The New London VA Vets Clinic (CBOC) used to have a group therapy session nearly every Friday morning for many years with a PhD psychologist. Not anymore! The therapist was transferred to the West Haven VA Medical Center last August, and the group was eliminated. In light of the fact that a veteran commits suicide about every 90 minutes, I find it to be insensitive and irresponsible on the part of VA executives to cancel the group. Furthermore, the best the Vets Clinic can offer as a 'replacement' to group therapy is the local "TVCCA Veterans Coffeehouse." A TVCCA Veterans Coffeehouse is not an alternative to group therapy.

I was contacted by the therapist three weeks ago, and informed that he was trying to get the group reestablished in a week or so. I haven't heard anything since. I hav crossed paths with a few other veterans that miss the group and found it to be very helpful in their lives. I hope the VA administrators and elected officials will consider reinstating the group etherapy sessions.

Bill Simpson

Groton