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Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol: Support for Veterans

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7 confidential support. Dial 988 then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.

Taking care of your mental health, drug, or alcohol issues takes courage and is a sign of strength. There are many programs and people ready to help Veterans and Service Members.

If you’re not sure about getting help:

Find support in your community

Many community groups can help with mental health, drug, or alcohol issues. These groups can help you talk with people who have gone through treatment and recovery, get to appointments, or pay your bills. Find a support group or local program.

Talk with your loved ones and community members—you may be surprised by how many people’s lives have been touched by mental health, drug, or alcohol issues and want to help. Get tips on how to ask for help.

Get help from VA

Veterans Affairs (VA) can connect you with help for mental health, drug, or alcohol issues or thoughts of suicide—no matter your discharge status, service history, or eligibility for or enrollment in VA health care.

You can find:

VA also has resources to help you cope with life’s challenges including your career, education, finances, and relationships.

Find your nearest VA location for mental health, drug, or alcohol prevention and treatment services, including reaching a suicide prevention specialist.

Get help from a Vet Center

Vet Centers can help you improve your emotional health through no-cost community-based counseling—including family and couples counseling. These services can help you talk through problems during or after military service in a safe and confidential space. They can also help you find the care and resource you need—and connect you with other Veterans in your community.

Qualifying for these services depends on military experience, including National Guard or Reserve components and their families. Check if you qualify for Vet Center Services.

Hear from other Veterans who found support

After watching the events of 9/11 unfold as children, Mario and his friends made a pact to join the military. Mario enjoyed serving as a gunner’s mate in the Navy and took pride in his work, but he felt like he no longer mattered when he left the service. With his wife’s encouragement, he sought mental health support.

After serving in the U.S. Air Force, Deborah experienced symptoms of PTSD and endured substance misuse and abusive relationships. She reached out to VA for support and discovered that opening up and trusting in others created the path to recovery she needed.

Hear from more Veterans and get connected with resources at Make the Connection, where Veterans can find self-help tools and resources to help identify and overcome transition challenges. You can also connect with Peer Support through VA Health Care. Peer Support is a program of Veterans who are also trained counselors.

If you need housing or are worried about keeping your housing, there are programs to help

You or a loved one can call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838 for assistance. It is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors who can talk with you right now and connect you with your nearest VA for help. You can learn more about these resources from VA’s Homeless Programs.

Find Support if you’re an Active Service Member

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“I didn't want to admit I needed help, but once I did, things changed. Therapy is for everyone.”

Last Updated: 10/17/2024