Mental health and substance abuse help for veterans

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:

• At your local VA medical center
• At a substance use disorder program near you