Mental health care
Our comprehensive behavioral health program provides in patient and outpatient services, including telehealth appointments. Learn more about our free emergency care for suicidal treatment at any VA or non-VA facility and our Veteran Crisis Line. Find a Vet Center near you. Browse our mental health wellness self-care mobile apps. For rural Veterans, learn more about our Digital Divide Consult to help you get the technology you need to customize your telehealth mental health needs. Also free transportation options to your VA appointments specific to your geographic area.
Emergency Suicide Care and Treatment
Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any health care facility, at VA or any non-VA facility in your community, for emergency health care–including ambulance transportation and related prescriptions–inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and crisis-related outpatient care for up to 90 days at no out-of-pocket cost.
If you are a Veteran in crisis, VA is here for you and wants to encourage you to seek care. We at VA want all Veterans and former service members to know that they can get the emergency suicide care they need, when they need it, no matter where they are AND may be eligible for these service at no cost.
How do I talk to someone right now?
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:
- Call 988 and select 1.
- Start a confidential chat.
- Text 838255.
- For TTY, call 711 then 988.
You can also:
- Call 911.
- Go to the nearest emergency room.
- Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn’t matter what your discharge status is or if you’re enrolled in VA health care.
Find your nearest VA medical center
Walk-in Services for Veterans
If you live in the Albuquerque Metro area:
If you are new to VA, from another state, and not enrolled at the New Mexico VA Health Care System and want to receive mental health care locally, you can come in as a walk-in to our Beacon Clinic:
Raymond G. Murphy Medical Center
Beacon Clinic (Mental Health Walk-in/Urgent Care Clinic)
1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Google Maps
Bldg. 41, 1st Floor, A Wing (near Emergency Department)
Map of New Mexico VA campus
Phone: 505-265-1711, ext. 2184
Hours: M-F, 8-4 p.m. (MT)
If you live outside the Albuquerque metro area:
All our VA Clinics throughout New Mexico and Southern Colorado offer telehealth mental health services, but not all VA Clinics have a mental health professional on site.
You can enroll online or via phone anytime or in person at all our VA facilities. Once enrolled into VA New Mexico network, you will be connected to care close to you through one of our Community Based Outpatient Clinic (VA Clinic)
Walk-in Services for Established Mental Health Patients
Established patients are Veterans who have been seen within the past two years. Whether you are a walk-in or have a referral from another VA provider, one of our counselors will see you the same day.
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
Mental Health Clinic
Building 1, 1st Floor lobby
Map of New Mexico VA campus
Phone: 505-265-1711, ext. 2150
Hours: M-F, 8-4 p.m. (MT)
If you live outside the Albuquerque metro area:
If you would like to request mental health services, you can be seen in person at your VA Clinic or through telehealth services.
Walk-in Services for Substance Abuse Patients
Same-day help is available through the Walk-in Clinic. Call our Behavioral Health Appointment Line or Behavioral Health ext. 2440.
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
Mental Health Clinic
Building 1, 3rd Floor lobby
Map of New Mexico VA campus
Phone: 505-265-1711, ext. 2150
Hours: M-F, 8-4 p.m. (MT)
If you live outside the Albuquerque metro area:
If you would like to request mental health services, you can be seen in person at your VA Clinic or through telehealth services.
Mental Health Care We Provide at VA New Mexico
Our Mental Health Department offers both inpatient and outpatient services in-person, telehealth and virtually. We provide consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a variety of issues impacting emotional well-being. Our services include:
- Military Sexual Trauma
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Substance Abuse (Alcohol and Drug Treatment)
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Services for Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless
- Treatment for addictive disorders, including residential rehabilitation treatment programs
- Transition and care management for returning Veterans (OIF/OEF/OND)
Confidentiality
Mental health services are confidential. We will not talk to anyone about information you share unless you give written consent. Under federal law, a few exceptions to this rule exist. If you have questions, please ask your mental health provider.
Mental Wellness and Self Care (VA Mobile Apps)
VA Mobile App Store puts health care into your hands. Explore the tools specific to Alcohol, Drug, and Tobacco Use, Anger and Irritability, Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, PTSD, Depression and Mood, Mindfulness, Resilience, Goal Setting, Relationships, Sleep and Insomnia.
Vet Centers
Proudly servicing all 50 states, there are Vet Centers apart from VA New Mexico mental health that offer confidential support for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a relaxed, non-medical setting, including:
- Couples and family counseling
- Grief and bereavement counseling
- LGBTQ+ Veteran care
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, and queer/questioning identities
- Mental health care
- Military sexual trauma care
- PTSD care
- Returning service member care
All services are strictly confidential. They can also connect you with more support in VA and your community.
Find a Vet Center location by zip code.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I need immediate emergency mental health care?
Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any health care facility, at VA or in the community, for emergency health care–including ambulance transportation and related prescriptions–inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30-days and crisis-related outpatient care for up to 90 days at no out-of-pocket cost.
During a medical or mental health emergency, you should immediately seek care at the nearest emergency department and let staff know you are a Veteran. If you believe your life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away. If possible, you should also take steps to safely store personally owned weapons or ask a trusted individual to assist with securing them, when you believe you are in a mental health crisis.
Emergencies are never planned. Ensure you and your family member know where to go before you need help. Find your nearest community emergency room, urgent care facility or pharmacy using our VA Facility Locator.
How do I start to receive Mental Health services?
We have a variety of options for Veterans seeking mental health services
Emergency Suicide Care and Treatment
Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any health care facility, at VA or in the community, for emergency health care – including ambulance transportation and related prescriptions–inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30 days and crisis-related outpatient care for up to 90 days at no out-of-pocket cost.
