The fastest way to find a VA facility is the official locator at va.gov/find-locations. Enter your ZIP code, choose the type of facility, and it lists every location near you with the address, phone number, services, and hours. Prefer the phone? Call the VA at 800-827-1000 and a representative will look it up with you.
How to use the VA facility locator
- Go to va.gov/find-locations. It works on any phone or computer — no login needed.
- Enter your location. City, address, or ZIP code, or tap “use my location.”
- Choose a facility type. Health, Vet Centers, benefits offices, or cemeteries.
- Filter by service and distance. Primary care, mental health, urgent care, women’s health, and dozens more.
- Pick a facility and call ahead. Results show hours, services, and directions. A quick call confirms they can see you.
The VA Health and Benefits mobile app (iOS and Android) has the same lookup with one-tap calling and GPS directions.
Types of VA facilities — and which one you need
VA medical centers (VAMCs)
Medical centers are the VA’s full-service hospitals. They offer primary care, specialty care like cardiology and orthopedics, surgery, inpatient beds, imaging and labs, pharmacies, and emergency rooms — most open 24/7. Go to a medical center when you need specialty care, surgery, extensive testing, or emergency treatment.
Community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs)
These smaller clinics bring VA care closer to home, especially in rural areas. They handle routine primary care, mental health counseling, prescription management, screenings, and telehealth. They do not have emergency rooms — for an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.
Vet Centers
Vet Centers provide free, confidential counseling for combat veterans, survivors of military sexual trauma, and their families — readjustment help, grief counseling, and more. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care, records stay separate from your VA medical file, and many offer evening hours. Call 877-927-8387 to find the nearest one. Mobile Vet Centers — counseling offices on wheels — also visit rural and underserved areas.
VA pharmacies
Every medical center and most clinics have a pharmacy that fills prescriptions written by your VA provider. Refills are easiest by mail: order through the My HealtheVet portal at myhealth.va.gov and medications ship to your door.
VA regional offices
Regional offices handle benefits, not health care — disability claims, pensions, home loan certificates, and education benefits. If your question is about a claim rather than an appointment, a free accredited representative can help too — here is how to find one.
VA phone directory
Tap any number to call.
| What you need | Number |
|---|---|
| VA general information & facility lookup | 800-827-1000 |
| VA health care benefits & enrollment | 877-222-8387 |
| Vet Centers (counseling) | 877-927-8387 |
| Veterans Crisis Line — 24/7 | 988, then press 1 (or text 838255) |
More crisis options are on our crisis resources page.
What to bring to your first visit
- Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, or passport
- DD-214 discharge papers, if this is your first VA visit
- Insurance cards — Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance
- A list of current medications with doses
- Recent medical records or test results from non-VA providers, if you have them
Arrive 15–30 minutes early to check in. Not enrolled yet? Read how to apply for VA health care first — you can even enroll in person at the facility.
If there is no VA facility near you
Distance does not cut you off from care. Depending on how far you live from VA facilities and how long the wait is, you may qualify for community care — treatment from a local non-VA provider that the VA authorizes and pays for directly. Telehealth covers many appointments by video or phone, including mental health — see our mental health guide. Travel reimbursement may also be available for qualifying trips. Call 877-222-8387 to ask what applies to you.
Two more benefits worth five minutes
While you are sorting out care, check whether you are leaving money on the table. Our VA disability pay rates guide shows what each rating is worth in 2026 and how to file if you never have — many veterans getting VA care qualify and do not know it. And our verified veteran discounts list covers 100+ businesses that honor your service year-round, no membership required.
Common questions
Can I go to any VA facility, or only my assigned one?
You can receive care at any VA facility nationwide. You are usually assigned a primary facility near your home, but if you travel or move you can be seen elsewhere and can ask the enrollment coordinator at a new facility to make it your primary one. Your records transfer electronically.
What if there is no VA facility near me?
You have options: community care at a local non-VA provider paid by the VA, telehealth appointments by video or phone, and travel reimbursement for qualifying trips to VA appointments. Call the VA health benefits line at 877-222-8387 to talk through choices for rural veterans.
Can I get emergency care at a VA hospital if I am not enrolled?
VA emergency departments treat based on medical urgency, not enrollment status. In a true emergency, go to the nearest ER — VA or civilian — or call 911. If you are a veteran, say so and the VA facility will stabilize you; you can sort out enrollment afterward.
Do all VA facilities offer the same services?
No. Medical centers offer the most, including emergency and specialty care. Community clinics handle primary care, mental health, and basic services. Vet Centers offer counseling only. The facility locator at va.gov/find-locations lists the exact services at each location.
How do I find out appointment wait times?
The VA facility locator shows average wait times for primary care, specialty care, and mental health at each health facility. You can also call the facility directly and ask about current availability, or request expedited care if your need is urgent.