1. Veterans Crisis Line
• Description: A confidential, 24/7 hotline that connects veterans in crisis with trained responders, many of whom are veterans themselves. Offers immediate support for veterans experiencing mental health crises, including suicidal thoughts.
• Contact: 988, press 1 | Text: 838255 | Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mental Health Services
• Description: Provides comprehensive mental health care for veterans, including services for PTSD, anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and other conditions. VA medical centers offer individual and group therapy, medication management, and specialized programs like the Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs (RRTP).
• Contact: VA Mental Health Resources
3. Vet Centers
• Description: Run by the VA, Vet Centers provide counseling for combat veterans, those who experienced military sexual trauma, and their families. Services include individual, group, and family counseling, as well as bereavement support.
• Contact: 1-877-927-8387 | Find a Vet Center: Vet Center Locator
4. Give an Hour
• Description: A nonprofit organization that offers free mental health services to U.S. military personnel and their families through a network of volunteer mental health professionals. Designed to help veterans cope with trauma, grief, and other challenges.
• Contact: Give an Hour
5. National Center for PTSD
• Description: Part of the VA, this center is a leader in research and education on trauma-related mental health care. They offer online resources, apps (like PTSD Coach), and educational materials for veterans and healthcare providers.
• Contact: National Center for PTSD
6. Headstrong Project
• Description: Provides confidential, cost-free, and stigma-free mental health treatment for military veterans and their families. Offers treatment for PTSD, anxiety, depression, anger management, and addiction through a network of licensed professionals.
• Contact: The Headstrong Project
7. Cohen Veterans Network (CVN)
• Description: A national network of mental health clinics offering low-cost or no-cost mental health services for post-9/11 veterans and their families. Their services address PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
• Contact: Cohen Veterans Network
8. Objective Zero Foundation
• Description: A suicide prevention app that connects veterans, service members, and their families with peer support and mental health resources. The app provides instant access to a community that offers confidential support and connection to services.
• Contact: Objective Zero
9. PsychArmor Institute
• Description: Offers free, online training courses to help civilians and mental health professionals understand and support veterans. Topics include military culture, PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and suicide prevention.
• Contact: PsychArmor Institute
10. Veterans Yoga Project
• Description: A nonprofit that offers yoga and mindfulness classes tailored to veterans dealing with PTSD, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions. These sessions promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being.
• Contact: Veterans Yoga Project
11. Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB)
• Description: Focuses on improving veterans’ mental health through physical fitness and community engagement. The organization offers physical training programs, social gatherings, and volunteer opportunities that enhance mental well-being.
• Contact: Team RWB
12. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) – Mental Health Resources
• Description: Offers various support services, including mental health advocacy, benefits counseling, and transportation to VA medical facilities for veterans in need of mental health care.
• Contact: DAV Mental Health
13. Vets4Warriors
• Description: A peer support network providing 24/7 confidential help to veterans. All peer supporters are veterans who are trained to help with any challenges, including mental health concerns, and offer referrals to additional resources if needed.
• Contact: 855-838-8255 | Vets4Warriors
14. Camillus House – Operation Sacred Trust
• Description: Focuses on preventing homelessness among veterans, offering case management, housing placement, and mental health support. Provides services like counseling, housing assistance, and job training.
• Contact: Operation Sacred Trust
1. Veterans Justice Outreach Program (VJO)
• Description: A VA program aimed at avoiding unnecessary criminalization of veterans and providing treatment for mental health and substance use disorders as alternatives to incarceration. The VJO connects veterans with VA services, legal support, and community resources.
• Contact: Veterans Justice Outreach
2. National Veterans Legal Services Program (NVLSP)
• Description: Provides free legal representation and advocacy for veterans and active-duty personnel in matters related to VA benefits, disability compensation, and discharge upgrades. NVLSP has been instrumental in helping veterans navigate complex claims processes.
• Contact: National Veterans Legal Services Program
3. Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
• Description: Offers free legal assistance to veterans and their families who are seeking to appeal VA decisions at the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. They provide attorneys who specialize in veterans’ law.
• Contact: Veterans Consortium Pro Bono Program
4. Legal Services Corporation (LSC) – Veterans Legal Assistance
• Description: LSC provides funding to nonprofit legal aid organizations across the U.S., many of which offer free or low-cost legal assistance to veterans. Common issues addressed include eviction, foreclosure, child custody, and benefits denial.
