About NW MIRECC Education
NW MIRECC Education
MIRECC Presents is an accredited Continuing Education series of mental health courses provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) 20 Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (NW MIRECC) in collaboration with the VA Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD). These monthly virtual conferences are designed to translate current scientific and clinical research into thoughtful and accessible information that can be used by clinicians to enhance their care of Veterans.
- ENHANCE your knowledge and skills in assessment, differential diagnosis and treatment of Veterans mental health
- IMPROVE the connection between contemporary research and clinical care of Veterans
- FACILITATE biopsychosocial multidisciplinary team management of Veterans mental health conditions
The target audience includes, but is not limited to, Physicians, Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers and other professionals supporting Veteran care and active-duty combat personnel who will become Veterans. MIRECC Presents courses are held on the first and third Wednesday of each month from October to June.
3:00PM ET/ 2:00PM CT/ 1:00PM MT/ 12:00PM PT/ 11:00AM AKT/ 9:00AM HT
Veterans Health Administration (VHA) TrainingFinder Real-time Affiliate Integrated Network (TRAIN) — VHA's TRAIN website is for non-VA public health and health care providers, with a focus on Veteran patient care. VHA TRAIN is supported by the Veterans Health Administration Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD). ILEAD is the internal education and training program office in the Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA Talent Management System (TMS) Registration — VA's TMS website is for employees and staff of the Department of Veterans Affairs. Warning: This U.S government system is intended to be used by authorized VA network users for viewing and retrieving information only, except as otherwise explicitly authorized. VA information resides on and transmits through computer systems and networks funded by VA. All use is considered to be with an understanding and acceptance that there is no reasonable expectation of privacy for any data or transmissions on Government Intranet or Extranet (non-public) networks or systems. All transactions that occur on this system and all data transmitted through this system are subject to review and action including (but not limited to) monitoring, recording, retrieving, copying, auditing, inspecting, investigating, restricting access, blocking, tracking, disclosing to authorized personnel, or any other authorized actions by all authorized VA and law enforcement personnel. All use of this system constitutes understanding and unconditional acceptance of these terms. Unauthorized attempts or acts to either (1) access, upload, change, or delete information on this system, (2) modify this system, (3) deny access to this system, or (4) accrue resources for unauthorized use on this system are strictly prohibited. Such attempts or acts are subject to action that may result in criminal, civil, or administrative penalties.
About NW MIRECC, MIRECC Presents, and VA ILEAD
VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) and VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) were commissioned by Congress and the VA as one of the first three MIRECCs in the United States. As one of four statutory missions, VA educates and trains health professionals to enhance the quality of and timely access to care provided to Veterans within VHA's healthcare system. To achieve this mission, "To educate for VA and the Nation", the VA has conducted health professions education and training in partnership with affiliated U.S. academic institutions in accordance with the landmark 1946 Policy Memorandum No. 2. Title 38 U.S.C. Section 7302 mandates that VA assist in carrying out a “program of education and training of health personnel” for its own needs and those of the nation. MIRECC Presents is an accredited Continuing Education series of mental health courses provided by NW MIRECC in collaboration with the VA ILEAD. The knowledge produced by NW MIRECC research efforts is disseminated through VA ILEAD platforms and face-to-face educational offerings, and directly implemented in clinics throughout the Northwest and throughout the country. MIRECC Presents empowers mental health providers to integrate cutting-edge treatments and timely research into their daily clinical practices, thereby raising the quality of care for Veterans who experience mental health challenges. VA's ILEAD is committed to providing VHA employees with needs-based learning opportunities that enhance their clinical skills and help them earn the continuing education credits/hours they need to meet professional state boards requirements and to maintain licensure. ILEAD holds 22 national and 5 state accreditations for continuing education in the health care professions, and it collaborates with subject matter experts within VHA to ensure that its learning programs are effective and meet the accreditation criteria of one or more of its aligned accrediting bodies.
Advanced Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment (MIRECC Fellowship)
The NW MIRECC Advanced Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mental Illness Research and Treatment (MIRT) is a two-year postdoctoral training program. The primary goal of the NW MIRECC Advanced Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship program is to train and equip physicians, psychologists, and other allied health professionals with the knowledge and expertise to lead clinical research efforts that make lasting contributions in the lives of Veterans experiencing mental health challenges. NW MIRECC Advanced Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship training opportunities:
- Participation in weekly research-oriented videoconferences with fellows from the national VA Advanced Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship in Mental Illness Research and Treatment.
- Collaboration with clinical researchers who share a common interest in polytrauma, PTSD, and traumatic brain injury.
