A retired Army sergeant has come forward to share his ordeal with the Department of Veterans Affairs after posting an emotional TikTok video expressing frustration with the lack of continuity of care.
Joe Cantasano revealed that the VA has failed him over the past few years, specifically in his quest for consistent mental health care providers.
In a video posted on May 17, he exclaimed, “What the f–k? These doctors keep quitting. They keep switching.”
Watch the original TikTok that Cantasano posted below:
@averagefloridaman Reposting the original video.. i have posted and update, please be sure to watch that, i knew that by sharing my all to common story and allowing myself to be vulnerable in front of the world that i might light a fire of change. Now we have national attention on this epidemic. 🙌🏼 #Vet #veteran #mentalhealth #veteransoftiktok #veteransaffairs #vets ♬ original sound – AverageFloridaMan
Cantasano explained that there had been a breakdown in communication; he was informed that he could no longer see the doctor who had been helping him address his problems. He lamented the prospect of starting new with another doctor and going through the arduous process of discussing his struggles once again.
His primary desire was to receive uninterrupted continuity of care.
Speaking to “Lawrence Jones Cross Country,” the Veteran emphasized that it can take weeks, and sometimes even for months, for individuals to secure an appointment with a mental health provider.
Cantasano shed light on the challenges faced by Veterans who seek mental health care outside of the VA system.
In his case, he explained that after multiple provider changes within a 15-month period, he decided to pursue treatment from a stable mental health professional in his community.
However, the process involved making an appointment with his primary care provider, which could take two to three weeks or even longer, depending on the VA’s workload.
Subsequently, he would be referred to community care, which could take an additional two weeks before contact is made. Following that, the referral would be sent to the prospective clinic, and he would have to wait for acceptance, file review, onboarding, and appointment scheduling, potentially adding up to several more weeks.
Cantasano later shared an updated TikTok video, stating that the employee responsible for the miscommunication had been terminated.
He believed that his case had slipped through the cracks due to the negligence of the now-departed employee, affecting his desired physician.
In the same interview with Lawrence Jones, Cantasano went on to express his hope that his video would assist other Veterans facing similar circumstances.
He acknowledged that his objective was to initiate a conversation and facilitate positive change.
Cantasano recognized that his experience was not unique and countless Veterans encounter situations where they are informed they can no longer see their primary mental health care provider or are no longer authorized to continue treatment with that individual.
By shedding light on these issues, he aimed to prompt action and ensure that Veterans receive the care they deserve.
