MIRECC / CoE

About Northwest Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center

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. That center, the Northwest MIRECC, now provides protected research time, developmental study support, and new resources to a diverse, multidisciplinary cadre of biostatisticians, endocrinologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, neurologists, neuropsychologists, psychiatrists, radiologists, educators, clinicians, young investigators, and support staff, all of whom work together to deliver world-class, cutting-edge science, education, and clinical care to Veterans and health professionals at medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics throughout the nation.

The Department of Veterans Affairs comprises 5 Veterans Integrated Service Networks or VISNs — regional care systems working together to better meet local healthcare needs and provide greater access to care. This important work spans several time zones and is only possible through productive collaborations with local and national academic, government, industry, military, and community partners. The mission of Northwest MIRECC is to improve the health and well-being of Veterans by developing, evaluating, and disseminating novel effective treatments for military posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and its complex comorbidities. The most prominent of these comorbidities is repetitive blast mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI); others are alcohol use disorder (AUD), chronic pain (in particular, post-concussive headaches), cognitive impairment, and increased risk for neurodegenerative disorders (chronic traumatic encephalopathy [CTE] and Alzheimer's disease [AD]). 

NW MIRECC applies modern genetic, neurologic, and clinical trial methodology to the discovery and development of new and more effective treatments for major and often treatment resistant mental disorders afflicting Veterans and the active duty combat personnel who will become Veterans. VA MIRECC's provide for the improvement of the provision of health-care services and related counseling services to eligible veterans suffering from mental illness (especially mental illness related to service-related conditions) through—

• the conduct of research (including research on improving mental health service facilities of the Department and on improving the delivery of mental health services by the Department);

• the education and training of health care personnel of the Department; and

• the development of improved models and systems for the furnishing of mental health services by the Department.

Northwest MIRECC disseminates mission-relevant knowledge through publications and continuing health care education programs across VISN 5 and nationally. 

Research

VA ranks as one of the nation's leaders in health research. NW MIRECC research studies significantly contribute to advancements in our understanding of medical problems that lead to health improvements for Veterans and civilians alike. The knowledge produced by NW MIRECC research efforts is disseminated through web-based and face-to-face educational offerings nationwide and directly implemented in our specialty clinics throughout the Northwest. This collaborative approach to mental health has had a profound impact on the lives of Veterans. Most notably, staff at the NW MIRECC pioneered the use of the blood pressure medication prazosin to treat trauma-related nightmares, one of the most common symptoms of military PTSD. Due in part to our educational outreach efforts, this medication is now prescribed to over 100,000 Veterans and active-duty Servicemembers, and we continue to investigate its usefulness for other psychiatric conditions that are common in Veterans. NW MIRECC studies are conducted through clinical research and through translational research wherein teams of clinicians and scientists work side-by-side to characterize and model key features of clinical problems and then translate the findings from scientific theory or animal models into practical applications for Veterans. Research studies at NW MIRECC are currently enrolling Military Veterans, First Responders, Health Care workers, and Civilians in Seattle, Washington.

Education

NW MIRECC collaborates and consults with other MIRECCs and Centers of Excellence, as well as with other VA, Department of War (DoW), Federal, State departments of Veterans Affairs, community agencies, and experts. 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.

Enhance your skills and understanding of mental health issues affecting Veterans by attending MIRECC Presents. MIRECC Presents is a Continuing Education series on mental health topics provided by the Northwest MIRECC. MIRECC Presents is a major provider of continuing education accreditation for multidisciplinary VA providers, accomplished through a productive on-going collaboration with VA's Institute for Learning, Education and Development (ILEAD). This is a webinar series held on the first and third Wednesday of each month from October to June, between Noon and 1:00pm (PT).

• 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.

VA Advanced Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment (MIRT)

The MIRT Fellowship at VAPORHCS, is a 2-year research intensive training program. Fellows are trained in translational, clinical, and health systems research, advanced clinical care service delivery, and program administration in an interdisciplinary setting.

