Green Bay VA Clinic Halted Esketamine Treatments
The facility stopped offering the nasal spray in June 2026 after the only certified doctor left the clinic.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Military Jobs
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The Green Bay VA clinic suspended its esketamine treatment program following the departure of the site's only certified physician in June 2026. Affected veterans now face significant travel requirements to receive care.
Why it matters
The program closure leaves local patients without essential access to the nasal spray medication at their local facility, forcing them to seek alternatives elsewhere in the health care system.
Approximately 14 to 15 veterans are currently affected by the program suspension, which mandates travel to Milwaukee for the two treatments required each month.
The players
Michael Engel
He is a nine-year Army veteran who has been receiving esketamine treatments since February 2025.
Milwaukee Zablocki VA health care system
This regional medical network is currently managing the transition of care for veterans displaced by the Green Bay clinic staff changes.
The details
The Green Bay VA clinic, which provides services for local veterans like nine-year Army veteran Michael Engel, can no longer administer the Spravato nasal spray. Patients are now required to travel to the Milwaukee Zablocki VA health care system to maintain their treatment schedules.
Timeline
Michael Engel began taking esketamine in February 2025.
The clinic's certified physician departed in June 2026.
An appointment for treatment in Milwaukee is set for October 19, 2026.
Market Landscape
This disruption highlights the vulnerabilities in specialized VA care delivery when relying on single-provider certification models at regional clinics. It follows a pattern set by the VA Mission Act of 2018, which frequently requires veterans to navigate broader regional health networks when local services are unavailable.
Affected veterans must now secure transportation to Milwaukee, adding significant logistical burdens to their twice-monthly treatment schedule. Patients should confirm their appointment status with the Milwaukee Zablocki VA system to ensure continuity of care.
The takeaway
Maintaining specialized mental health programs at local VA clinics requires consistent staffing to avoid forcing veterans into long-distance travel. Patients are encouraged to coordinate with regional care networks early to mitigate the impact of local service gaps.
Further reading
For more information on support and resources, visit the Military Jobs section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wbay.
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