Find out how to access VA mental health services for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs. You can use some services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care.
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:
If you need support for a specific mental health problem—or if you’re having problems sleeping, controlling your anger, or readjusting to civilian life—you are not alone. And we can help.
To access free VA mental health services right away:
You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care.
Learn more about accessing VA mental health services
To connect with other resources for Veterans and transitioning service members:
If you need support for a specific mental health problem—or if you’re having problems sleeping, controlling your anger, or readjusting to civilian life—you are not alone. And we can help.
Over 1.7 million Veterans received mental health services at VA last year. Our services range from peer support with other Veterans to counseling, therapy, medication, or a combination of these options. Our goal is to help you take charge of your treatment and live a full and meaningful life.
If you’re already using VA medical services, ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment with a VA mental health provider.
If you’re not already using VA medical services, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center to talk about your needs.
Find your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center
You can call 877-222-8387 to find the right resources for your needs. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-877-8339.
We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
Yes. You may be able to use one or more of the care options listed below.
Yes. The BeThere peer assistance program, in partnership with Military OneSource, offers support to service members (including National Guard soldiers and Reservists), their families, and transitioning Veterans up to 365 days after separation or retirement. Through this program, you can talk privately with peer coaches who are Veterans, service members, or military spouses.
To talk with a peer coach, call Military OneSource’s free, confidential peer support services at 800-342-9647. This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Eligible service members, Veterans, and family members can visit one of our Vet Centers to get free individual and group counseling. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA health care or receive disability compensation to use these services.
Vet Centers offer these types of services:
You can also call 877-927-8387 (TTY: 711) to talk with a fellow combat Veteran about your experiences, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
If you’d like to connect with other Veterans, families, and local services, you can visit our Make the Connection website. This site connects millions of Veterans, and their family members and friends, to local VA and community mental health resources. Visit the site to access these referral resources and hear Veteran testimonials of strength and recovery.
Get answers to other questions you may have about our services.
Being diagnosed with a mental health condition or seeking mental health care doesn’t automatically put work-related credentials, such as security clearances, at risk. Most employers recognize that healthy employees who get help when they need it are more productive and effective in their jobs than those who aren’t performing at their best because they’re not feeling well.
No. If you don’t qualify for VA health care, you may still be able to get certain health care services, like care for needs linked to military sexual trauma.
Call our health benefits hotline at 877-222-8387 to find out what your care options may be. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
Depending on your needs and situation, you can also:
Or you can apply for VA health care to access more services:
To learn more about whether you’re eligible for services, call your nearest VA medical center.
Find your nearest VA medical center
Or call 877-222-8387 to find the right resource for your needs. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-877-8339. We’re here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.
You’ll start receiving help the day you reach out to us. We offer same-day services to make sure we can either address your mental health needs or schedule the right follow-up care right away. The specific care you receive will depend on how urgent your needs are and the level of treatment you’re looking for.
Same-day services may include care such as:
We offer treatment and support for a range of mental health problems, including:
We also treat anxiety-related conditions, like:
We provide a range of mental health services such as:
We also provide care to Veterans in crisis. This includes:
Yes. In addition to online resources, caregiver support coordinators at your nearest VA medical center and a caregiver peer support mentoring program can help connect caregivers to one another for support and learning.
To get support as a caregiver:
You can also contact our Coaching into Care program to speak directly with a licensed psychologist or social worker, free of charge. They can provide information about mental health and VA services, as well as tips for how to begin the conversation about treatment with a loved one.
To reach a licensed psychologist or social worker:
You can use our facility locator to search for VA health facilities near you.
Find your nearest VA health facility
You can also get support from resources offered by other government departments and community organizations outside of VA.
Military OneSource
This free service provides expert support to connect military personnel and their families with the best available resources to fit their needs. For support, visit the Military OneSource website or call 800-342-9647 anytime, day or night.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This 24/7, 365-day-a-year emergency mental health hotline offers support for people experiencing a mental health crisis.
To reach the hotline:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
The foundation provides mental health resources for people struggling with thoughts of suicide. They also offer supportive educational tools for concerned family, friends and peers.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA offers free, confidential help with treatment referral and information services for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders. Support is available 24/7, 365-days-a-year, in both English and Spanish.
To reach SAMHSA’s National Helpline:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI builds better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness by providing education programs for families and individuals living with mental health problems.
The Jed Foundation
The foundation works closely with teenagers and young adults who may be experiencing mental stress or may be at risk for suicide during times of change.
Mental Health America
This organization advocates for policies that promote mental health and the rights of people living with mental health problems. They also provide education and connections to mental health resources.
Last updated: February 15, 2024