Snapshot

• 2 years

• 75% research/25% clinical

• Receive mentored training

• Develop and implement research projects

• Publish and present findings

• Train in and submit grants

Research Training

The primary goal of the NW MIRECC fellowship is to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and expertise to lead clinical, education, and research efforts that make a lasting impact on Veterans.

Advanced Fellows in the VAPORHCS program will join a rich research environment, ranked in the top 10 in VA research funding, with over 169 Principal Investigators, and over 585 active projects. In collaboration with their mentors, fellows will create a training plan tailored to their unique needs and career goals. Current opportunities exist to collaborate on a variety of clinical and health services research projects related to PTSD, traumatic brain injury, suicide prevention, treatment for chronic pain, sleep medicine, and more. Research methods used in current studies are diverse and include prospective research, randomized clinical trials, evidence synthesis, and qualitative research. VAPORHCS researchers have a wide range of statistical expertise and additional training and consulting opportunities may be available related to data management and statistical analysis. Over the course of the 2-year training program, fellows will design and implement projects, publish and present findings, and prepare grants for major federal funding mechanisms. The fellowship is designed with flexibility in mind and fellows are encouraged to curate a training experience that supports their individual goals.

Training Experiences

• Participate in weekly research-oriented video conferences with MIRECC fellows around the country

• Opportunities to present research locally and nationally via the MIRECC Presents series

• Participation in OHSU’s Human Investigations Program (HIP), which offers integrated clinical and translational research education curriculum

• Opportunities for cross-center collaborations with other VA Centers of Excellence within VISN5

There are a variety of clinical training opportunities at VAPORHCS, and we support fellows in identifying opportunities that match their career goals. Fellows spend 25% of their time in clinical training to include direct patient care, preparation and notes, clinical supervision, and team meetings. There are often opportunities to gain tiered supervision experience. Psychology fellows can gain experience in a variety of mental health settings and interventions. This may include individual and group psychotherapy, assessment, and consultation. Medical Fellows will maintain clinical expertise in their respective fields with flexible, customized options spanning outpatient to inpatient care depending on their preferences. The MIRECC fellowship will work to align the clinical training opportunities to match the needs and goals for the fellow. 

Potential areas of focus include:

• Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

• Substance Use Treatment

• General Outpatient Psychology (BHIP)

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Health Psychology

• Sleep Medicine

• Chronic Pain

• Neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s)

Clinical

MIRECC clinical programs stress a "precision medicine" approach to treating combat Veterans suffering from PTSD, mTBI, and their common comorbidities. NW MIRECC clinicians are essential for the diagnosis and management of mental health conditions. NW MIRECC clinicians serve in mental health clinics as well as specialty clinics that provide a key space for the development and evaluation of new treatments for PTSD, mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), substance use disorders, chronic musculoskeletal pain, post-concussive headaches, and dementia. NW MIRECC specialty clinics also offer clinicians in-depth training in the diagnosis and management of mental health conditions. They have particular expertise in the off-label use of the blood-pressure medication prazosin for PTSD. Occasionally Veterans face challenges that perplex their mental health providers at the VA.

NW MIRECC Partnerships

Today’s VHA has roots spanning over 150 years and continues to meet Veterans’ changing medical, surgical, and quality of life needs. The services provided to Veterans affected American society and culture as much as the service rendered by Veterans. VA's mission is to serve America’s Veterans and their families with dignity and compassion and be their principal advocate in ensuring that they receive medical care, benefits, social support, and lasting memorials. NW MIRECC substantially enhances the capacity and potential of VISN 5 to generate and disseminate new knowledge about mental illness, unseen wounds of war, and treatments. 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. According to DoW, 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.

