Therapy for Veterans: Mental Health Services and How to Access Care

The experiences members of the military may face during service often have the potential to leave behind significant emotional effects. Mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are not uncommon among veterans and service members, which can significantly affect functioning, relationships, work, and overall well-being if left untreated.

Several pathways exist for accessing mental health support, including VA services, community organizations, online therapy platforms, and psychiatry services when clinically appropriate. Many of these options are available at no cost or reduced cost to veterans and their families. If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, you can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1. Below, explore therapy options for veterans, how to access care, and resources available to support mental health.

What is therapy for veterans?

Therapy for veterans is mental health care designed to help former service members process and heal from experiences they may have undergone during their time in the military. This type of support can address service-related trauma, such as combat exposure or military sexual trauma, as well as challenges that may arise during the transition back to civilian life. A counselor who understands the veteran experience can provide a space to work through emotional difficulties in a way that feels relevant and supportive.

Who can benefit from veteran mental health services

All veterans may be eligible for mental health support, regardless of discharge status, era of service, or branch. You do not need to have experienced combat to benefit from therapy. Many veterans seek help for challenges related to transitioning out of the military, relationship difficulties, or emotional concerns that developed during or after service. Family members and caregivers can also access certain programs designed to support the loved ones of veterans.

Common mental health conditions in veterans

Veterans may experience a range of mental health conditions related to their service. Understanding these challenges can be an important step toward recognizing when support might be helpful. Common conditions include depression, anxiety disorders, PTSD, military sexual trauma, grief and loss, and substance use disorders.

Depression

Depression is a common but serious mental health condition among active duty, national guard, or out-of-service military members, with some studies suggesting that around20% of US service personnelwill experience it. Veterans with depression may experience persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest in daily activities, among other potential symptoms.

Anxiety disorders

Anxiety can manifest in various forms and may be linked to traumatic events experienced during military service. A veteran living with some form of anxiety disorder may have trouble concentrating and could experience persistent feelings of worry and fear, making it difficult to adjust to civilian life.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

An estimated 7% of US military veterans develop post-traumatic stress disorder, typically stemming from exposure to traumatic events during their service. Some symptoms of PTSD that a veteran may experience can include vivid flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts related to the traumatic incident, as well as irritability, being easily startled, and other symptoms.

Note that some activist groups prefer the term "post-traumatic stress (PTS)" rather than "post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)" in an effort to reduce stigma that is often pervasive in military communities. A veteran may feel less stigmatized by the term PTS, which can encourage them to seek help.

Since PTSD, like depression, has the potential to manifest as thoughts of or behaviors related to self-harm or suicide, seeking treatment as soon as possible can be important. Addressing these concerns early can be important in supporting a veteran's mental health and well-being.

Military sexual trauma (MST)

Military sexual trauma (MST) refers to sexual harassment or assault experienced during military service. People of any gender or sexuality can experience MST, and it can have long-lasting effects on their mental health, potentially causing depression, anxiety, PTSD, or other challenges.

Grief and loss

Many veterans experience some form of loss while they serve, such as losing friends and colleagues or seeing civilians harmed. Grief can show up differently for each person, but symptoms may include feeling sad, angry, guilty, and having a hard time accepting the loss that happened. These emotional challenges are common for veterans with traumatic experiences in their past.

Substance use disorders

Some active or out-of-service military members might turn to substance use to help themselves cope with mental health challenges. Veterans may be more likely to drink heavily compared to current military personnel or people who have not served in the military. Since substance use disorders are clinical mental health conditions, this could be another reason for a veteran to seek counseling.

Other challenges veterans may face

Some other possible challenges that a veteran may seek mental health services for include sleep problems after service, traumatic brain injuries, coping emotionally with significant physical injuries or disabilities sustained during service, and trouble readjusting to civilian life. Certain veteran services may offer resources that address the emotional side of these challenges, including counseling and support programs. With an understanding of the range of concerns veterans may face, it can be helpful to explore the types of therapy that have shown effectiveness for these issues.

Types of therapy and treatment for veterans

Several therapeutic approaches have shown effectiveness for veteran mental health concerns. The right approach often depends on the individual's specific challenges, preferences, and goals. Here are some of the most commonly used evidence-based treatments:

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

2. Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)

3. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

4. Group therapy and peer support

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most widely recommended treatments for veteran mental health concerns, including PTSD and anxiety. CBT helps individuals identify and change unhelpful thought patterns that may be contributing to emotional distress. Treatment typically involves six to 14 sessions, during which veterans work with a therapist to develop healthier ways of thinking and coping with challenges.

