270-310-9200 | Emerald Therapy Center is now Lumera Healthcare
Lumera Healthcare provides veteran-focused therapy in Kentucky with providers who understand the challenges that come with military service. We accept VA referrals for PTSD and substance use disorder, with a primary focus on therapy services for our local veterans.
It’s worth knowing that the VA will also pay for psychiatry and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) services when requested – options we can discuss with you when we connect.
Veterans have the right to choose their own behavioral health provider in Kentucky. While the VA offers mental health services, you can select independent therapists and treatment centers for your care. You simply need a referral letter from the VA to access services at Lumera Healthcare.
Many veterans prefer working with private providers for several reasons:
Whether you’re seeking voluntary treatment or working through a personal challenge, you control where you receive care. At Lumera Healthcare, we work directly with the VA referral system to make this process straightforward for Kentucky veterans.
Lumera Healthcare accepts VA referrals for behavioral health services. Veterans can use their VA benefits to receive treatment at our Kentucky facilities once they obtain a referral letter from their VA healthcare team.
The VA Community Care program allows veterans to access mental health services from private providers when VA facilities cannot provide timely care, or when the veteran prefers a community provider. Behavioral health is one of the services covered under this program.
Getting a VA referral for mental health services at Lumera Healthcare involves a few steps:
Step 1: Contact Your VA Healthcare Team
Call your local VA medical center or speak with your VA primary care provider. Let them know you want to receive behavioral health services from a community provider. You don’t need to be currently enrolled in VA mental health services to request this.
Step 2: Request Community Care
Tell your VA team you want a referral to Lumera Healthcare for mental health treatment. The VA will review your request and confirm your eligibility for community care. This review typically takes up to 5-7 days.
Step 3: Receive Your Referral Authorization
The VA will send your authorization letter and referral directly to Lumera Healthcare, and we’ll reach out to schedule your services.
Veterans in Kentucky can reach the Lexington VA Health Care System at 859-233-4511 or the Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville at 502-287-4000 for assistance with referrals.
Lumera Healthcare specializes in behavioral health services for veterans dealing with service-related mental health challenges. Our Kentucky facilities provide treatment for PTSD, substance use disorders, and co-occurring conditions that many veterans face after military service.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is common among veterans, particularly those who experienced combat, military sexual trauma, or other traumatic events during service. Our PTSD treatment includes evidence-based therapies specifically validated for trauma recovery.
We use approaches like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and trauma-focused interventions that help you process difficult experiences and develop coping strategies. Treatment is tailored to your specific experiences and comfort level, whether you’re dealing with recent trauma or issues that go back years.
Veterans face higher rates of substance use disorders than the general population, often connected to untreated PTSD, chronic pain, or difficulties adjusting to life after service. Lumera Healthcare provides addiction treatment that addresses both the substance use and the underlying mental health conditions.
Our dual diagnosis approach treats co-occurring disorders at the same time. That means we don’t focus only on sobriety – we also work on the trauma, depression, anxiety, or other issues that contribute to substance misuse. This integrated approach leads to better long-term outcomes.
Beginning in March 2026, Lumera Healthcare will offer a Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) Trauma Group specifically designed for veterans. This group uses the Winning the Invisible War curriculum, a structured program developed to address the unique psychological wounds that often come with military service.
MRT is a cognitive-behavioral approach that has strong research support, and this veteran-specific group creates a space where those who’ve served can work through trauma alongside others who share that experience. If you’re interested in this group, reach out to us and we’ll make sure you’re notified when registration opens.
Beginning ketamine therapy requires a psychiatric evaluation to confirm treatment-resistant depression and determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
We know that when a veteran is struggling, the whole family feels it. That’s why Lumera Healthcare offers behavioral health services not just for veterans, but for their family members too. Spouses, children, and parents of veterans often carry burdens of their own – and they deserve support as well.
We offer therapy and psychiatry services to all Kentucky residents. VA benefits cover mental health therapy and IOP services for veterans; family members can access services through their own insurance, commercial coverage, Medicare, Medicaid, or our self-pay options. We also offer sliding scale fees based on family size and income to help remove financial barriers.
Please note that VA benefits do not cover case management services through Lumera Healthcare.
With in-person facilities across Western Kentucky and telehealth availability, we’re here for veterans and their families – wherever you are in the state.
Not necessarily. While we accept VA referrals and work within the VA Community Care system, you can also begin treatment using private insurance or self-pay options. If you want to use VA benefits, please notify and request a referral from your VA treatment center or VA primary care provider.
We accept veterans with all discharge statuses for our mental health services. Our clinical services are available to all veterans regardless of discharge status. We believe that anyone who served deserves access to quality mental health care.
The VA referral process typically takes around 5-7 days from when you request community care to when the referral is sent to Lumera Healthcare. Once received, we will contact you to schedule your first appointment.
We treat the full range of mental health and substance use disorders that affect veterans, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, traumatic brain injury effects, military sexual trauma, adjustment disorders, and co-occurring conditions. Our dual diagnosis approach addresses multiple conditions simultaneously for more effective treatment.
Yes, your treatment is confidential and protected by HIPAA regulations. We only share information with the VA or court systems when you’ve authorized us to do so or when required by law.
Absolutely changed my whole life, thank you Lumera. They believed in me when I couldn’t and wouldn’t. Now I’m unstoppable at my recovery and mental health. I highly recommend the Intensive outpatient program it saved my life.
K.G.
My husband is getting insight into his feelings, our daughter is learning coping mechanisms, our granddaughter is also learning to deal with life. We are each learning survival skills & growing skills. Excellent experience!
Mary
I am 102 days sober thanks to the accountability of groups and meetings and also the resources l’ve gotten from their classes. I owe them for a second chance at life and I mean that dearly!
J
Lumera Healthcare therapy has changed my life! The staff here are incredible, they truly care about everyone that walks through their doors.
Sirena
Lumera Healthcare therapy has been AMAZING to my son. They all work so well together for the patient’s greater good.
Tiffany
Lumera Healthcare has been a life saver for me. I began seeing Lumera Healthcare about a year and a half ago for management of major depression and anxiety. They have gone out of their way to ensure I had the medication & therapy I needed.
Mel
Medical Disclaimer
Psychiatric treatments, including medications and therapy, may involve risks and side effects. This information is provided for outreach and awareness purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Licensed clinicians and medical providers conduct evidence-based assessments to determine the most appropriate individualized treatment plan.