New behavioral health center for veterans dedicated

Spokane’s Veterans Affairs Medical Center dedicated its new 18,000-square-foot behavioral health center on Friday.

The new facility on four floors will provide better quarters for helping veterans with mental health, addiction and social-service needs.

Dr. Linda Reynolds, medical center director, said she is convinced that she and her staff can “make a significant impact in the lives of our veterans” at the new facility at 4815 N. Assembly St.

The $6.5 million building on the north side of the main hospital was dedicated in a ceremony attended by veterans, staff members and community leaders.

“You don’t have to be a patient or staff to recognize the significance of this new facility,” said Bret Bowers, spokesman for the medical center.

Nearly 7,000 veterans in the Inland Northwest are taking advantage of the behavioral health services.

The new building has group treatment areas and office spaces for one-on-one counseling.

“It’s open and spacious and just more conducive” to treatment, Reynolds said.

The treatment centers on a multidisciplinary approach headed by a primary therapist or prescribing physician.

Treatment teams consult on the best approaches to each veteran’s needs. One of the teams specializes in caring for post-traumatic stress disorder.

The facility has a neuropsychology clinic for brain injuries or other cognitive deficits. Its program for homeless veterans is nationally recognized, staff said.