RALEIGH-- Dozens of military veterans gather at the new Raleigh Vet Center Wednesday for a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Vietnam veteran Jim Vanderbeck watched as the colors were presented, and those in attendance joined in signing of our national anthem. Vanderbeck said the center helped him more than a decade ago after being diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
He said the resource saved his life.
"My life was really coming apart I think it's fair to say and it helped me get back on the right track,” said Vanderbeck.
The new 4,500 square foot facility, located at Ellstree Lane in Raleigh, aims to serve vets and their families from the triangle and beyond. The center has nine employees and offers free treatment for PTSD, couples counseling, family counseling, and marriage therapy.
"We're honored to serve the veterans that have served this country and people who have sacrificed so much for us. That is our job. Our number one job is to provide the highest quality care that we can,” said Clinical Psychologist Greg Inman.
Veteran Pamela Thomas says the Center has helped her open up about her experiences from active duty and her transition to civilian life.
"Knowing that I can have that forum, and that relationship that I can go to on a regular basis, a weekly basis, and not be afraid, and not be ashamed, and get some answers that I didn't have, has tremendously lifted a very heavy load,” said Thomas.
The vet center currently has 300 regular patients and hopes to serve as many as 600 per year. The Raleigh Vet Center offers services to veterans as well as current military service members.
For more information, on the center’s services, call 919-856-4616.