Go beyond talking
VA Community Care: Trauma-Focused Therapy for Veterans Near Gulf Breeze & Pensacola, Florida
Dr. Maria Niitepold, PsyD – EMDRIA-Trained Trauma & Somatic Therapist In-person at 3000 Gulf Breeze Parkway · Online across 40+ PsyPact states (850) 696-7218 – call or text anytime
INTRODUCTION
Welcome, Veterans.
If you were referred to me through VA Community Care, this page will help you understand my treatment approach, what therapy with me looks like, and whether my services are the right fit for your goals. My priority is to make sure you receive care that truly supports the type of healing you are seeking.
MY APPROACH
My Specialty: Trauma-Focused Therapy
I specialize in therapies designed to help the nervous system heal from trauma in an efficient, targeted, and deeply supportive way.
My approach includes:
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EMDR for Veteran PTSD in Pensacola
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CRM and somatic resourcing
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Nervous system stabilization
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Trauma processing without requiring you to retell trauma memories
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Understanding trauma-related patterns in emotions and relationships
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Improving regulation, grounding, and resilience
My work is structured, goal-directed, and focused on helping you move toward meaningful change rather than remaining stuck in old patterns.
What I Do Not Offer Through
VA Community Care
My practice does not provide the following under VA authorization:
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Long-term or indefinite supportive therapy
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Weekly talk therapy without specific treatment goals
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Treatment focused primarily on general life stress
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Case management or social support services
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Couples therapy
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ADHD evaluations or psychological testing
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Medication-focused treatment
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Crisis-only therapy
If your goals are better matched with one of these services, I will inform the VA so they can assign you a provider whose approach aligns with what you’re seeking.
ELIGIBILITY
Are We a Good Fit?
You’re likely a good fit for therapy with me if:
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You want to reduce trauma symptoms, triggers, or long-standing patterns
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You are open to EMDR or somatic trauma-focused work
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You want strategies to regulate your nervous system
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You want to understand how trauma affects your emotions and relationships
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You prefer structured, goal-directed treatment
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You are ready for work that creates real movement and change
You may not be a good fit if:
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You prefer general supportive talk therapy
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You are not interested in trauma processing or resourcing
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You want open-ended therapy without defined goals
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You are seeking crisis-only support
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You prefer traditional counseling rather than trauma-focused modalities
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This helps ensure that you receive care that matches your needs and preferences
WHAT TO EXPECT
Your Initial Screening Call
Before scheduling your first appointment, I will conduct a brief initial screening call. This call helps ensure that the treatment I provide aligns with what you’re looking for.
During this conversation, I will:
1. Ask about your current goals for therapy
2. Explain my trauma-focused approach
3. Determine whether my services match your treatment preferences
4. Discuss next steps
If we are a good match:
We will schedule your first session using your active VA authorization.
If we are not a match:
I will notify the VA so they can connect you with a provider whose approach fits your goals. You will not need to take any additional steps.
AUTHORIZATION
Understanding VA Authorization
Here are important things to know about VA-authorized care:
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The VA covers 100% of the cost
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There are no copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket fees
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No-show or cancellation fees do not apply
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Attendance matters to keep your authorization active
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Treatment must stay within the authorization dates and session limits
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I am required to notify the VA if treatment ends
CRISIS SUPPORT
⚠️ If You Are in Crisis
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis or feel unsafe, please contact:
Veterans Crisis Line:
Dial 988, then Press 1
You may also go to your nearest emergency room.
THE PROCESS
How to Begin Therapy Through VA Community Care
If you believe my trauma-focused approach aligns with your goals, the next step is to request a Community Care referral through the VA.
1. Talk to your provider about a VA community care referral for somatic trauma therapy, EMDR, or Brainspotting in Gulf Breeze / Pensacola
Ask your primary care provider or mental health provider about VA Community Care and request a consult to see Dr. Maria Niitepold, NPI: 1578292579.
2. VA submits the referral
Your provider sends the official authorization to Pensacola or Eglin Community Care.
3. Schedule with me
Once authorization is approved, you'll receive a screening call to see if we are a good fit. If so, then we will schedule the intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is VA Community Care?
VA Community Care allows eligible Veterans to receive mental health services from approved community providers when care is not available through the VA in a timely or accessible way. Services must be authorized by the VA and are coordinated through your VA care team.
Do you accept VA Community Care referrals?
Yes. I accept VA Community Care referrals for ongoing outpatient psychotherapy when services are authorized by the VA and clinically appropriate.
What types of services do you provide through Community Care?
I provide trauma-informed psychotherapy, including approaches such as EMDR and somatic therapy, for concerns such as:
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PTSD and complex trauma
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Anxiety and stress-related symptoms
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Emotional regulation and nervous system dysregulation
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Relationship patterns impacted by trauma
Community Care services are focused on treatment, not evaluations.
Do you complete Compensation & Pension (C&P) evaluations or DBQs?
No. I do not conduct Compensation & Pension (C&P) evaluations, nexus letters, Disability Benefits Questionnaires (DBQs), or any assessments related to disability ratings or service-connection claims.
If you are seeking documentation for compensation or benefits purposes, the VA can guide you to the appropriate evaluation process.
Can I pay out-of-pocket for a DBQ or evaluation instead?
No. I do not offer DBQs or compensation-related evaluations under any payment arrangement. My role is strictly as a treating clinician, not an evaluator for disability or benefits determinations.
Can I work with you privately instead of using Community Care?
Possibly. Some Veterans choose to work with me as a private-pay client, depending on licensure, location, and fit. Private-pay therapy is separate from VA Community Care and does not involve VA authorization. This can be discussed during a consultation if you are seeking psychotherapy.
How do I get a Community Care referral to work with you?
You’ll need to speak with your VA provider or care team and request a Community Care referral. Authorization must be approved by the VA before services can begin. Once authorized, my office will coordinate next steps with you.
Do you coordinate with the VA during treatment?
Yes—within the limits of authorization and consent. Communication is typically limited to what is required for Community Care coordination and continuity of care.
Is Community Care therapy the same as therapy at the VA?
The clinical goals may be similar, but Community Care therapy often offers:
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Greater scheduling flexibility
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A different therapeutic setting
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A more individualized pace and approach
Treatment remains aligned with VA standards and authorization requirements.
How do I know if we’re a good fit before starting?
I offer a free, brief consultation to determine whether my approach and the scope of Community Care services are a good match for your needs.
This consultation is for therapy fit.