The War Horse has compiled a list of resources for veterans who have struggled with getting mental health care at VA due to policies that limit the number of individual therapy sessions that have been implemented at some VA Medical Centers. These resources range from other VA programs to programs sponsored by nonprofits and peer-to-peer counseling.
VA and DOD Programs
VA is still one of the best places for veterans to get mental health care. The agency provides mental health services to more than a million veterans each year and has a variety of programs tailored to the unique needs of veterans. In addition to large medical centers, VA has a network of community-based outpatient clinics, many of which may be closer to you and provide mental health services.
Veteran’s Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7 confidential support hotline for veterans and their family members. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits to use the crisis line—just dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Community Care
If you live more than a 30-minute drive from the nearest VA clinic, you may be eligible to see a mental health provider in your community and get VA to foot the bill through the agency’s community care program. A recent directive means that you only have to get reauthorized once a year.
Vet Centers
Vet Centers provide community-based counseling for certain eligible veterans, including veterans who were on active military duty in any combat theater or area of hostility and any service member survivors of military sexual trauma.
Psychological Health Resource Center
This resource hub doesn’t provide treatment, but the 24/7 hotline can connect veterans and active-duty military to specialized mental health resources in their local area.
Telehealth and Virtual Therapy Options
Roger
Roger is a telehealth service provided by the nonprofit Stop Soldier Suicide that offers free mental health counseling to veterans and active-duty service members. They focus primarily on crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
WWP Talk
WWP Talk is a service of the Wounded Warrior Project and offers free, weekly 20-minute phone calls with a nonjudgmental listener.
Give an Hour
Give an Hour connects veterans and military service members with one-on-one counseling and peer support.
InnerWorld
InnerWorld is a virtual tool that can be used on mobile or virtual reality devices to learn mental health coping tools and is free for veterans.
Outpatient Therapy Options
The Headstrong Project
The Headstrong Project provides 30 free therapy sessions to veterans seeking PTSD treatment. Additional therapy sessions can be paid for with a copay to the therapist. Last year, the organization saw more than 2,500 clients. Either in-person or telehealth is possible, depending on your state.
Cohen Veterans Network
Cohen Veterans Network is a network of mental health clinics that can help treat PTSD, depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. All post-9/11 veterans and their family members are eligible for treatment at Cohen Clinics, and there are 22 Cohen Clinics across the country in 20 states.
Centerstone
Centerstone provides outpatient, inpatient, and telehealth services for veterans, service members, and military family members.
The Road Home Program
The Road Home Program through the Rush academic health system offers a two-week intensive outpatient therapy program and covers all the costs of transportation, lodging, meals, and treatment for veterans. They also offer telehealth for veterans in Illinois and Indiana.
Home Base
The Home Base program through Massachusetts General Hospital offers a two-week intensive outpatient therapy program and covers all the costs of transportation, lodging, meals, and treatment for veterans. They also offer programs for Special Operations veterans and military family members who have lost veterans to suicide.
Emory Healthcare Veterans Program
The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program offers a free two-week intensive mental health care program for all veterans who were active in the military at least one day after Sept. 11, 2001.
UCLA Operation Mend
UCLA Health’s Operation Mend program is a free two-week intensive PTSD treatment program for post-9/11 era veterans. The program also incorporates TBI treatment and surgical care.
Inpatient Therapy Options
SHARE Military Initiative
The inpatient program at the SHARE Military Initiative provides free treatment for veterans who have experienced a traumatic brain injury and also exhibit physical or psychological symptoms such as PTSD.
