Virginia Veterans Services and NEUCOA Discuss Critical Veteran Support Needs

Jamie Staten of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and David Day, PA-C, owner of NEUCOA, appeared on WTKR’s “Coast Live” on May 30, 2026, to address the critical need for expanded mental health resources and support systems for veterans residing in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia.

The discussion focused on the systemic challenges veterans face when transitioning from active duty to civilian life, specifically regarding the accessibility and availability of psychological and neurological care. The dialogue emphasized the necessity of integrating state-level support services with private clinical expertise to close gaps in veteran healthcare.

Hampton Roads, which encompasses Virginia Beach and Norfolk, maintains one of the highest concentrations of military personnel and veterans in the United States. This demographic density creates a significant demand for specialized mental health services that can address the unique traumas associated with military service.

State-Level Coordination and Advocacy

Jamie Staten, representing the Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS), detailed the role of the state in facilitating access to benefits and healthcare. The VDVS serves as a primary conduit between veterans and the various resources available to them, ranging from federal VA benefits to state-funded initiatives.

A central component of the agency’s mission is the reduction of administrative barriers that often prevent veterans from seeking mental health assistance. Staten highlighted the importance of navigation services that help veterans identify which programs they are eligible for and how to apply for them without facing prolonged bureaucratic delays.

The agency focuses on a holistic approach to veteran wellness, recognizing that mental health struggles are often compounded by housing instability, unemployment, or a lack of social support. By coordinating these services, the VDVS aims to create a more stable environment that allows mental health treatments to be more effective.

Clinical Perspectives on Neurological Health

David Day, a Physician Assistant-Certified and the owner of NEUCOA, provided a clinical perspective on the intersection of neurological health and mental wellness in the veteran population. The discussion touched upon the prevalence of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which frequently co-occur in returning service members.

Day emphasized that mental health symptoms in veterans are not always purely psychological; they are often rooted in physiological changes to the brain resulting from blast injuries or prolonged stress. This neurological component requires specialized diagnostic tools and treatment plans that differ from standard psychiatric care.

The role of private practices like NEUCOA is to provide targeted interventions that address these neurological deficits. By focusing on the biological underpinnings of cognitive dysfunction and emotional dysregulation, clinicians can provide more precise care for veterans who may not have responded to traditional talk therapy alone.

Regional Challenges in Hampton Roads

The concentration of military installations in the Hampton Roads area creates a unique set of pressures on local healthcare infrastructure. While the region has a robust presence of military medical facilities, the transition to civilian providers often results in a loss of continuity of care.

The gap between military discharge and the establishment of civilian care is a high-risk period for veterans. The discussion on “Coast Live” noted that early intervention during this transition is critical to preventing the escalation of mental health crises, including substance abuse and suicidal ideation.

the stigma associated with seeking mental health support remains a barrier within the veteran community. Efforts are being made to reframe mental health care as a component of overall “operational readiness” and long-term health, encouraging veterans to seek help before they reach a point of crisis.

Pathways to Support

The collaboration between the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and private medical providers is intended to create a streamlined referral network. This ensures that when a veteran identifies a need for help through a state agency, they can be quickly connected to a clinical provider capable of handling their specific neurological or psychological needs.

Veterans in Virginia are encouraged to utilize the following resources for support:

• Virginia Department of Veterans Services: For assistance with state and federal benefits, advocacy, and resource navigation.
• The Veterans Crisis Line: For immediate support during a mental health emergency.
• Local VA Medical Centers: For integrated primary and psychiatric care.
• Private Neurological and Mental Health Practitioners: For specialized TBI and PTSD treatment.