Mental Health Resources for Veterans
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Whether you're struggling with PTS, stress, anxiety, or just need support, these resources provide immediate help, long-term care options, and practical techniques for well-being.
🚨 Crisis Support & Suicide Prevention
If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, help is available 24/7.
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Veterans Crisis Line – 📞 Dial 988, then Press 1. Chat or Text options available as well.
🔗 VeteransCrisisLine.net -
Military Helpline – 📞 1-888-457-4838
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National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 📞 988
🔗 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
🧠 VA Mental Health Programs & Support
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VA Mental Health Services – Free therapy, PTS treatment, and peer support.
🔗 mentalhealth.va.gov -
Make the Connection – Veterans share real stories of overcoming challenges.
🔗 maketheconnection.net -
Give An Hour – Free mental health counseling for veterans & families.
🔗 giveanhour.org -
Wounded Warrior Project – Mental Health Support
🔗 woundedwarriorproject.org -
Vets4Warriors (24/7 Peer Support) – Speak with a veteran peer anytime.
🔗 vets4warriors.com
🧠PTS & Substance Abuse Support
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VA PTS Resources – Education, treatment options, and self-help tools.
🔗 ptsd.va.gov -
SAMHSA – Veteran Substance Abuse Help – Addiction and recovery programs.
🔗 SAMHSA for Veterans -
Valley Hope – Addiction Treatment & Recovery for Veterans – Specialized care for veterans battling addiction.
🔗 Valley Hope Veterans Program
Listen to our Episode on Valley Hope with Michael McGowan below:
🎨 Monkey Brain Art: Art Therapy for Veterans
Art can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. Monkey Brain Art is an organization that helps veterans manage PTSD and stress through creative expression and mindfulness.
🔹 Offers: Art classes, meditation, and mindfulness training
🔹 Goal: Help veterans find peace through creativity
🔗 Monkey Brain Art Facebook Page
Listen to our Episode on Monkey Brain Art with Gary and Trish below:
Other Links to Check out:
🌿 Mindfulness & Breathing Techniques
Practicing mindfulness and breathing exercises can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and regulate emotions. These techniques are simple, effective, and can be done anywhere.
4-7-8 Breathing Technique
A simple method to reduce stress and improve sleep.
1️⃣ Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
2️⃣ Hold your breath for 7 seconds
3️⃣ Exhale slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds
4️⃣ Repeat for 4 cycles
Box Breathing (Navy SEAL Technique)
A technique used by the military to stay calm under pressure.
1️⃣ Inhale through your nose for 4 seconds
2️⃣ Hold your breath for 4 seconds
3️⃣ Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds
4️⃣ Hold your breath for 4 seconds
5️⃣ Repeat the cycle 4-5 times
Guided Meditation & Free Resources for Veterans
Meditation can help reduce stress, improve focus, and promote emotional healing. Here are some free meditation programs and apps specifically for veterans:
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VA Mindfulness Coach App – Free app from the VA with guided mindfulness exercises.
🔗 VA Mindfulness Coach -
Headspace for Veterans – Free meditation & sleep app for military members and veterans.
🔗 Headspace for Veterans -
Veteran's Path – Nonprofit offering free mindfulness & meditation programs for veterans.
🔗 Veteran's Path -
Operation Warrior Wellness (David Lynch Foundation) – Meditation training for veterans with PTSD.
🔗 David Lynch Foundation -
Insight Timer App – Free guided meditations and breathing exercises.
🔗 Insight Timer
By incorporating breathing exercises and meditation, veterans can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being.
Heroes in Transition (HIT)
HIT provides assistance for veterans, service members and their families not readily available from government agencies or other providers. This assistance strengthens relationships, builds community, empowers individuals and provides a pathway to healing for those we serve. HIT improves quality of life, communication, and resiliency skills for all, through responsible and professional leadership and in partnership with others. Heroes in Transition is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization recognized and respected for fostering a sense of community and belonging for and among veterans, service members and their families. Through programs and financial support, a safe, trusting, and healthy environment is created for those we serve. HIT was founded in 2009 in memory of Capt. Eric A. Jones, a Marine helicopter pilot, who lost his life while supporting a combat mission in Afghanistan, October 26, 2009. “He flew helicopters to be close to the troops on the ground and be there to help them when they needed it most,” said Cyndy Jones, Eric’s mother and one of the founders of Heroes in Transition.
Find out more at: heroesintransition.org
Listen to our interview with Cyndy Jones and Meghan Keller from HIT below:
💡 Need Help? You’re Not Alone.
If you’re struggling, please reach out. Whether it’s a crisis hotline, therapy, or talking with a fellow veteran—help is here.