How To Find Mental Health Services For Veterans

Military life brings a significant amount of stress. As a result, veterans face an increased risk of numerous mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorder (addiction). 

There are three main types of mental health resources for veterans and their loved ones: crisis services, long-term treatment services, and peer support services.

How To Find Crisis Services

A mental health crisis occurs when you become unable to care for yourself or when your behavior puts you or others at risk of harm. Common signs of a mental health crisis include:

• difficulty performing basic tasks, such as brushing teeth, showering, or changing clothes
• extreme mood swings and/or shifts in energy
• substance abuse
• aggression, including property damage and threats of violence
• self-harm
• isolation from family members and friends
• loss of touch with reality (psychosis), which may cause paranoia and hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there)

Many crisis situations involve suicidal thoughts or attempts. Common warning signs of suicide include:

• frequently talking about death
• gathering pills or weapons
• giving away personal belongings
• making or changing a will
• paying off debts, saying goodbye to people, or typing up other loose ends
• a sudden burst of happiness after a period of sadness or numbness

Veterans Crisis Line

If you think you or someone you love is experiencing a crisis, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 and then press 1. You can also text 838255 or use this online chat. 

This free, 24/7 hotline connects you with confidential support and treatment referrals. Many of the responders are military veterans themselves, which means they have likely faced similar challenges. 

Other Hotlines

You can also call other hotlines for specific crises, including the Domestic Violence National Hotline (800-799-7233), the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline (800-422-4453), and the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (877-424-3838).

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room. 

How To Find Long-Term Treatment Services

Many veterans need long-term mental health care to help them cope with traumatic events such as combat exposure, military sexual trauma (MST), and loss of fellow military service members. These events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 

Some veterans also live with other mental health conditions such as:

• depression
• anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder
• bipolar disorder
• schizophrenia
• substance use disorder (addiction)
• traumatic brain injury (TBI),

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

Veterans struggling with poor mental health should contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). 

In 2021, more than 1.7 million veterans received mental health support through the VA. Call 877-222-8387 or search online to find your local VA health center. These centers offer personalized, evidence-based treatment services such as:

• individual and group therapy
• family therapy
• trauma-focused therapy
• grief counseling
• medication management
• peer support groups
• addiction services, including medical detox and medication-assisted treatment (MAT)

Most of these services are available in-person and via telehealth. 

Telehealth & Apps

The VA telehealth program connects you with mental health professionals by phone or computer. You can also explore the VA’s Veteran Training portal. 

This online self-help tool offers free courses that can improve your mental well-being, including courses on anger management, parenting, and academic success.

The VA also offers a directory of smartphone apps focused on mental wellness. 

These apps can help you manage mental health challenges like insomnia and anxiety no matter where you go. They can also help you strengthen your coping skills, such as mindfulness, journaling, and exercise. 

How To Find Peer Support Services

While readjusting to civilian life, you might feel like no one understands you. That’s why many veteran mental health treatment plans include peer support. Peer support specialists are veterans who use their own experiences to help their peers recover from mental health problems. 

As mentioned above, many VA health centers offer peer support services. You can also connect with a peer support specialist by calling Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or Vets 4 Warriors at 855-838-8255.

 In addition, you can search online for peer support groups in your area. While some groups only meet in-person, others allow you to join by computer or phone. 

Benefits

No matter the format, peer support groups offer a number of benefits. 

First, they give you the opportunity to form lasting friendships with people who understand your struggles. This understanding can help you feel calmer and less irritable in your day-to-day life. 

Support groups also help you build coping skills, feel less alone, and become more comfortable opening up about your feelings. 

By learning how to communicate your emotions, you will strengthen your relationships not just in your support group but also at home, work, and any other place you go. These healthy connections will play an essential role in your mental health journey.

To learn more about mental health treatment for veterans, please reach out to an Ark Behavioral Health specialist. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer inpatient and outpatient care to help you or your loved one build a fulfilling, peaceful life.