North Texas

Free Veterans Clinic Is First of Its Kind in DFW

Beginning Wednesday, military veterans and their loved ones can seek free counseling and related services at a first-of-its-kind clinic in North Texas.

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare in Addison "provides personalized, confidential and evidence-based mental health care to veterans and their families at no cost," according to its documents.

"Going from a war zone in service time to civilian life, these are very different things," Metrocare Services CEO Dr. John Burruss said. "It's very hard on the families."

Services are available to any person who has served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserves, regardless of role or discharge status, and their family members.

"They all can get help when they need it. they all can get help in transition and get help when they have an actual diagnosable condition that we can really help them with," Burruss said. "We want to help all the veterans."

The staff at the clinic, named on behalf of billionaire hedge fund manager Steven A. Cohen, aims to supplement the work being done by the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to Burruss.

According to clinic staff, the primary focus of the clinic is on soldiers who have served in post-9/11 conflicts.

There are two other Cohen Clinics in the United States -- in New York and in San Antonio -- and the plan is to open many more in the near future.

Jonathan Hill, the Outreach Director of the Addison clinic, served several years in the military. He told NBC DFW that he personally struggled with finding new purpose during the transition to civilian life. Working with other veterans, however, brought him joy.

"I enjoyed it so much. I embraced them like they're my own family and I love them dearly," he said. "I will continue to do that. It's my calling."

Online: Cohen Veterans Network

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