VA-Covered Ketamine Therapy for Veterans: A Path to Healing

At ShaMynds Healing Center, we are deeply honored to serve those who have served us. For the past three years, we’ve proudly partnered with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) through the Veterans Care Agreement (VCA) to offer IV ketamine therapy as a fully covered service for eligible veterans. This ongoing collaboration has allowed us to walk alongside countless veterans in Northern California as they navigate their journey toward healing, and we remain steadfast in our mission to expand access to this powerful, life-changing treatment.

If you are struggling with depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges, ketamine therapy could offer the deep relief you’ve been waiting for. This guide will walk you through how to begin your care at ShaMynds under the VCA.

Step 1: Check Eligibility for VA Community Care

The Veterans Care Agreement (VCA) allows veterans to access care from approved providers outside of the VA system when timely or specialized services aren’t available through the VA.

You may be eligible for VA-funded ketamine therapy at ShaMynds if:

  • You are enrolled in VA healthcare
  • The VA cannot provide timely access to IV ketamine therapy or related mental health services
  • Your VA provider refers you for care under the Community Care program

To begin, contact your VA primary care or mental health provider and let them know you’re interested in ketamine treatment at ShaMynds Healing Center.

Step 2: Request a Referral from Your VA Provider

To receive ketamine therapy at ShaMynds through the VCA, a formal referral (authorization) is required from your VA provider.

Here’s what you can say:

I’m interested in receiving IV ketamine therapy at ShaMynds Healing Center under the Veterans Care Agreement. Can you refer me for treatment and provide a written authorization for Community Care?

Your provider will evaluate your case and, if appropriate, submit a Community Care consult for approval.

ketamine treatment near me
ketamine treatment near me

Step 3: VA Sends Authorization Directly to ShaMynds

After your VA provider submits the referral request, the VA Community Care Network will review it and, if approved, issue a written authorization for treatment at ShaMynds Healing Center.

This authorization typically includes:

  • The specific treatment: IV ketamine therapy
  • The timeframe in which treatment must occur (typically each authorization is for six months)
  • Any relevant clinical notes or special instructions

The VA will send this authorization directly to ShaMynds, so you don’t need to worry about coordinating the paperwork. Once we receive it, our team will reach out to you promptly to schedule your initial consultation and begin your care.

Step 4: Schedule Your Consultation at ShaMynds

As soon as we receive your authorization, we’ll reach out to schedule your medical intake appointment with our experienced clinical team.

📞 Phone: 916-538-6498
📧 Email: info@shamynds.com
📍 Location: ShaMynds Healing Center, 2012 19th St, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95818

At your consultation, we’ll:

  • Review your medical history
  • Walk you through how ketamine therapy works
  • Confirm you meet criteria for safe treatment
  • Answer any questions you may have

If cleared, we’ll set up your treatment schedule and walk alongside you each step of the way.

ketamine treatment nearby
ketamine treatment near me

Step 5: Begin Your Ketamine Assisted Therapy Program

What to Expect:

  • Medical and Psychiatry Intakes with one of our providers
  • Therapy Intake with one of our expert therapists
  • A Flight Prep appointment with our medical team who will share with you how to prepare for the medicine  
  • Infusions: Each appointment will start with intention setting for your session. After which is the 60 minute infusion.
  • Integration Session: After you awake, you will have an integration session with one of our trained providers.
  • Recovery time: Brief observation period before heading home with a pre-arranged ride. You may not drive after these ketamine sessions.
  • Ongoing support: Follow-up evaluations and access to holistic tools to optimize healing are provided during your authorization period.

At ShaMynds, we treat each session as a sacred space for transformation.

Step 6: VA Billing – We Handle Everything

As part of our Veterans Care Agreement (VCA), ShaMynds will bill the VA directly for your treatment—you will never be responsible for payment for any authorized sessions.

To ensure a smooth process:

  • We will already have your VA authorization on file
  • You’ll sign any required consent forms at your intake appointment
  • We’ll help you stay on schedule within the VA’s authorized treatment window

Our administrative team will handle all communication with the VA so you can focus fully on your healing journey.

ketamine treatment near me
ketamine consultation treatment near me

Step 7: Continue Your Care and Follow-Up

Throughout your program with us, we’ll check in with you to evaluate your progress and talk about what’s next. If further treatment is clinically appropriate:

  • We’ll work with your VA provider to submit a request for additional care (RFS)
  • Our team will coordinate all communication with the VA
  • You’ll continue receiving support, integration resources, and access to our team throughout the process

Take the First Step Today

Your Path to Wellness Begins Here

Don’t let mental health challenges or uncertainty hold you back from living the life you deserve. At ShaMynds, we’re here to provide you with compassionate care, advanced treatments, and unwavering support every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to start a new chapter or simply want to explore your options, we’re here to guide you.

Take that first step toward balance and well-being today.

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