Los Angeles, CA — The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHS) has significantly expanded medical services across Southern California, opening new clinics, upgrading facilities, and improving access to telehealth for veterans. These efforts aim to ensure that veterans living throughout the region, including in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, can access quality care without traveling long distances.
In August 2025, the VA opened the Antelope Valley Clinic, providing primary care, women’s health, mental health counseling, and telehealth services to veterans in Lancaster, Palmdale, and surrounding areas. This expansion reduces travel burdens for rural veterans who previously had to commute to the West LA VA Medical Center for routine care.
At the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, several renovations have enhanced inpatient wards, surgical units, and outpatient specialty services. Many units are integrated with supportive housing programs for veterans experiencing homelessness, allowing patients to access healthcare, behavioral health support, and case management services in one location. These integrated services are designed to address both immediate medical needs and long-term wellness, particularly for veterans dealing with chronic conditions or mental health challenges.
The Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center has also expanded services, adding telehealth consultations, specialty clinics, and increased staffing. These upgrades enable the VA to treat larger numbers of veterans while maintaining personalized care. In addition, outpatient clinics provide support for medication management, counseling, and preventive healthcare services, which are essential for maintaining long-term health outcomes.
VA officials report that more than 120,000 veterans are served annually across the Greater Los Angeles region, making it one of the largest and most complex healthcare systems in the nation. The expansion of services is particularly critical for homeless and at-risk veterans, who benefit from on-site access to mental health care, substance use counseling, and primary care.
Integration with housing programs ensures that veterans can maintain consistent care. For example, veterans placed in HUD-VASH or other permanent supportive housing programs are connected directly to VA medical services, reducing barriers to treatment and improving overall health outcomes. Outreach teams actively identify veterans living in encampments and connect them to clinics and healthcare services, ensuring equitable access across the county.
Officials highlight that the expansion of medical services is part of a broader strategy to improve veteran well-being and reduce homelessness. By co-locating housing and healthcare, the VA is creating a holistic approach that addresses both the physical and social determinants of health, including housing stability, mental health, and community support.
Key Takeaways:
- New clinics and facility upgrades improve access to care for veterans throughout Los Angeles County.
- Integration with housing programs ensures continuity of medical and mental health services.
- Antelope Valley Clinic reduces travel burdens for rural veterans.
- West LA and Sepulveda facilities expanded inpatient, outpatient, and specialty services.
- Holistic approach improves health outcomes and supports long-term stability for veterans.
