VA Mental Health Provider Venting / Problem-solving / Peer Support Thread

[futureapppsy2]

Heard from local leadership that there may be a total VHA hiring freeze coming very soon, with no exemptions, FWIW.

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[psy.d. 2021]

Heard from local leadership that there may be a total VHA hiring freeze coming very soon, with no exemptions, FWIW.

In addition to a RIF? And then they tell us they're not trying to end VA? Lol

 

[WisNeuro]

In addition to a RIF? And then they tell us they're not trying to end VA? Lol

Hey now, they have to make some token budget cuts so you all can pay for my impending tax cuts.

 

[PsyDr]

Business Plot - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Sanman]

Business Plot - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

View attachment 404203

We were just joking...Unless it works.

 

[Sanman]

Hey now, they have to make some token budget cuts so you all can pay for my impending tax cuts.

To be fair, most of us would be getting a tax cut.

 

[WisNeuro]

To be fair, most of us would be getting a tax cut.

Most likely, but those nearer to the top benefit even more. I'm looking at that SALT deduction raise at the moment. That one could be nice.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

To be fair, most of us would be getting a tax cut.

Maybe in the short-term, but look at what Trump I's tax cuts did....temporarily saved a few grand for families for a couple of years, but long term cost TRILLIONS in debt, with the vast vast majority of the benefit going to the top <1%. The same shell game is happening this time, but instead of expiring tax breaks for the 99%, there are delays in when TRILLIONS get added to the national debt. Cutting Medicare and Medicare is a large chunk of how some of the ultra wealthy tax breaks get covered, but even more gets added later by kicking the can down the road. I'm not an economist, but even a cursory review of the data coming out paints a horrid picture for the 99%. I'm a fiscally conservative independent and the "big beautiful bill" will add more debt than any prior piece of legislation in this country's history.

 

[Sanman]

Most likely, but those nearer to the top benefit even more. I'm looking at that SALT deduction raise at the moment. That one could be nice.

This is true. However, my taxable household income is likely higher than yours already due to w-2 status and I doubt there are many of us here are under $100k in taxable income. Will the the billionaires make out better? Yes.

 

[WisNeuro]

This is true. However, my taxable household income is likely higher than yours already due to w-2 status and I doubt there are many of us here are under $100k in taxable income. Will the the billionaires make out better? Yes.

We're a two W2 status household as well, I just happen to get pass through distribution income on top of that. But, we're also fairly high on the W2 alone as a PhD/MD household.

 

[Sanman]

Maybe in the short-term, but look at what Trump I's tax cuts did....temporarily saved a few grand for families for a couple of years, but long term cost TRILLIONS in debt, with the vast vast majority of the benefit going to the top <1%. The same shell game is happening this time, but instead of expiring tax breaks for the 99%, there are delays in when TRILLIONS get added to the national debt. Cutting Medicare and Medicare is a large chunk of how some of the ultra wealthy tax breaks get covered, but even more gets added later by kicking the can down the road. I'm not an economist, but even a cursory review of the data coming out paints a horrid picture for the 99%. I'm a fiscally conservative independent and the "big beautiful bill" will add more debt than any prior piece of legislation in this country's history.

Medicare or medicaid? Fully in agreement with your stance and I believe the larger issue for all of us when the government spends all its money and social security is not fixed. Because we will all see a cur to our future benefits.

That said, no able-bodied, fully licensed psychologist should be receiving Medicaid. Most of us should be on the upper end of the income scale and receiving at least a modest tax cut as a result of this. Now, the long-term effects on many of our patients and their ability to access care is of great relevance and a major concern.

 

[Sanman]

We're a two W2 status household as well, I just happen to get pass through distribution income on top of that. But, we're also fairly high on the W2 alone as a PhD/MD household.

We are fairly high up too for similar reasons. Not sure which one of us would have the higher w-2 wages. You would have the higher capital gains.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

We are fairly high up too for similar reasons. Not sure which one of us would have the higher w-2 wages. You would have the higher capital gains.

Ya’ll are just reinforcing why I need one of those millionaire matchmakers to find me an heiress who wants a CV Trophy Husband. 🤣

 

[Sanman]

Ya’ll are just reinforcing why I need one of those millionaire matchmakers to find me an heiress who wants a CV Trophy Husband. 🤣

Actually, I have a friend that pulled this off. The only good reason I have found for going to a private university for undergrad. I only met middle class folks at State U.

 

[ccpsych16]

Heard from local leadership that there may be a total VHA hiring freeze coming very soon, with no exemptions, FWIW.

I know this is likely but I hope not… I’ve applied to a couple unique/not often advertised positions and passed the initial stages.

 

[futureapppsy2]

I know this is likely but I hope not… I’ve applied to a couple unique/not often advertised positions and passed the initial stages.

Are you at the TJO stage yet?

 

[ccpsych16]

Are you at the TJO stage yet?

Unfortunately not. I got the usual “we have to wait for XYZ” so I’m sure it’s not coming before things get even worse. I did ask and they confirmed they’re still able to fill it. For now.