VA Mental Health Care and Vet Centers

If you need help right now

Call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net. It's free, private, and open 24/7. You don't need to be enrolled in VA health care, and your discharge status doesn't matter. You can also go to the nearest VA medical center or any emergency room.

What it is

VA runs one of the largest mental health systems in the country. Help includes:

• Therapy for PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and anger
• Treatment for alcohol, drug and tobacco use
• Care for military sexual trauma (MST), with free MST-related care even for many who don't qualify for other VA care
• Medication management, sleep help and couples or family support
• Telehealth by video or phone, plus apps and online tools

Many VA clinics offer same-day services, like a walk-in visit, a nurse call, or a quick video visit.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers are small, community-based counseling offices separate from VA hospitals. They feel less like a clinic and more like a conversation. Many staff are veterans themselves.

Vet Centers offer individual, group, couples and family counseling, plus help with the move back to civilian life, MST, grief and readjustment. Services are free and confidential. You don't need to be enrolled in VA health care or have a disability rating. There are also 83 mobile Vet Centers that travel to rural areas and events.

Vet Centers generally serve veterans and service members who served in a combat theater or area of hostility, experienced MST, served in certain drone or mortuary roles, or responded to national emergencies, along with their families. Bereavement counseling is also available for families of service members who died on active duty. Call 877-927-8387 to find out if you qualify and to find your nearest location.

Who qualifies for VA mental health care

If you're enrolled in VA health care, mental health care is part of your benefits. If you're not enrolled, you may still get some services. Former service members with an other than honorable discharge can get emergency mental health care, and many can get ongoing mental health treatment too.

How to get started, step by step

1. In crisis? Call 988, press 1. Don't wait.
2. Already enrolled? Call your VA clinic and ask for a mental health appointment, or tell your primary care team. Ask about same-day options.
3. Not enrolled? Apply for VA health care online or at 877-222-8387. Ask about mental health care while you wait.
4. Want something more private? Call or walk into a Vet Center.
5. Recently separated? BeThere offers free peer support through Military OneSource for up to a year after you leave the military.
6. Live far away? Ask about telehealth or community care.

Mistakes to avoid

• Thinking it will hurt your career or benefits. Getting care doesn't take away your VA benefits, and Vet Center records are kept separate and private.
• Waiting until it's a crisis. Early help works better.
• Assuming your discharge rules you out. Ask.
• Confusing treatment with a claim. Treatment records can support a disability claim, but you still have to file the claim yourself.

Related benefits

See our guides on VA health care, discharge upgrades, women veterans health care, caregiver support, and disability compensation for PTSD and other conditions.