Fortunately there are many mental health resources available to veterans that help ease the transition into civilian life and provide support for mental health challenges that emerged before, during, or after active duty.
Just like with our physical health, maintaining our mental health is essential to living a happy, healthy life. Check out the resources below, and take care of your mental health with these available sources of support.
There are many mental health resources available to veterans that help ease the transition into civilian life and provide support for mental health challenges that emerged before, during, or after active duty.
This is a RAND report examining mental health stigma in the military, the practices contributing to stigma reduction and what can be done to reduce mental health stigma within the military.
A 24/7 national crisis line accessible via telephone, text or online chat, offering free confidential support to Veterans, service members and their loved ones. Callers do not have to be registered with the VA or enrolled in VA health care. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available. Responders are specially trained in helping Veterans. Dial 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
Provides peer support for all Marines, whether regular, reserve, Veteran or retiree, attached sailors, and their families via anonymous 24 hour counseling with clinician backup. 1-877-476-7734 or via live chat.
A basic description of mental health concerns, how to ask for treatment and how to transition to civilian life. Links to resources for Veterans and active duty military, families, friends and advocates.
Connects current and former service members from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, along with their families and loved ones, to free, confidential therapy from licensed mental health professionals. This project began in southern California and has a branch in Sacramento. 1-877-576-5343
This section of the Department’s comprehensive website contains information on self-help, finding help, and detailed info on anxiety, bipolar, depression, military sexual trauma, PTSD, schizophrenia, substance use and suicide prevention.
Conducts research and provides education on the prevention, understanding and treatment of trauma and PTSD. Short whiteboard videos help explain PTSD.
California Association of County Veterans Service Officers advocate and connect veterans regardless of the type of service or discharge. They also serve veterans’ dependents and survivors. Their page also links to other state veterans organizations, such as VFW, American Legion and CalVet. 1-844-737-8838
Many community colleges have veterans clubs that are connected with the Student Veterans of America (SVA). Founded in 2008, SVA is a coalition of student veterans groups on college campuses across the United States. These groups coordinate campus activities, provide pre-professional networking, and provide general support for student veterans in higher education.
Service members, family members, surviving family members, service providers and leaders rely on Military OneSource for policy, procedures, timely articles, cutting-edge social media tools and support. All in one place, empowering our military community.
You can find even more resources at the Each Mind Matters Resource Center.
Find resources and tools for professionals and Diverse Community leaders on the Diverse Communities page.