• Contact: Legal Services Corporation
5. State Veteran Legal Aid Programs
• Description: Many states have legal aid organizations specifically focused on helping veterans with a variety of legal issues, such as housing, employment, disability benefits, and criminal justice involvement. For example, Texas Veterans Legal Assistance Project or California Veterans Legal Task Force.
• Contact: Look up your state’s Legal Aid or Veterans Affairs website for local programs.
6. American Bar Association (ABA) – Veterans Legal Services
• Description: Through its Standing Committee on Legal Assistance for Military Personnel (LAMP), the ABA provides veterans with pro bono legal assistance and connects them to attorneys specializing in military and veterans’ legal matters. They also provide guidance on veterans’ benefits and criminal defense issues.
• Contact: ABA Veterans Legal Services
7. Swords to Plowshares Legal Services
• Description: A nonprofit organization offering free legal assistance to veterans, including help with VA claims, military discharge upgrades, and access to public benefits like Social Security Disability. They specialize in helping veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
• Contact: Swords to Plowshares
8. Discharge Upgrade Legal Clinics
• Description: Veterans who received less-than-honorable discharges may struggle with accessing benefits. Discharge Upgrade Legal Clinics, often run by law schools (e.g., Yale Law School’s Veterans Legal Services Clinic), help veterans navigate the process of upgrading their discharge status.
• Contact: Research local law schools with veterans legal clinics, such as Yale Veterans Legal Services Clinic.
9. Stateside Legal
• Description: An online resource offering free legal information to veterans and their families on topics including disability claims, housing, employment rights, and military family law. They also provide tools for finding pro bono legal help.
• Contact: Stateside Legal
10. Operation Stand Down
• Description: This organization provides legal assistance to homeless veterans or those at risk of homelessness. Services include help with VA benefits, discharge upgrades, legal claims, and criminal record expungement. Available in several states, including Tennessee and Rhode Island.
• Contact: Operation Stand Down Tennessee
11. Veterans Advocacy Project
• Description: A legal services organization that provides free legal assistance to low-income veterans, with a focus on veterans facing mental health issues, PTSD, or homelessness. Their areas of support include benefits claims, criminal defense, and discharge upgrades.
• Contact: Veterans Advocacy Project
12. Military OneSource – Legal Assistance
• Description: A Department of Defense resource offering free legal consultations on a variety of issues, including family law, estate planning, and consumer rights, as well as guidance for veterans navigating civilian life and benefits claims.
• Contact: Military OneSource
13. Veterans Legal Institute (VLI)
• Description: Provides free legal services to low-income veterans, helping them with issues such as housing, employment, family law, and benefits claims. They also assist veterans seeking discharge upgrades and legal help related to military service-connected issues.
• Contact: Veterans Legal Institute
14. National Veterans Foundation (NVF) – Legal Resources
• Description: Offers free information and referrals for veterans needing legal assistance. They provide guidance for veterans seeking help with VA claims, discharge upgrades, criminal defense, and family law.
• Contact: National Veterans Foundation
15. Veterans Legal Support Center & Clinic (VLSC)
• Description: Based at The John Marshall Law School, VLSC provides free legal services to veterans, including representation in VA claims, discharge upgrades, and disability benefits cases. Law students work alongside experienced attorneys to provide veterans with thorough legal assistance.
• Contact: Veterans Legal Support Center
16. GI Rights Hotline
• Description: A free, confidential hotline providing legal information and support for veterans seeking help with issues like discharge upgrades, conscientious objection, and military legal rights. A valuable resource for veterans still navigating post-military challenges.
• Contact: 877-447-4487 | GI Rights Hotline
1. VA Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program
• Description: The VA offers comprehensive treatment for veterans dealing with substance abuse, including inpatient and outpatient care, detoxification, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Services also include counseling for co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
• Contact: VA Substance Use Disorder Treatment
2. Veterans Crisis Line
• Description: A confidential, 24/7 hotline that provides immediate assistance for veterans in crisis due to substance abuse or mental health issues. Trained responders, many of whom are veterans, offer support and referrals to treatment resources.
• Contact: 988, press 1 | Text: 838255 | Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
3. Substance Abuse Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (SARRTP)
• Description: This VA program provides residential treatment services for veterans with substance use disorders. The program offers structured environments, therapy, and support for veterans in recovery, often including treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions like PTSD.
