EUGENE, Ore. — Veterans seeking mental health care at the old federal building in downtown Eugene will no longer have in-person appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays due to ongoing protests, according to local veterans.
Air Force veteran Tyler Mikkelsen expressed frustration over the change. “We’re talking about mental health for veterans, and you’re telling us we have to go to video calls and phone calls because people want to protest,” he said. “The VA has to provide services, but this isn’t enough.”
While the Veterans Affairs (VA) office is offering virtual alternatives, many veterans stress that face-to-face appointments are essential. “For me, face-to-face is the way to go,” Mikkelsen said. “It helps me focus and be present with my therapist.”…