FL. Veterans VA Community Care
How Florida Veterans Can Get Non-VA Counseling Covered by the VA
Navigating Optum Region 3, Community Care Network (CCN) Referrals & Off-Base Therapy
If you are a military Veteran in Florida seeking off-base mental health counseling through private providers like New Heights Counseling, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) can cover your care 100% through the VA Community Care Network (CCN).
Reframing Mental Health: Maintenance & Tactical Readiness
"If you broke your ankle, you wouldn’t just keep walking on it and hope it heals correctly. You’d get medical help to have it properly treated."
In the military, taking care of your gear, debriefing after operations, and maintaining physical readiness are standard protocol. Seeking therapy isn't a sign of weakness—it is tactical recovery. At New Heights Counseling, we honor your service by providing experienced, judgment-free clinical care tailored to your unique history.
4 Steps to Getting Non-VA Counseling Covered by the VA in Florida
In Florida, the VA Community Care Network is managed through Optum (Region 3). Follow these four steps to secure pre-authorization:
Step 1: Confirming Your Community Care Eligibility
A Veteran typically qualifies for Community Care counseling in Florida if they meet at least one of these four federal criteria:
⏱️ 1. Wait Times ExceededYour local VA facility cannot schedule you for an in-house outpatient mental health appointment within 20 days of your requested date. | 🚗 2. Drive Time StandardsYour average drive time to the nearest VA medical facility offering designated outpatient mental health services is longer than 30 minutes. |
🩺 3. Best Medical InterestYou and your VA primary care physician or VA mental health provider agree that receiving specialized local care in the community is in your best medical interest. | 🚫 4. Specialty Service UnavailableThe specific clinical service or specialty treatment you require (e.g., specific EMDR trauma modalities, specialized couples care) is not offered at your local VA facility. |
Step 2: Requesting a Referral From Your VA Care Team
Contact your VA primary care team or mental health clinic via My HealtheVet secure messaging or phone. State that you are requesting an outpatient mental health referral through the Community Care Network (CCN).
💡 Select Your Preferred Provider: When requesting your referral, specifically name New Heights Counseling & Consulting as your preferred in-network community provider.
Step 3: Review & Official Authorization Letter
The VA reviews your request (typically within 7–14 days). Once approved, the VA or Optum issues an official **Authorization Letter** detailing the number of authorized sessions and approved date range.
Step 4: Scheduling & Attending Your Sessions
Once authorized, schedule your appointments directly with our office. We confirm the paperwork with Optum/VA so you receive seamless care with zero out-of-pocket billing surprises.
Our Specialized Counseling Services in Crestview
Tailored, evidence-based therapy options designed to meet your individual goals.
TraumaGently process past painful experiences and PTSD symptoms so your brain and body feel safe today and as you move forward. | Anxiety & PanicBreak free from chronic worry, sudden panic attacks, and stress using practical cognitive coping tools. | DepressionReclaim daily energy, emotional balance, clarity, and personal self-worth through compassionate clinical care. | Grief & LossNavigate painful life transitions, bereavement, and difficult loss within a safe, supportive counseling space. |
Integrative Healing: Advanced EMDR & Evidence-Based Care
Our Crestview team combines Level 2 EMDR training with complementary clinical approaches to address trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief from every angle.
100% Confidential Off-Base Care for Veterans
We provide completely independent, confidential outpatient counseling in a quiet, private downtown setting on North Main Street in Crestview. Your sessions and personal trust are held to the absolute highest ethical and legal standards.
Meet Our Crestview Veteran & Trauma Specialists
Experienced, Level 2 EMDR-trained clinicians providing culturally competent care for active-duty airmen, tactical operators, and Veterans.
Helena CastanedaLCSW-QS #SW22296
✓ Level 2 EMDR Helena specializes in operational trauma reprocessing, combat PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma (MST), and panic recovery for Veterans. View Bio → | Shareen AncogLMHC #MH23973
✓ Level 2 EMDR Serving over 24 years as a military spouse, Shareen provides authentic understanding for deployment stress, military loss, and family balance. View Bio → | Hillary AnthonyLMHC #MH23483
✓ Level 2 EMDR Hillary offers grounded support for service-related anxiety, life transitions, military bereavement, and emotional health. View Bio → |
A Calm, Peaceful Environment Designed for Comfortable Care
Our North Main Street clinic in Crestview provides a private, unhurried setting where you can feel at ease from the moment you step through our doors.
Visit Our Crestview OfficeAddress: 550 N Main St. Ste F, Crestview, FL 32536 Phone: (850) 331-7339 Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM Local Landmarks: Located on the same side as 67 Home Furniture Store and Maynila Asian Market, directly across from the Crestview Courthouse. |
🚗 Driving Directions to Our Main Street Office
1. From South Crestview, Niceville & Eglin AFB (via FL-85 N):
Follow State Road 85 North (FL-85 N) toward Crestview. After crossing the I-10 interchange, continue north on FL-85, which becomes South Ferdon Boulevard. At the traffic light at S. Ferdon Boulevard and Field Avenue E (near the Shell gas station), turn left onto Field Avenue E, which becomes Downtown Main Street. Continue through downtown, and Main Street Suites (550 N. Main St.) will be on your left, between W. Woodruff Avenue and W. Texas Drive.
2. From Laurel Hill & North Crestview (via FL-85 S):
Follow FL-85 South (State Road 85) into Crestview. Turn right onto US-90 (W. James Lee Boulevard), then at the next traffic light, make a sharp left onto Main Street. Continue south on Main Street, and Main Street Suites (550 N. Main St.) will be immediately on your right, just before reaching W. Woodruff Avenue.
3. From Baker (via FL-4 E / US-90 E):
Follow FL-4 East toward Crestview, where it merges into US-90 East (W. James Lee Boulevard). Continue straight into downtown Crestview. At the traffic light near the historic Okaloosa County Courthouse, turn left onto North Main Street. Continue north on N. Main Street for approximately five blocks, passing W. Woodruff Avenue. Main Street Suites (550 N. Main St.) will be on your left, just after Woodruff Avenue.
🅿️ Parking: Free street parking is available directly in front of our building along N Main Street, with additional public parking accessible behind the suites.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the VA Community Care Network (CCN) pay for private therapy?
Once your VA care team issues an official Community Care referral naming New Heights Counseling, Optum authorizes your care. The VA pays us directly, meaning zero copays or out-of-pocket costs for authorized sessions.
Can I choose New Heights Counseling specifically when asking for my VA referral?
Yes! When speaking with your VA coordinator or sending a message via My HealtheVet, explicitly ask for New Heights Counseling & Consulting in Crestview, FL as your preferred in-network community provider.
Do you offer specialized counseling for Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?
Yes. We provide confidential, trauma-informed therapy for individuals who experienced sexual assault or harassment during service, regardless of discharge status or service era.
Are telehealth counseling options available across Florida?
Yes. In addition to in-person sessions at our North Main Street clinic, we provide secure, HIPAA-compliant Telehealth sessions for Veterans located anywhere in Florida.
Explore Additional Crestview Counseling Services:
We Want the Best Care for Our Veterans — We're Here to Help
At New Heights Counseling, we are dedicated to providing the best possible information and care to aid Veterans in getting the support they deserve. If you would like help navigating the VA Community Care referral process or want more information, call our administrative office directly.
📍 550 N Main St Ste F, Crestview, FL 32536 | 📞 (850) 331-7339