• Contact: SARRTP Program
4. Give an Hour
• Description: This nonprofit organization offers free mental health and substance abuse counseling to veterans and their families. They focus on providing no-cost services through volunteer mental health professionals, including help with substance use and co-occurring disorders.
• Contact: Give an Hour
5. SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) – Veteran Resources
• Description: SAMHSA offers information and referrals for substance abuse treatment programs tailored to veterans, including help for those with co-occurring disorders. They also provide a treatment locator to find local services for veterans.
• Contact: SAMHSA Treatment Locator | 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
6. Vets4Warriors – Peer Support for Substance Abuse
• Description: A confidential peer support network providing 24/7 assistance to veterans struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges. Peer counselors, who are veterans themselves, help connect users with appropriate treatment resources.
• Contact: 1-855-838-8255 | Vets4Warriors
7. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for Veterans
• Description: Many local AA and NA groups offer specialized meetings for veterans dealing with substance abuse. Veterans can find peer support and recovery resources through these well-established 12-step programs.
• Contact: Alcoholics Anonymous | Narcotics Anonymous
8. SMART Recovery for Veterans
• Description: SMART Recovery offers evidence-based, peer-led support groups for veterans recovering from substance use disorders. Their focus is on self-management and cognitive-behavioral strategies, making it an alternative to 12-step programs like AA or NA.
• Contact: SMART Recovery
9. Operation Recovery – The Soldiers Project
• Description: Offers free, confidential counseling for veterans struggling with substance abuse, PTSD, and co-occurring mental health conditions. Volunteer mental health professionals provide treatment specifically designed for military veterans and their families.
• Contact: The Soldiers Project
10. Veterans Treatment Courts (VTC)
• Description: Veterans Treatment Courts provide an alternative to traditional legal consequences for veterans dealing with substance abuse and related criminal behavior. These courts focus on treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration, offering structured substance use programs and peer support.
• Contact: Veterans Treatment Courts
11. Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation – Military & Veterans Programs
• Description: Offers specialized treatment programs for veterans and military personnel dealing with substance use disorders. Services include both inpatient and outpatient care, tailored to veterans’ specific needs, often addressing co-occurring PTSD and mental health issues.
• Contact: Hazelden Betty Ford
12. Cohen Veterans Network (CVN)
• Description: A network of clinics offering mental health care, including substance abuse treatment, for veterans and their families. Their services are designed to be affordable or free, addressing issues like PTSD, addiction, and depression.
• Contact: Cohen Veterans Network
13. TRICARE Substance Use Disorder Treatment
• Description: For eligible veterans, TRICARE provides coverage for substance use disorder treatment, including detoxification, rehabilitation, and ongoing care. Both inpatient and outpatient services are covered for military veterans and their families.
• Contact: TRICARE Substance Use Disorder
14. The VA’s Whole Health Program
• Description: Focuses on holistic approaches to treating substance use disorders in veterans, including therapies like mindfulness, acupuncture, yoga, and nutrition in conjunction with traditional treatment approaches. It aims to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms of addiction.
• Contact: Whole Health
1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Homeless Veterans Program
• Description: The VA’s Homeless Veterans Program offers a comprehensive approach to ending veteran homelessness, providing services such as housing, healthcare, mental health treatment, and employment support. It also includes initiatives like the Homeless Veterans Community Employment Services (HVCES).
• Contact: VA Homeless Veterans Program | Call: 1-877-424-3838 (VA Homeless Hotline)
2. HUD-VASH (Housing and Urban Development – Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing)
• Description: A collaboration between HUD and the VA that provides permanent supportive housing vouchers and case management services to chronically homeless veterans. The program helps veterans access stable housing and ongoing care for their medical and mental health needs.
• Contact: HUD-VASH Program
3. Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
• Description: This VA program aims to prevent at-risk veterans and their families from becoming homeless. SSVF provides grants to nonprofit organizations that offer temporary financial assistance, case management, housing placement, and other supportive services.
• Contact: SSVF Program
4. National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
• Description: A VA-operated, 24/7 hotline that provides immediate assistance to veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. Veterans can receive referrals to local resources, housing assistance, healthcare, and mental health support.
• Contact: 1-877-424-3838 | National Call Center
5. Volunteers of America (VOA) – Veterans Program
• Description: VOA operates multiple programs for homeless veterans, including transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, job training, and mental health care. Their programs provide veterans with pathways to stability through housing and employment support.
