Mental health and substance abuse help for veterans
Learn how to get mental health and substance abuse help through the VA.
Get immediate crisis help
Contact the Veteran Crisis Hotline. To reach a counselor:
- Call 988 (then press 1)
- Text 83825
- Chat online
Counselors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
VA mental health resources
All veterans can get mental health services at a VA medical center or vet center. Your discharge status or whether you have VA health benefits do not affect your access.
To start getting mental health services:
- Contact your local VA medical center.
- Contact a local vet center.
VA substance abuse resources
The VA offers treatment options for veterans with substance abuse problems. They have programs for medication-based and therapy-based treatment.
If you have VA health benefits, you can start treatment:
LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2023
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