Many veterans face challenges accessing mental health care through the VA due to policies that limit individual therapy sessions at some VA Medical Centers. The War Horse has compiled a list of programs and services, including VA initiatives, nonprofit support, and peer-to-peer counseling, to help veterans get the care they need.
VA and DoD Programs
The VA remains a primary provider of mental health services, serving over a million veterans annually. In addition to large medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics offer mental health care closer to home.
Veterans Crisis Line
The 24/7 confidential Veterans Crisis Line is available to veterans and their family members. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA benefits to access it—call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Veterans who live more than 30 minutes from a VA clinic may receive care from local providers covered by the VA’s Community Care program, which requires only annual reauthorization.
Vet Centers
Vet Centers provide community-based counseling for eligible veterans, including those who served in combat zones or experienced military sexual trauma.
Psychological Health Resource Center
While it does not provide direct treatment, this 24/7 hotline connects veterans and active-duty service members to local mental health resources.
Telehealth and Virtual Therapy
Roger – A free telehealth service from Stop Soldier Suicide, focusing on crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
WWP Talk – Offered by the Wounded Warrior Project, this service provides weekly 20-minute phone calls with a supportive listener.
Give an Hour – Connects veterans and service members with one-on-one counseling and peer support.
InnerWorld – A virtual tool available on mobile and VR devices that teaches coping skills; free for veterans.
Outpatient Therapy Options
The Headstrong Project – Offers 30 free therapy sessions for PTSD, with additional sessions available for a copay. Services are available in-person or via telehealth.
Cohen Veterans Network – Provides treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. All post-9/11 veterans and their families are eligible. There are 22 clinics in 20 states.
Centerstone – Offers outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth services for veterans, service members, and their families.
The Road Home Program – A two-week intensive outpatient program at Rush academic health system, covering transportation, lodging, meals, and treatment. Telehealth is available in Illinois and Indiana.
Home Base – Massachusetts General Hospital’s two-week intensive program covers all costs for veterans, Special Operations personnel, and military families affected by suicide.
Emory Healthcare Veterans Program – Free two-week intensive mental health care for veterans active any time after Sept. 11, 2001.
UCLA Operation Mend – Provides a free two-week intensive PTSD program for post-9/11 veterans, including TBI treatment and surgical care.
Inpatient Therapy Options
SHARE Military Initiative – Offers free inpatient care for veterans with traumatic brain injuries and related psychological symptoms, including PTSD.
These programs, ranging from VA services to nonprofit initiatives, provide veterans multiple pathways to access mental health care, whether through in-person sessions, telehealth, or intensive outpatient and inpatient programs.
Related topic：