• Contact: Volunteers of America Veterans Program
6. The Salvation Army – Veteran Homelessness Services
• Description: The Salvation Army offers emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing for veterans facing homelessness. Their programs often include access to job training, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
• Contact: Salvation Army Veterans Services
7. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV)
• Description: NCHV is a nonprofit organization that advocates on behalf of homeless veterans and connects them to service providers nationwide. They offer assistance with housing, employment, legal aid, and case management through their network of local providers.
• Contact: NCHV | Call: 202-546-1969
8. Veterans Inc.
• Description: A nonprofit organization offering housing assistance, employment services, and mental health care to homeless veterans. Their programs focus on creating long-term stability through permanent housing solutions and career development.
• Contact: Veterans Inc.
9. U.S. VETS
• Description: A leading nonprofit providing housing, mental health services, and career development to homeless and at-risk veterans. U.S. VETS operates housing facilities across the U.S. and offers services designed to promote self-sufficiency and reintegration into civilian life.
• Contact: U.S. VETS
10. Operation Homefront
• Description: A national nonprofit that helps veterans and their families transition into permanent housing by providing temporary housing, rent assistance, and financial aid. Their Transitional Housing Program supports veterans moving from homelessness to stable housing.
• Contact: Operation Homefront
11. Swords to Plowshares
• Description: This nonprofit organization provides a comprehensive range of services for homeless veterans, including housing, legal assistance, and employment support. They focus on helping veterans with complex needs, including those with PTSD and substance use disorders.
• Contact: Swords to Plowshares
12. Stand Down Events for Homeless Veterans
• Description: Stand Down events are community-based, temporary shelters where homeless veterans can access services in one place, such as housing assistance, medical care, job counseling, and legal aid. These events occur nationwide and are organized by the VA and local nonprofits.
• Contact: Stand Down Events
13. The American Legion Homeless Veterans Task Force
• Description: This program helps homeless veterans with housing, employment, and benefits assistance. It advocates for policy changes and community outreach, helping veterans access VA resources and other support services in their local communities.
• Contact: American Legion Homeless Veterans
14. Catholic Charities USA – Veteran Homelessness Programs
• Description: Catholic Charities provides housing and supportive services to homeless veterans and their families, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent housing. They also assist with mental health and substance abuse treatment.
• Contact: Catholic Charities
15. Community Solutions – Built for Zero
• Description: Built for Zero is an initiative that works with communities to achieve functional zero veteran homelessness by providing data-driven solutions, housing placement, and healthcare services for veterans. They collaborate with the VA and local partners to improve housing outcomes for veterans.
• Contact: Community Solutions – Built for Zero
1. National Center for PTSD (VA)
• Description: The National Center for PTSD, part of the VA, offers veterans a wide range of evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). The center also provides educational resources, self-help tools, and PTSD research materials.
• Contact: National Center for PTSD | Call: 802-296-6300
2. VA PTSD Treatment Programs
• Description: The VA offers outpatient, inpatient, and residential programs for veterans suffering from PTSD. These programs provide individualized therapy, including trauma-focused treatments like CPT, PE, and EMDR, along with group therapy, medication management, and family counseling.
• Contact: VA PTSD Treatment | Call: 1-877-222-VETS (8387)
3. Vet Centers
• Description: Community-based counseling centers providing free and confidential counseling services to combat veterans and their families. Vet Centers offer PTSD counseling, military sexual trauma treatment, and family counseling. Services include individual and group therapy for PTSD.
• Contact: Find a Vet Center | Call: 1-877-927-8387
4. Cohen Veterans Network (CVN)
• Description: A national network of mental health clinics offering affordable or free PTSD treatment to post-9/11 veterans and their families. CVN focuses on evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Prolonged Exposure (PE).
• Contact: Cohen Veterans Network | Call: 844-336-4226
5. Give an Hour
• Description: A nonprofit organization that provides free mental health services to veterans, including therapy for PTSD. Give an Hour’s network of volunteer mental health professionals offers trauma-focused treatment options at no cost to veterans and their families.
• Contact: Give an Hour | Call: 1-800-273-8255
6. The Headstrong Project
• Description: Offers free, confidential mental health care for veterans with PTSD. The Headstrong Project provides personalized treatment plans based on evidence-based therapies like CPT, PE, and EMDR. They aim to eliminate barriers to care by providing veterans with immediate access to therapy.
• Contact: The Headstrong Project | Call: 212-874-2905