MIRECC / CoE

Mental Health Information

Post-Deployment Stress

Learn about common reactions to stressful deployment experiences and what you can do to help.

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Make the Connection

This website shares stories of how Veterans and their families coped with a wide range of mental health issues, such as PTSD, depression, alcohol and substance use, and other changes in thinking and behavior.

Web: http://maketheconnection.net/

National Center for PTSD

This is the center of excellence for research and education on the prevention, understanding, and treatment of PTSD.

Web: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/

Program Locators

Veteran’s Crisis Line (VCL)

The VCL connects Veterans, their families, and friends in crisis with qualified, caring VA responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

Text: Send a message to 838255
Phone: 800-273-8255 and Press 1
Web: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Caregiver Support Line

The Caregiver Support Line is designed to direct family members who are caregivers of Veterans currently receiving VA care to supportive services and programs provided by VA.

Phone: 855-260-3274
Web: http://www.caregiver.va.gov/

OEF/OIF/OND Program Locator

OEF/OIF/OND combat Veterans can receive cost free medical care for any condition related to their service in the Iraq/Afghanistan theater for five years after the date of their discharge or release. Use this locator tool to find the contact information for the OEF/OIF/OND clinic at your nearest VA medical Center.

Web: http://www.oefoif.va.gov/map.asp

Substance Use Disorder Programs

The VA offers a number of options for those seeking treatment for substance use problems. Treatment is provided in an outpatient or residential setting, depending on the Veteran’s needs. Use this locator tool to find VA SUD services in your area.

Web: http://www.va.gov/directory/guide/SUD.asp

Homeless Veterans

The Homeless Veterans Program connects homeless and at-risk Veterans with housing solutions, health care, community employment services and other required supports.

Phone: 877-424-3838
Web: http://www.va.gov/homeless/

Vet Center Program

Vet Centers understand and appreciate Veterans' war experiences while assisting them and their family members toward a successful post-war adjustment in or near their community.

Web: http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

Veteran Justice Outreach Program

Specialists in this program provide direct outreach, assessment and case management for justice-involved Veterans in local courts and jails and serve as a liaison with local justice system partners.

Web: http://www.va.gov/homeless/vjo.asp

Why VA?

The advantage of VA care is that these services are designed specifically to serve the needs of our US military Veterans, which differ in important ways from service provided to non-Veterans. The VHA system is designed to treat Veterans with complex needs, including treatment services for those with injuries and health issues associated with participation in combat deployments.

How VA is Organized

VA is organized into Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs). Each VISN has at least two medical centers, and each medical center has outpatient clinics onsite and small, mid-sized and large community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) throughout the VISN.

Mental Health Programs

VA provides specialized care for many types of mental health treatment needs. Treatment can include family members and can occur in a range of inpatient, outpatient, and residential settings. These programs and treatments are described at the special mental health section of the VA website.

Web: Guide to VA Mental Health Services for Veterans & Families