PTSD: VA Programs & Services - Mental Health

PTSD

Take the next step

Now that you’ve learned about PTSD and available treatment options, take the next step. Explore the following resources and connected care options to get started at VA.

Schedule a mental health appointment

• If you’re already using VA health care, ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment for VA mental health services.
• If you're not already using VA health care, contact your nearest VA medical center to talk about your needs Find your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center.
• New to VA? Apply for health care benefits. Getting started is simple. Create a free account online to help ease your enrollment process. Start your application today.

Programs and services

VA is here to provide world-class care for Veterans, and mental health is a critical part of that care. The programs and services described below can help you find your path to recovery:

AboutFace

Produced by VA’s National Center for PTSD, AboutFace features the real stories of Veterans who have experienced PTSD and their family members and VA clinicians. By watching the videos on AboutFace, you can learn about PTSD, explore treatment options, and get advice from others who have been there.

National Center for PTSD

This website provides information, resources, and practical advice for Veterans, their family members and friends, and the public about dealing with trauma.

Vet Centers

Vet Centers are small, nonmedical counseling centers conveniently located in communities across the U.S. If you’re a Veteran or service member (including members of the National Guard and Reserve), you may be eligible to receive individual and group counseling at no cost to you and your family. You can access these services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care or don’t have a service connection.

Self-help

The road to recovery can start with you. The following resources and apps were developed to provide direct support to both you and the people in your support system.

Online resources

• AboutFace: Learn from other Veterans how PTSD treatment can turn your life around.
• PTSD treatment decision aid: Wondering what treatment is the right fit for you? This online tool helps you learn about and compare effective treatments.
• MakeTheConnection.net: View hundreds of stories from Veterans of all service eras who have overcome mental health challenges, including PTSD.

Self-help mobile apps

VA and the Department of Defense have designed mobile apps specifically to support Veterans in self-managing their mental health conditions. These apps can be used independently or alongside therapy and/or other mental health treatment.

Resources

VA and Veterans Service Organizations have developed several resources to provide support, connect you with care, and relieve the symptoms of PTSD in your life.

Help for Veterans’ family members and friends

Learn about resources to help you take care of yourself while supporting someone with PTSD.

Understanding PTSD and PTSD treatment

This 16-page booklet explains the causes and symptoms of PTSD as well as ways to effectively treat it. En español

Helping a family member who has PTSD

This online guide helps family members and friends of people with PTSD understand the disorder. It also provides information on self-care and on encouraging loved ones to get treatment. En español

Wounded Warrior Project: Warrior Care Network

This collaboration between Wounded Warrior Project and its academic medical partners connects Veterans living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and other related conditions with clinical services.

Stay Informed. Stay Connected.

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