Veterans, military families and caregivers in Asheville and Western North Carolina can find health care support through the VA, local clinics, mental health programs, caregiver services and community organizations that help connect veterans with care.
This guide is designed as a starting point. Services, eligibility, hours and appointment requirements can change, so call ahead or visit each organization’s website before going.
Start here
The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 for veterans, service members and their loved ones. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to contact the line.
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Western North Carolina VA Health Care System
The Western North Carolina VA Health Care System serves veterans across the region through the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville and VA health clinics in Western North Carolina.
Veterans can use VA health care for primary care, specialty care, mental health care, pharmacy services, telehealth, caregiver support, women veteran care and other health services.
Charles George VA Medical Center
Charles George VA Medical Center
1100 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Main phone: 828-298-7911
VA Health Connect: 855-679-0074
Mental health care: 828-299-2519
The Charles George VA Medical Center is the main VA medical facility serving veterans in the Asheville area. The medical center offers VA health services including primary care, specialty care, mental health care, emergency care, pharmacy services and support programs for veterans and caregivers.
VA Health Connect
VA Health Connect provides 24/7 phone support for veterans enrolled in the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System.
Phone: 855-679-0074
Veterans can call VA Health Connect for help with administrative support, nurse triage, pharmacy questions, virtual visits, VA Video Connect, VA Health Chat and other care-related needs.
This can be a helpful first call for veterans who are unsure where to start, need help after regular office hours or have questions about VA care.
Applying for VA health care
Veterans who are not already enrolled can apply for VA health care online, by phone, by mail or in person.
Start here: How to apply for VA health care
VA health care application phone line: 877-222-8387
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. ET
Veterans who need help understanding eligibility or gathering paperwork may also contact their county Veterans Service Office.
Mental health care for veterans
Veterans in Asheville and Western North Carolina can contact VA Asheville mental health services for support with PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, anger, trauma, substance use concerns, relationship issues, readjustment and other mental health needs.
VA Asheville mental health care
Mental health care: 828-299-2519
Same-day mental health care may be available for veterans who need help right away. Veterans may be able to receive some mental health services even if they are not enrolled in VA health care.
Walk-in or urgent mental health care
For urgent mental health needs, veterans may contact the Charles George VA Medical Center or go to the VA medical center for evaluation.
VA Asheville appointments and walk-in mental health care
Charles George VA Medical Center
1100 Tunnel Road
Asheville, NC 28805
Mental health care: 828-299-2519
Main phone: 828-298-7911
For immediate danger or a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
Vet Centers and readjustment counseling
VA Vet Centers offer confidential counseling and support for eligible veterans, service members and families in a community-based setting.
Vet Centers may help with individual counseling, group counseling, marriage and family counseling, military sexual trauma counseling, bereavement counseling, transition support and referrals to VA or community services.
Vet Center Call Center: 877-927-8387
The Vet Center Call Center is available 24/7 for veterans, service members and families who want to talk with someone about military experience, transition after service or trauma.
Telehealth and VA Video Connect
Veterans who live in rural areas, have transportation challenges or prefer virtual appointments may be able to use telehealth for some VA care.
VA Video Connect allows veterans and caregivers to meet with VA health care providers by secure video from a computer, tablet or mobile device with internet access.
Veterans can ask their VA care team or call VA Health Connect at 855-679-0074 to ask whether virtual care is available for their needs.
Caregiver support
Family members, friends and others who care for veterans may be able to receive support through VA caregiver programs.
VA Asheville caregiver support
Caregiver support may include education, counseling, respite care, training, help navigating VA programs and other resources.
VA Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274
VA Caregiver Support Program
Caregivers should ask what support may be available based on the veteran’s needs, service history and eligibility.
Health and disability benefits for family members and caregivers
Some family members and caregivers may qualify for VA benefits or support, depending on eligibility.
Start here: VA family and caregiver health and disability benefits
Possible benefits may include caregiver support, health care coverage, counseling, respite care, training or other services for eligible families and caregivers.
Women veteran care
Women veterans can contact VA Asheville for care coordination and support through women veteran health services.
VA Asheville women veteran care
Services may include primary care, gynecology, maternity-related care coordination, mental health support and help connecting with VA services.
Returning service member care
Veterans returning from military service, active-duty service members and activated National Guard or Reserve members may be able to get help starting VA care and adjusting to civilian life.
VA Asheville returning service member care
Support may include care coordination, mental health services, rehabilitation, family benefits counseling, referrals and help understanding VA health care options.
Long-term care and skilled nursing
N.C. State Veterans Home, Black Mountain
N.C. State Veterans Home, Black Mountain
62 Lake Eden Road
Black Mountain, NC 28711
The Black Mountain N.C. State Veterans Home provides skilled nursing care for eligible veterans. Services may include 24-hour nursing, rehabilitation, therapy, medication management, memory care, family support and other long-term care services.
Families and caregivers should contact the home directly to ask about eligibility, availability, admission requirements and costs.
Community support and care navigation
Some veterans and families need help finding the right starting point. These organizations may help connect veterans with health care, mental health support, housing, employment and other services.
Veterans Services of the Carolinas
Veterans Services of the Carolinas provides assistance for veterans, service members and families, including help connected to housing, employment, health care and community reintegration.
This may be a useful starting point for veterans or caregivers who are trying to navigate several needs at once.
Veterans Bridge Home
Veterans Bridge Home connects service members, veterans and families with resources across North and South Carolina, including support related to mental health, wellness, VA benefits, health care, housing, employment and community connection.
Before you call or visit
When possible, have these items ready:
- Photo ID
- VA ID card, if available
- DD214 or discharge paperwork, if available
- Current medications
- Insurance information, if applicable
- VA claim or decision letters, if applicable
- Medical records related to the concern
- Contact information for caregivers or family members involved in care
Do not delay emergency care while looking for paperwork. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Explore the Veterans Guide
The 828newsNOW Veterans Guide includes local and regional resources for veterans, military families and caregivers in Asheville and Western North Carolina.