VA Mental Health Services
Comprehensive support for veterans including PTSD treatment, counseling, crisis support, and therapy. Free, confidential care designed specifically for those who served.
You're not alone.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of veterans access VA mental health services. Help is available, and taking the first step toward better mental health is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Whether you're struggling with combat-related trauma, adjustment difficulties, or other mental health challenges, the VA offers comprehensive, confidential support designed specifically for veterans. The VA provides one of the nation's largest integrated mental health care systems, serving over 1.7 million veterans annually.
These specialized services recognize the unique experiences and challenges faced by veterans and are delivered by professionals who understand military culture and service-related trauma.
Why VA Mental Health Care is Different
Military-Informed Treatment
VA mental health providers receive specialized training in military culture, combat trauma, and the unique stressors faced by service members and veterans. This understanding creates a foundation of trust and more effective treatment.
Evidence-Based Therapies
The VA uses proven treatment approaches specifically designed for conditions common among veterans, including Prolonged Exposure therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, EMDR, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
VA mental health services integrate with your overall healthcare, ensuring your mental health provider works with your primary care doctor, specialists, and other support services for holistic treatment.
Peer Support Networks
Many VA programs include peer support specialists - fellow veterans who have successfully navigated their own mental health challenges and can provide understanding, encouragement, and practical guidance.
Available VA Mental Health Services
PTSD Treatment Programs
Post-traumatic stress disorder affects many veterans who have experienced combat, military sexual trauma, or other traumatic events during service. The VA provides specialized PTSD care through:
Specialized PTSD Clinics:
- •Comprehensive PTSD assessments
- •Individual therapy sessions
- •Group therapy with fellow veterans
- •Family counseling and education
- •Medication management when appropriate
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Helps you gradually approach trauma-related memories and situations in a safe environment, reducing their power to cause distress.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Helps you examine and change unhelpful beliefs related to your trauma, developing healthier ways of thinking about your experiences.
EMDR Therapy
Uses bilateral stimulation while you recall traumatic memories, helping your brain process these experiences differently.
Treatment Duration: Most PTSD treatment programs involve 8-15 sessions, though individual needs vary. Many veterans experience significant improvement within 3-4 months of starting treatment.
Depression and Anxiety Treatment
Depression and anxiety are common among veterans, often related to service experiences, transition challenges, or life stressors. VA services include:
Individual Counseling:
- •One-on-one therapy sessions with licensed professionals
- •Cognitive behavioral therapy for negative thought patterns
- •Problem-solving therapy for life challenges
- •Interpersonal therapy to improve relationships
Group Therapy Programs:
- •Peer support groups for depression
- •Anxiety management groups
- •Stress reduction classes
- •Mindfulness and meditation programs
Substance Use Disorder Treatment
The VA recognizes that substance use often co-occurs with other mental health conditions and provides integrated treatment:
Outpatient Substance Abuse Programs
Individual counseling, group therapy, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), relapse prevention planning, and family therapy and education.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Structured treatment several times per week including group therapy, skills training, individual counseling, and medical monitoring.
Residential Treatment Programs
Inpatient care for severe substance use disorders with 24-hour medical supervision, intensive therapy, and transition planning.
Suicide Prevention and Crisis Intervention
The VA is committed to preventing veteran suicide through comprehensive crisis support:
Veterans Crisis Line (988, then Press 1)
- •24/7 confidential crisis support
- •Immediate connection to trained responders
- •Online chat and text options available
- •Support for veterans, service members, and their families
Crisis Intervention Services:
- •Walk-in crisis services at VA medical centers
- •Emergency mental health evaluations
- •Safety planning
- •Short-term stabilization
Suicide Prevention Coordinators:
Every VA medical center has dedicated suicide prevention coordinators who:
- •Conduct risk assessments
- •Develop safety plans
- •Coordinate care for at-risk veterans
How to Access VA Mental Health Services
Getting started with VA mental health care is straightforward, and you have multiple options for accessing services:
If You're Already Enrolled in VA Healthcare
- 1.Call your VA medical center: Ask to speak with the mental health department
- 2.Use My HealtheVet: Schedule online at myhealth.va.gov
- 3.VA Mobile App: Schedule through the app
- 4.Walk-in: Visit your VA medical center's mental health clinic
Same-Day Mental Health Services:
Many VA facilities offer same-day appointments. Call in the morning to request a same-day evaluation.
If You're Not Enrolled in VA Healthcare
You can still access certain mental health services:
Vet Center Services (No VA enrollment required):
- •Readjustment counseling for combat veterans
- •Military sexual trauma counseling
- •Bereavement counseling
- •Employment counseling
- •Family counseling
Find your nearest Vet Center: Call 1-877-927-8387 or visit vetcenter.va.gov
Apply for VA Healthcare:
To access the full range of VA mental health services, enroll in VA healthcare.
Learn How to Apply →If you're in crisis:
- •Call 988, then Press 1 - Available 24/7
- •Text 838255 - Text crisis support
- •Chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net
- •Visit any VA emergency department - Walk-in crisis services available
- •Call 911 - For life-threatening emergencies
You do not need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to access crisis services.
Privacy, Confidentiality, and Your Rights
Your mental health information is protected by strict privacy laws:
What's Protected:
- All discussions with mental health providers
- Treatment records and notes
- Medication information
- Diagnosis and assessment information
Impact on Records and Employment:
- •VA mental health treatment does NOT appear in military personnel records
- •VA treatment is separate from active duty medical records
- •Mental health treatment does not automatically affect security clearances
- •Employers cannot access your VA mental health records without your consent
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be enrolled in VA healthcare to get mental health services?
Some services are available without enrollment including Vet Center counseling (combat veterans, MST survivors), Veterans Crisis Line (all veterans and service members), and emergency mental health services. For comprehensive ongoing care, VA healthcare enrollment is recommended.
How long will I have to wait for an appointment?
The VA prioritizes mental health access. Crisis services are immediate (24/7). Urgent mental health needs are typically seen within 24 hours. Routine appointments are typically within 2-4 weeks. Same-day appointments are available at many facilities. If you need care urgently, inform the scheduler of the urgency of your situation.
Is mental health treatment really confidential?
Yes. VA mental health records are protected by federal privacy laws. Information is only shared with your written permission, among providers directly involved in your care, or in specific legal situations (court orders, imminent danger). Your mental health treatment does not automatically get reported to employers, security clearance investigators, or others outside the VA healthcare system.
What if I'm thinking about suicide?
Immediate help is available. Call 988, then Press 1 (Veterans Crisis Line - 24/7), Text 838255, Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net, Go to any VA emergency department, or Call 911. You are not alone, and help is available right now. The Veterans Crisis Line has helped thousands of veterans through crisis moments.
Take the First Step Today
You've served your country with courage. Now it's time to take care of yourself. Seeking mental health support is a sign of strength, self-awareness, and commitment to your well-being and your loved ones.
Start Your Mental Health Journey
- •In Crisis: Call 988, then Press 1 (24/7)
- •Schedule appointment: Call your VA medical center or visit myhealth.va.gov
- •Visit a Vet Center: Call 1-877-927-8387
- •Not enrolled? Apply for VA healthcare today
You Are Not Alone
Hundreds of thousands of veterans have found healing, hope, and improved quality of life through VA mental health services. Your service matters, your life matters, and help is available.
Asking for help is an act of courage. You've shown courage before. You can do it again.