The geographic proximity of DoD Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Madigan Army Medical Center to the Seattle Washington VAPSHCS campus has provided an exciting opportunity to develop innovative and productive research, education, and clinical care collaborations with DoD personnel that address PTSD and its associated conditions in their early stages in active-duty Servicemembers. The 62nd Medical Squadron (MDS) - Joint Base Lewis-McChord currently delivers Integrated Disability Evaluation System (IDES) services at levels which significantly beat DoD standard. IDES is a joint DoD and VA disability evaluation process.

Under IDES, VA helps DoD determine if wounded, ill, or injured Service members are fit for continued Military service and provide disability benefits to Service members and Veterans, if appropriate. VA Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) program offers 5 support-and-services tracks to help Veterans get education or training, find and keep a job, and live as independently as possible. 

1. Reemployment track
2. Rapid Access to Employment track
3. Self-Employment track
4. Employment Through Long-Term Services track
5. Independent Living track

More and more employers are stepping up to hire veterans with disabilities and spouses. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) employment program connects transitioning Active-Duty, Guard and Reserve members, Veterans and their spouses with employers. RecruitMilitary, a leading recruitment firm dedicated to the military community, is proud to announce that it has been honored with the prestigious "Patriot Employer" distinction by DAV. Regional and National Virtual Career Fairs for Veterans are held online at https://my.recruitmilitary.com/. DAV Patriot Boot Camp provides active duty service members, veterans, and their spouses with access to mentors, educational programming, and a robust community of experts and peers to help them innovate and build impactful businesses. DAV Patriot Boot Camp’s flagship programming consists of three-day events held throughout the year. These cohorts provide free entrepreneurship education, one-on-one mentorship with leading business experts, networking and a pitch competition with thousands of dollars in non-dilutive funds up for grabs.

RecruitMilitary and DAV have held 23 events in Joint Base Lewis McChord, drawing 4,763 attendees and 1,065 exhibitors. There have been 31 events held in Seattle, drawing 8,441 attendees and 1,150 exhibitors. RecruitMilitary has held 48 events in Western Virtual Region, drawing 10,737 attendees and 833 exhibitors. Career fairs are also held at U.S. Naval bases throughout the Pacific Northwest. Regional and National Virtual Career Fairs for Veterans are held online at https://my.recruitmilitary.com/. RecruitMilitary has held 47 events in National Virtual Region, drawing 46,186 attendees and 3,235 exhibitors. These patriotic companies are searching for veterans and spouses to fill their ranks.

In 2025, VA Puget Sound Health Care System announced the official opening of its new VA Puget Sound Clinic in Oak Harbor, developed in collaboration with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island and Naval Health Clinic Oak Harbor. This partnership, a first-of-its-kind for the VA and DoD in Washington State, marks a significant milestone in enhancing health care access for Veterans in one of western Washington’s most geographically challenging island communities. 

Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) steams through the Puget Sound following a three month underway towards its new homeport, Naval Base Kitsap, Washington, Aug. 13, 2024. After nine years as the U.S. Navy’s only forward-deployed flagship aircraft carrier, Ronald Reagan shifted into the 3rd Fleet area of operations to undergo a routine maintenance period in Bremerton. Ronald Reagan provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, and supports alliances, partnerships and collective maritime interests in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Heather C. Wamsley)

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 resources provide detailed information about VA health care: www.va.gov/health-care/ and toll-free at 877-222-VETS (877-222-8387), Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET., or 1-800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411), option 2.

Basic Eligibility: A person who served in the active military, naval, space or air service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable, including qualifying Reserve and National Guard members, may qualify for VA health care benefits.

Minimum Duty Requirements: Veterans who enlisted after September 7, 1980, or who entered active duty after October 16, 1981, must have served 24-continuous months or the full period for which they were called to active duty to be eligible. This minimum duty requirement may not apply to Veterans discharged for hardship, early out or a disability incurred or aggravated in the line of duty, or those accessing care under certain special treatment authorities, such as treatment related to military sexual trauma (MST).