Anytime/Anywhere
Veterans, families, and caregivers can call our Veterans Crisis Line at 988, press 1 for free, private help anytime 24/7. Their team can help you with local suicide prevention coordinators can connect you with ongoing counseling and services.
Walk-In Mental Health Care
If you are new to VA, not enrolled, from another state and are not established at the New Mexico VA Health Care System and want to receive mental health care locally, you can come in as a walk-in to our Beacon Clinic.
Raymond G. Murphy Medical Center
Beacon Clinic (Mental Health Walk-in/Urgent Care Clinic)
1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108 Google Maps
Bldg. 41, 1st Floor, A Wing (near Emergency Department)
Map of New Mexico VA campus
Phone: 505-265-1711, ext. 2184
Hours: M-F, 8-4 p.m. (MT)
If you are an established Veteran receiving mental health services, walk-in at:
Raymond G. Murphy VA Medical Center
Mental Health Clinic
Building 1, First floor
Map of New Mexico VA campus
Phone: 505-265-1711, ext. 2150
Hours: M-F, 8-4 p.m. (MT)
If you have not been seen by our mental health department in the past 2 years, call our Beacon Clinic at 505-265-1711 x2184 to determine who your assigned nurse is, and to reassess your mental health care needs.
How do I schedule, reschedule or cancel my mental health appointment online?
If you are enrolled in VA health care, you can schedule or cancel a VA appointment Online. Mental health appointment scheduling is available on VA.gov and Myhealth.va.gov.
First,
- Make sure you have a DS Login, My HealtheVet registered or Login.gov account.
- Login/register online at myhealth.va.gov, then
- Select Get Care or Messages and then click Appointments tab.
You can also send a secure message to your provider through My HealtheVet by clicking on Message tab. Compose a new message using the label ABQ PRIMARY CARE MENTAL HEALTH. Allow their team a few business days to get back with you.
Or you call 505-265-1711, ext. 2150 to request a new date and time, if you are having issues logging in.
Can I access telehealth appointments for mental health?
Absolutely. Telehealth technologies are available to you at home, all our VA Clinics, and at Raymond G. Murphy Medical Center.
Rural Veterans
Veterans who live in a rural area with limited to no internet services or technology are encouraged to check with your primary care provider regarding the Digital Divide Consult. Through the Digital Divide Consult process, your VA provider can refer you to a VA social worker. The social worker can determine whether you are eligible for programs that can help you get the internet service or technology needed for VA telehealth.
How can I get mental health service if I do not live in commuting distance to a VA?
All our VA facilities offer telehealth services, free transportation options and reimbursement of your travel-related expenses.
If you live in a rural area with limited to no internet services or technology, check with your primary care provider regarding the Digital Divide Consult. Through the Digital Divide Consult process, your VA provider can refer you to a VA social worker who can determine whether you are eligible for programs that can help you get the internet service or technology needed for VA telehealth.
If you prefer be seen in person for mental health services, there are five potential transportation options for Veterans needing a ride to and from their scheduled VA appointments free of charge to all our VA facilities. Just contact them to see if they are available your area and also plan at least three days in advance of your appointment.
How do I request specific group therapy (anger management, substance abuse, PTSD, or other groups)?
A consult needs to be placed either by the Behavioral Health Intake or by our Primary Care Mental Health Integration. Start by contacting your mental health care provider.
I am concerned about my Veteran who needs help but is refusing to come be seen in mental health. What can I do?
Emergencies are never planned.
The VA cannot force a Veteran to receive care, but you can encourage them to seek help or get advice by calling the Veteran Crisis Line at 988 or seek alternative mental health services.
Please call our Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 then press 1, chat online, or text 838255. Veterans and their families have 24-hour access to trained professionals. Your Veteran does not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Any Veteran in suicidal crisis can go to any health care facility, at VA or in the community, for emergency health care–including ambulance transportation and related prescriptions–inpatient or crisis residential care for up to 30-days and crisis-related outpatient care for up to 90-days at no out-of-pocket cost.
We encourage Veterans in a medical or mental health emergency to seek immediate care at the nearest emergency room and let staff know they're a Veteran. We tell Veterans if they believe their life or health is in danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. And if possible, they should also take steps to safely store personally owned weapons or ask a trusted individual, if you, to assist with securing them, when they believe they're in a mental health crisis.
Family and friends can also contact Coaching Into Care at 1-
A great alternative is to let your Veteran know about counseling at Vet Centers that are separate and private to any VA Health care system.
How do I change my mental health provider?
To change your mental health therapist or psychiatrist provider, click on the following Change in Provider Form.
Submitting your form
To better suit your mental health care needs, please select one of the following options to submit your form.
To drop of your request in person
Travel to our Raymond G Murphy Medical Center, Building 1, 1st floor and speak to the mental health receptionist desk to drop off your form.
If you live outside the metro area, drop off your form to your local VA Clinic.
To send online
Save this form to your device. Login to your www.myhealth.va.gov account. Under the menu tab, click on Secure Messaging and then click Compose Message.
Make sure to select the drop down menu topic: ABQ PRIMARY CARE MENTAL HEALTH % to route it to the mental health team.
To mail your form
Print off your form and mail your form to
Raymond G. Murphy Medical Center
Mental Health Primary Care Clinic
1501 San Pedro Drive SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
What is My HealtheVet?
My HealtheVet is VA’s private and secure online Personal Health Record (PHR) for Veterans, active duty service members, their dependents and caregivers. Its online resources and tools offer you greater control over your care and wellness.
My HealtheVet provides you with trusted health information 24/7.
Having this information at your fingertips can help you make informed decisions about your overall health and wellness.