The Veterans Administration (VA) established the Readjustment Counseling Program in 1980 to assist Vietnam era veterans who had not made a successful psychosocial adjustment to civilian life. The program was intended to make services available at vet centers for veterans reluctant to seek counseling from regular VA health care facilities. At the request of Senator Frank Murkowski, the General Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed specific aspects of the Readjustment Counseling Program to: (1) evaluate the need for retaining vet centers in community-based settings; (2) provide information on characteristics and problems of clients, services provided, staffing, and vet center relations with other agencies and the community; and (3) assess program management, oversight, and recordkeeping. Based on findings of the study, the GAO recommended that the VA should be able to decide on a case-by-case basis whether vet centers should be relocated to existing VA facilities. Clients were found to have motivational or behavioral problems. Centers were found to offer individual and group counseling and employment and VA benefits assistance. The centers had established extensive community networks for outreach and referrals. Most staff members had relevant academic, military, and professional experience. Improved monitoring of centers' activities was considered necessary to help ensure the provision of quality care. (Findings are discussed in detail, 10 tables and 19 figures are included, and relevant materials are appended.) (NB)