VA Mental Health Wait Times Revisited | Phoenix News

Veterans across 20+ VA facilities are still waiting over three months for first mental health appointments, reigniting concerns years after the 2014 Phoenix scandal — but official data and local leaders paint a different picture. VA Secretary Doug Collins insists average wait times are just 15 days, while Phoenix’s Access to Care Portal shows 13 days at one major facility. Local director Elijah Ditter highlights new clinics, community programs like “Veggies for Veterans,” and broader care improvements. Whistleblower Paula Pedene credits progress in service integration and partnerships, yet stresses lingering cultural issues within the system. The debate underscores that while strides have been made, delivering timely, holistic mental health care remains an ongoing challenge for veterans nationwide. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/07ccb2338ca08390