Are you a Veteran facing a mental health crisis or worried about a fellow Veteran? Accessing immediate support and comprehensive Mental Health Services is crucial. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide array of resources designed to address the unique mental health needs of Veterans, their families, and supporters.
For immediate crisis intervention, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 and provides confidential support. You can connect with a responder through multiple channels:
- Dial 988 then Press 1 to speak directly with a crisis responder.
- Initiate a confidential online chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
- Text 838255 for text-based support.
- For Veterans with hearing loss, TTY services are available by dialing 711 then 988.
VA is committed to ensuring that Veterans have access to the mental health services they need. Beyond immediate crisis support, VA provides a comprehensive network of resources, treatment options, and valuable information. These services are accessible not only to Veterans but also to their families, friends, and the general public seeking to understand and support Veteran mental health.
Explore Mental Health Services by Topic
VA offers specialized support for a range of mental health conditions and challenges commonly faced by Veterans. Each of these areas is addressed with dedicated resources, in-depth information, and various treatment approaches:
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Anxiety: Resources and treatment options to manage anxiety disorders.
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Bipolar Disorder: Support and care for Veterans dealing with bipolar disorder.
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Depression: Comprehensive services to address and treat depression in Veterans.
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Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Mental health support tailored to the effects of TBI.
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Military Sexual Trauma (MST): Confidential and sensitive care for Veterans affected by MST.
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Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Evidence-based treatments and resources for PTSD.
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Schizophrenia: Support and treatment options for Veterans with schizophrenia.
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Substance Use Disorders: Programs and resources to combat substance use and promote recovery.
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Suicide Prevention: Extensive resources and programs dedicated to preventing Veteran suicide.
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Tobacco Use: Support and resources to help Veterans quit tobacco.
Find Tailored Mental Health Support
VA recognizes that Veterans come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. To ensure personalized care, resources are categorized to meet the specific needs of different groups within the Veteran community and beyond:
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Transitioning Service Members: Support for the unique mental health challenges during the transition from military to civilian life.
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Veterans Seeking Support: Resources focused on mental health recovery and ongoing support for all Veterans.
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Women Veterans: Mental health services tailored to the specific needs of women Veterans.
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LGBTQ+ Veterans: Inclusive and affirming mental health care for LGBTQ+ Veterans.
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Family Members and Friends: Resources and support for those who care for Veterans.
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Older Veterans: Mental health services designed to address the needs of aging Veterans.
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Health Care Providers: Resources for professionals seeking to better understand and treat Veteran mental health.
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College Faculty Members: Information and resources to support Veteran students’ mental health on college campuses.
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VA Benefits Information: Guidance on accessing VA benefits to support mental health care.
Treatment Options at VA
VA is dedicated to providing Veterans with accessible and effective mental health treatment. A variety of clinical resources and peer support networks are available to help Veterans manage mental health challenges. VA offers diverse treatment options and flexible ways to access care, ensuring that Veterans can find the support that best suits their needs. To delve deeper into treatment options, visit the VA’s Learn About Treatment page.
Quick Veteran Resources
For easy access to essential VA services, utilize these quick links:
- Find a VA Facility Near You: VA.gov/find-locations
- Learn about VA Treatment Options: VA.gov/get-help/treatment.asp
- Learn about VA Benefits: VA.gov/get-help/benefits.asp
Veterans Sharing Their Stories
Real stories from Veterans highlight the positive impact of VA mental health services. Telehealth therapy, for example, has proven to be a convenient and effective way for Veterans to prioritize their mental health. Video counseling allows Veterans like Daniel, Don, and Jennifer to connect with their providers from the comfort of their homes, making mental health care more accessible and manageable. Explore more inspiring stories of recovery and support on Make the Connection.
VA also emphasizes proactive measures for safety, particularly regarding firearm safety during times of crisis. Encouraging safe gun storage is a crucial part of overall mental wellness and suicide prevention efforts. Learn more about lethal means safety at VA.gov.
Stay Updated on Veteran Mental Health
Stay informed about the latest news, resources, and stories related to Veteran mental health by exploring VA’s mental health updates. Sign up for newsletters and access resources that can empower you or a Veteran you support. Recent updates include information on the 2025 Veterans Benefits Guide, secure sign-in updates for VA online accounts, and vital discussions on how talking about suicide can save lives. VA is continuously working to improve and expand mental health services for Veterans, ensuring they receive the highest quality care and support.