- Presentation of research to various disciplines of health practitioners in academic and community settings and the MIRECC Presents videoconference series.
- Participation in the design and implementation of CME conferences and distance learning programs for VA and non-VA professional staff, and programs for Veterans and their families, throughout the Pacific Northwest.
- Optional participation in OHSU Human Investigations Program (HIP), which offers an integrated clinical and translational research education curriculum and results in a Certificate in Human Investigations.
- Training opportunities with the VA Portland’s PTSD Clinical Team (PCT), a multidisciplinary outpatient team that provides evidence-based treatments to Veterans experiencing PTSD related to their military service. Postdoctoral fellows have the opportunity to provide individual and group psychotherapy, supervise doctoral-level trainees, and actively participate in weekly team meetings and PTSD consultation as junior colleagues.
In collaboration with their mentors, the Advanced Psychology Postdoctoral Fellows will develop and implement research projects, publish and present findings, write grants, and utilize the latest technology for educational activities and clinical service delivery. Psychology Postdoctoral Fellows devote 75% of their time to research and education activities and 25% to clinical training. Over the course of the two-year program, fellows are trained in clinical and health systems research, advanced clinical care service delivery, and program administration in an interdisciplinary setting. The NW MIRECC Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship site is linked electronically to VA MIRECC sites for didactic, academic, and research efforts.
NW MIRECC Education Activities
NW MIRECC collaborates and consults with other MIRECCs and Centers of Excellence, as well as with other VA, Department of Defense (DoD), Federal, State departments of Veterans Affairs, community agencies, and experts. University of Washington (UW) and Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) are academic affiliates of NW MIRECC. NW MIRECC seeks to improve the mental health and well-being of Veterans through research and dissemination of information to providers both within the VA and the general public. The collaborative approach to mental health research, education and treatment has had a profound impact on the lives of Veterans.
➤ Disseminates best practice treatments, current research findings and the latest pertinent knowledge related to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mild traumatic brain injury, and their complex comorbidities through both web-based and face-to-face educational offerings.
➤ Collects and implements feedback from participant evaluations to ensure quality programing.
➤ Serves as a national resource for expertise in mental health education.
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Use of these Materials and Finding VA Health Care
Please note that the health care information provided in these materials is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the role of a medical practitioner for advice on care and treatment. If you are looking for professional medical care, find your local VA healthcare center by using the VA Facilities Locator & Directory. This page may contain links that will take you outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs website. VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked websites.
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Today's VHA - the largest of the three administrations that comprise the VA - continues to meet Veterans' changing medical, surgical, and quality-of-life needs. VHA is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, providing care at 1,321 health care facilities, including 172 VA Medical Centers and 1,138 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) to over 9 million Veterans enrolled in the VA health care program. There are 18 Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) in VHA operating as regional systems of care to better meet local health care needs and provides greater access to care. In the Pacific Northwest, VISN 20 serves Veterans in Alaska, Oregon, Washington, most of Idaho, and one county each in California and Montana. Spanning 23% of the US land mass, VISN 20 is the largest geographic region of VA. Operating across three time zones over 817,417 square miles, VISN 20 is home to 273 federally recognized American Indian and Alaskan Native tribes. According to DoD, American Indians and Alaska Natives have one of the highest representations in the United States Armed Forces. VA consults with American Indian and Alaska Native tribal governments to develop partnerships that enhance access to services and benefits by Veterans and their families. VA is committed to ensuring that Native American Veterans and their families are able to utilize all benefits and services they are entitled to receive. As of the end of FY2023, 42.2% of VISN 20 enrollees and 39.7% of VISN 20 patients resided in rural or highly rural areas. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. Veterans Community Care Program (VCCP) provides health care for Veterans from providers in the local community. VCCP includes General Community Care, Urgent Care, Emergency Care, Foreign Medical Care, Home Health and Hospice Care, Indian and Tribal Health Services, In Vitro Fertilization, State Veterans Home, and Flu Shots.
VA Puget Sound Health Care System (VAPSHCS) serves Veterans from a five-state area in the Pacific Northwest with two main divisions: American Lake VA Medical Center and Seattle VA Medical Center. Veterans Medical Centers are also located in Spokane, Vancouver, and Walla Walla. VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers are located in Bellingham, Bellevue, Bremerton, Chehalis, Edmunds, Everett, Federal Way, Lacey, Mount Vernon, Olympia, Port Angeles, Puyallup, Richland, Renton, Silverdale, Seattle, Spokane, Union Gap, Vancouver, Walla Walla, Wenatchee, and Yakima.
VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS) serves Veterans in Oregon and Southwest Washington with two main divisions: Portland VA Medical Center and Vancouver VA Medical Center. Veterans Medical Centers are also located in Roseburg, White City, and Vancouver, Washington. VA Outpatient Clinics and Vet Centers are located in Astoria, Bend, Boardman, Brookings, Enterprise, Eugene, Fairview, Grants Pass, Hines, Hillsboro, Klamath Falls, LaGrande, Lincoln City, Newport, Portland, Salem, The Dalles, and West Linn.
VA Regional Offices
The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) helps service members transition out of military service, and assists with Veterans with education, home loans, life insurance and much more. Service members, Veterans, their families, and Survivors are invited to request information on VA Benefits including disability compensation, pension, fiduciary, education, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E), Home Loans, and Insurance. In addition to information on VA Benefits Veterans may initiate an intent to file and request assistance with filing compensation and pension claims. Visit regional office websites to learn about the services the regional office provides, directions to the facility, hours of operation, and the leadership team that serves the regional office.
Find out if you can get VA health care as a Veteran
The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:
- Veterans with a service-connected (SC) disability rated at 50% or more.
- Veterans seeking care for a disability the military determined was incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, but which VA has not yet rated, within 12 months of discharge.
- Veterans seeking care for a SC disability only or under a special treatment authority.
- Veterans seeking registry examinations (ionizing radiation, Agent Orange, Gulf War/Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) depleted uranium, airborne hazards, and Open Burn Pit Registry).
Find out how to apply for VA health care benefits as a Veteran or service member. For other mental health services, contact a VA medical center for information on eligibility and treatment options.
Vet Centers in VISN 20
Vet Centers in the VISN 20 Health Care Network are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional readjustment counseling to eligible Veterans, active-duty Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Space Force service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-WAR-VETS is an around the clock confidential call center where Veterans, service members and their families can talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in transitioning after military service or trauma and get connected to their nearest Vet Center.
| Anchorage Vet Center (Anchorage, AK) |
| Bellingham Vet Center (Bellingham, WA) |
| Boise Vet Center (Boise, ID) |
| Central Oregon Vet Center (Bend, OR) |
| Eugene Vet Center (Eugene, OR) |
| Everett Vet Center (Everett, WA) |
| Fairbanks Vet Center (Fairbanks, AK) |
| Federal Way Vet Center (Federal Way, WA) |
| Grants Pass Vet Center (Grants Pass, OR) |
| Kenai Vet Center Outstation (Soldotna, AK) |
| Lacey Vet Center Outstation (Lacey, WA) |
| Portland, OR Vet Center (Portland, OR) |
| Salem Vet Center (Salem, OR) |
| Seattle Vet Center (Seattle, WA) |
| Spokane Vet Center (Spokane, WA) |
| Tacoma Vet Center (Tacoma, WA) |
| Walla Walla Vet Center (Walla Walla, WA) |
| Wasilla Vet Center (Wasilla, AK) |
| Yakima Valley Vet Center (Yakima, WA) |
Plan your trip to VA
In 1946, Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) was established by law to provide comfort and well-being to America’s Veterans. With our many retail stores, cafés and coffee shops across the country, we serve those who have served our country. We are a self-sustaining entity providing merchandise and services to Veterans enrolled in VA’s healthcare system, their families, caregivers, VA employees, volunteers and visitors. We are honored to give back to the VA community through many programs established for the health and well-being of our nation’s heroes. Revenues generated from VCS are used to support a variety of programs, such as VA’s Rehabilitation Games, Fisher Houses, Poly-Trauma Centers for OIF/OEF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.
VCS operates over 200 Patriot Stores in Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Centers nationwide. Many of our stores have been recently updated and expanded to provide our customers with a modern, clean and comfortable shopping experience. Our stores welcome our customers with wider aisles, wood-like floors, enhanced lighting and directional signage. PatriotStores have expanded hours of operation to provide service for customers on weekends at most locations.
The Patriot Cafe is the best place in the VA Medical Center to enjoy delicious, freshly prepared breakfast or lunch served hot or cold each weekday. Providing Veterans, their families, VA employees, volunteers and visitors a place to relax and enjoy a meal or take-out for their convenience. With a wide variety of food from traditional comfort food, specialized menu selections and a large assortment of healthy choices; there is something for everyone's taste buds.
Hospital Service Directory
To find out whether there is a van near you use the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Hospital Service Coordinator Directory to contact your nearest HSC for information or assistance. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community.