Returning Service members: Veterans who served in a theater of operations after November 11, 2001, are eligible for an extended period of eligibility for health care for ten years after their discharge. In the case of multiple call-ups, the ten-year enrollment period begins on the most recent discharge date. This special eligibility includes cost-free health care services and nursing home care for conditions possibly related to military service and enrollment in priority group 6 or higher for ten years from their date of discharge or release from active duty, unless they are eligible for enrollment in a higher priority group.

The following four categories of Veterans are not required to enroll but are urged to do so to permit better planning of health resources:

1. Veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 50% or more.
2. 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.
3. Veterans seeking care for a service-connected disability only, or under a special treatment authority.
4. 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). Use the chart below to help determine your eligibility.

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.

The seal of the Department of Veterans Affairs authenticates the 2025 edition of Federal Benefits for Veterans, Dependents Survivors and Caregivers as the official summary of benefits that have been separately promulgated under Federal regulations established under Register Act. Under the provisions of 38 Code of Federal Regulations 1.9(f), it is prohibited to use the official seal, replicas, reproductions, or embossed seals of the Department of Veterans Affairs on any republication of this material without the express, written permission of the Secretary or Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Any person using official seals and logos of the Department of Veterans Affairs in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of 38 Code of Federal Regulations 1.9 may be subject to the penalties specified in 18 United States Code 506, 701, or 1017 as applicable.

Community Care (Mission Act)

The MISSION Act became law in 2018, bringing the VA’s previous Veterans Choice Program to an end and establishing the Community Care Program. VA provides health care for Veterans from providers in your local community outside of VA. Veterans may be eligible to receive care from a community provider when VA cannot provide the care needed. This care is provided on behalf of and paid for by VA. Community care is also available to Veterans based on certain conditions and eligibility requirements, and in consideration of a Veteran’s specific needs and circumstances. VA offers urgent care services to eligible Veterans at in-network urgent care clinics to treat minor injuries and illnesses that are not life-threatening, such as colds, strep throat, sprained muscles, and skin and ear infections. Community care must be first authorized by VA before a Veteran can receive care from a community provider. Veterans, their representatives, and in-network community providers should report instances of a Veteran presenting to a community emergency room to VA within 72 hours of the start of emergent care. Out-of-network providers are encouraged to notify VA as soon as possible. PHONE: 844-724-7842 (844-72HRVHA) IMPORTANT: Failure to notify VA of care rendered through an in-network community facility in a timely manner prevents VA from authorizing the emergency care, and prevents claims and payments from being made through one of VA’s third-party administrators.

VA Vet Centers

Vet Centers 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 Corp, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. 1-877-927-8387 is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as families members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.

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. VCS is proud to offer Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare, their families and VA employees exclusive shopping benefits online through Patriot Store Direct. Product categories range from Military Caps and apparel, Outdoors, Electronics, Automotive tires (Goodyear, Bridgestone, Firestone, and Fuzion), Tickets and Travel, Vision (Glasses and Contact Lenses), Home and Kitchen, Floral, Toys, Gifts, Watches, and more. 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 OEF/OIF/OND Veterans, disaster relief efforts, Substance Abuse Cessation, VA’s Homelessness initiatives, Women Veterans, Veteran Suicide Prevention and other activities.

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. The vans are driven by volunteers, and the rides coordinated by more than 133 Hospital Service Coordinators around the country. Our nation’s heroes travel around the globe to protect our freedoms—it’s only right that we return their dedication. Volunteering to drive a Vet ensures that even those living remotely from VA hospitals can make their appointments and never go without the treatment they need. Please remember that the DAV Transportation Network is staffed by volunteers; therefore, it is unable to cover every community. Learn more about the DAV transportation network through the NewsFlash Resources section.

Since the program’s inception in 1987, DAV departments and chapters have donated 4,183 vehicles and Ford Motor Co. has donated 274 vehicles at a cost of more than $104 million. Ford’s support for DAV spans nearly 100 years. The relationship began when Henry Ford provided Model Ts so DAV members could attend their annual convention. Today, Ford continues to provide funding and vehicle donations to help transport veterans to their medical appointments.

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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