine and TMS coverage may vary, Bella Vida TMS works with Tricare to determine eligibility and help veterans access advanced treatments like TMS for depression and PTSD.
❓ How can I find mental health care for veterans near me?
To find local mental health care for veterans, search for providers who accept Tricare and offer specialized services for PTSD and depression. Bella Vida TMS serves the Phoenix metro area, including Scottsdale, Glendale, and Gilbert, with personalized, evidence-based care.
❓ What are the alternatives if the VA waitlist is too long?
If you’re stuck on a long VA waitlist, you’re not alone. Many veterans turn to community providers for faster care. Clinics like Bella Vida TMS offer timely psychiatric evaluations, therapy, and treatments like TMS and ketamine with little to no wait time.
❓ What makes Bella Vida TMS different for veterans seeking mental health care?
Bella Vida TMS provides compassionate, personalized mental health support, including advanced treatments like TMS and ketamine. We coordinate care with your existing providers, accept most insurance including Tricare, and are committed to helping veterans feel better—faster.
References
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Mental Health Services
https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov
Overview of VA-provided mental health programs including PTSD, depression, and suicide prevention. - National Institute of Mental Health – Veterans and Suicide
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/suicide-prevention
Data and programs related to suicide risk among veterans. - Tricare – Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services
https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/Mental
Details on what mental health treatments are covered by Tricare, including therapy and psychiatric care. - Department of Defense – Military OneSource
https://www.militaryonesource.mil
Confidential support and referrals for active duty and veteran military personnel. - National Center for PTSD – PTSD Treatment Options
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand_tx/tx_basics.asp
Evidence-based therapies for veterans living with PTSD. - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) – Veteran Resources
https://www.samhsa.gov/veterans-military-families
Tools and treatment locators for veterans and their families. - American Journal of Psychiatry – TMS for PTSD and Depression
https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org
Peer-reviewed studies on the effectiveness of TMS therapy for treatment-resistant depression and PTSD. - National Library of Medicine – Ketamine for PTSD in Veterans
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30383262/
Clinical trial showing rapid symptom relief with ketamine for PTSD. - National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Veterans and Mental Health
https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Veterans-Active-Duty
Advocacy and support programs designed specifically for military members and their families. - RAND Corporation – Veterans’ Access to Mental Health Care
https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR331.html
Research on systemic gaps in VA access and alternative care solutions.
