Ron Porzio: A New Veterans Administration

Mental Health Facility

Ronald Porzio has nearly 20 years of experience in health care and patient advocacy.

He opened Ron Porzio Consulting to provide services for veterans and active military

members.

Earlier this month, a new Veterans Administration (VA) mental health facility opened in Bay Shore, New York. The Unified Behavioral Health Center for Military

Veterans and Their Families sets a precedent for mental health services provided by the VA

because it is all inclusive. The center is split into two divisions: on one side, veterans are treated

by a VA psychiatry team, and on the other, families of veterans receive counseling at no

extra charge.

This approach represents a shift in care philosophy. That is, the United Behavioral

Health Center understands that mental health issues experienced by veterans affect the family

as a whole, not just one of its members. The center was made possible by private donations

from individuals as well as grants from the community.