Military & Veteran Mental Health Evaluations and Psychiatric Care in Decatur & Roswell, GA
Clinically grounded VA evaluations, trauma-informed psychiatric care, and comprehensive mental health treatment for veterans and military families.

MindBodySoul Mental Health & Family Practice provides veteran-focused psychiatric care and VA-compliant evaluations in one location. Whether you need treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma (MST), or support for a VA disability claim through a Nexus Letter, Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ), or Independent Medical Opinion (IMO), our team is here to help. Conveniently located just minutes from the Atlanta VA Medical Center, we provide in-office care in Decatur and telehealth appointments throughout Georgia.
TRICARE accepted.
Conditions We Treat
Military service can affect every aspect of daily life. Our providers offer compassionate, trauma-informed care for veterans, active-duty service members, and military families experiencing:
combat trauma
trauma (MST)
disorders
nightmares
(TBI)-related mood
changes
mood disorders
transition-related stress
syndrome
You do not need a diagnosis to reach out. If you’ve noticed changes in your sleep, mood, memory, motivation, relationships, or ability to function since your service, a comprehensive evaluation may help identify the best treatment options.
Our Trauma-Informed Approach
Trauma-informed care is more than a philosophy; it’s how we deliver every appointment.
You won't have to retell your story
You set the pace
A predictable, supportive environment
Collaborative treatment planning
Advanced Treatment Options
NeuroStar® TMS Therapy
SPRAVATO® (Esketamine)
Clinical Evaluation Services
VA Nexus Letters
Mental Health Nexus Letters
Medical Nexus Letters
Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs)
Independent Medical Opinions (IMOs)
Comprehensive Medical Record Reviews
Thorough review of military service records, medical documentation, and previous evaluations to support accurate Nexus determinations.
Evaluation Process

Record Review
Assessment of military service records, medical documentation, and prior evaluations to identify diagnostic patterns and potential service connections.

Eligibility Review
Clinical determination of whether conditions meet VA criteria for Nexus support and disability documentation.

Opinion Preparation
Development of evidence-based medical opinions using current medical literature and VA-compliant language.

DBQ Completion
Completion of condition-specific Disability Benefits Questionnaires with functional impairment and symptom documentation.
Conditions Evaluated
Mental Health
- PTSD
- Military Sexual Trauma (MST)
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- ADHD
- Insomnia secondary to mental health conditions
Medical Conditions
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Neurological disorders
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Respiratory disorders
- Chronic pain syndromes


When a Nexus Letter Is Needed
Situations where a nexus letter
is typically required
- Secondary conditions: Condition caused or aggravated by another VA‑rated condition.
- Negative C&P exam: Prior examiner concluded the condition is not service‑related.
- No in‑service diagnosis: Records show treatment but no documented diagnosis.
Situations where a nexus letter is
usually not required
- Treated and diagnosed in service: Records already establish the connection.
- Favorable C&P exam: The VA already has supportive medical evidence.
How a Nexus Letter Is Completed

Claim discussion

Targeted records collection
Only the records that matter are requested: service treatment records, diagnoses, and C&P results.

Evidence review

Final opinion


Independent medical opinions and VA‑standard documentation help clarify service connection, severity, and rating accuracy. These tools strengthen claims when existing VA evidence is incomplete or unfavorable.
Independent Medical Opinion (IMO)
- Purpose: Answers the specific medical question that determines the claim.
- Scope: Reviews service records, post‑service records, C&P results, and denial letters.
- Uses: Direct connection, secondary connection, aggravation, severity, rebuttal.
Disability Benefits Questionnaire (DBQ)
- Purpose: Documents diagnosis, symptoms, and functional impairment in the VA’s rating format.
- Uses: Clarifies severity, supports rating increases, standardizes evidence.
Compensation & Pension (C&P) Exam
- Purpose: VA‑ordered evaluation for service connection and severity.
- If unfavorable: An IMO or nexus letter is often required to challenge the examiner’s reasoning.
Understanding VA Service-Connection
Direct Service Connection
Condition linked to an in‑service event, injury, or exposure.
- Use Case: Clear incident or onset during service.
- Best Documentation: Nexus letter or IMO; DBQ may support severity.
Secondary Service Connection (38 C.F.R. § 3.310)
Condition caused or aggravated by another VA‑rated condition.
- Use Case: Common with chronic pain, sleep disorders, mental health conditions.
- Best Documentation: Nexus letter or IMO explaining causation or aggravation.
Aggravation
Service worsened a pre‑existing condition beyond natural progression.
- Use Case: Symptoms intensified beyond expected medical progression.
- Best Documentation: Nexus letter or IMO detailing baseline and worsening.
Severity
Current symptoms may justify a higher disability rating.
- Use Case: Functional impairment has increased since last evaluation.
- Best Documentation: DBQ documenting current symptoms and limitations.
Rebuttal
Response addressing errors or omissions in a negative C&P exam.
- Use Case: Examiner’s conclusion conflicts with documented evidence.
- Best Documentation: IMO or nexus letter addressing examiner’s reasoning.

TRICARE Accepted
We proudly accept TRICARE for eligible veterans, military families, spouses, and dependents. Our team verifies your benefits before your first appointment and explains your coverage so you know exactly what to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept TRICARE?
Yes. We accept TRICARE for eligible veterans, spouses, and dependents. Coverage depends on your specific plan, and our team verifies your benefits before your appointment.
Can I receive care even if I already use the VA?
Yes. Many veterans receive care through both the VA and private providers. Independent psychiatric treatment can complement your VA care and provide additional support.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. Contact our office directly to schedule an appointment.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and follow-up visits are available virtually throughout Georgia. NeuroStar® TMS Therapy and SPRAVATO® treatments are provided in our Decatur office.