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)

Cognitive processing therapy is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress and other mental health challenges for veterans experiencing flashbacks. In CPT, a veteran works with a therapist to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. By doing so, they can process and understand their traumatic experiences in a supportive environment. This therapeutic approach can help veterans learn healthier ways to cope, and as a result, they can begin to heal and move forward with a greater sense of self-awareness.

EMDR therapy for PTSD treatment in veterans

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is another potentially effective approach for PTSD treatment for veterans. Using the EMDR framework, veterans can process trauma by integrating memories with bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements. This approach can help reduce the intensity of traumatic memories and the distress associated with them.

Group therapy and peer support

For some veterans, connecting with others who share similar experiences can be a meaningful part of the healing process. Group therapy provides an opportunity to share experiences, build peer support, and reduce feelings of isolation. Sessions may be held weekly, allowing veterans to engage consistently in their healing process while building connections with fellow service members who understand what they have been through. Understanding these treatment options can help veterans recognize when they might benefit from seeking support.

Signs you may benefit from therapy

Mental health conditions may arise during active duty or after transitioning back to civilian life, and there are programs available to help with this transition. However, for some people, it can be hard to pinpoint when to seek help. That is why it can be helpful to recognize the signs of certain common mental health conditions.

Service members or others may want to consider seeking counseling if they experience symptoms like:

• Feeling regularly sad, hopeless, or worried
• Having trouble sleeping or feeling fatigued on a regular basis
• Experiencing extreme mood swings or unpredictable behavior
• Not caring about activities that they used to enjoy
• Engaging in risky behaviors such as unsafe sex, reckless driving, or dangerous substance use
• Thinking about hurting themselves or others

Veterans may also want to think about counseling if they have a hard time with daily tasks or relationships. For example, if you are experiencing new challenges related to communicating with others, are undergoing family conflicts, or are feeling lonely, it could be a sign that you may benefit from professional help. Remember that veterans and family members can both benefit from professional mental health support in many cases.

What to expect during counseling

Counseling practitioners who can assist veterans with mental health challenges may offer one-on-one or group sessions. Individual counseling offers personalized attention for members of the veteran community, while group sessions can foster connections with other veterans who have gone through similar experiences. Before you start or choose a method, you can typically speak to a mental health care provider about your symptoms or challenges so they can recommend the right type of treatment for you. When clinically appropriate, a provider may also suggest a psychiatric evaluation as part of a broader care plan.

During a first session, a therapist will ask questions about your background, current concerns, and goals for therapy. Throughout the therapeutic process, you can generally expect mental health professionals to be caring and sensitive and to aim to promote a sense of emotional safety every step of the way. Veterans will typically be invited to discuss various aspects of their past experiences and how these events may have affected their mental health, relationships, and transition back to civilian life.

Veteran mental health services and resources

Several free or low-cost mental health services are available to veterans. Whether you prefer in-person care at a VA facility, community-based support, or online options, there are pathways to getting the help you need. Below are some key resources to consider.

VA mental health care

VA mental health services offer counseling, alcohol and drug assessment, and support for combat veterans and their families through over 300 community Vet Centers. Eligible veterans can access VA mental health providers to help them transition from military to civilian life through their local VA facility. Many veterans qualify for VA mental health care regardless of their discharge status, particularly for conditions related to military service. To get started, you can contact your local VA facility or use the VA's online scheduling system.

Veterans Crisis Line

If you or a veteran you know is in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online at veteranscrisisline.net. Support is available 24/7.

The Veterans Crisis Line is a resource that veterans, their families, and their friends may contact when facing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide. The crisis line offers free assistance around the clock through a national call center.

Additional veteran support programs

Beyond VA services, several other organizations provide mental health support for veterans, such as:

• InTransition: This program is provided by the Psychological Health Center of Excellence for service personnel and their families. It connects eligible reserve component personnel with community mental health resources that can help with the challenges of adjusting back to civilian life. Contact them through the Military Health System website to get started.
• Military OneSource: This free service provided by the Department of Defense is available 24/7 at 1-800-342-9647 for support and referrals. They can connect military personnel, their spouses, and the loved ones of military personnel who have died with counseling, language translation services, tax and financial assistance, and health coaching. They also help military members with readjustment counseling in their first year after retirement or discharge.
• American Legion: This influential organization is dedicated to serving the needs of US military veterans, their families, and their communities. The American Legion provides resources and assistance such as career counseling, financial aid, healthcare support, and educational opportunities.
• Outside the Wire: This organization offers individual, family, and group counseling along with educational workshops at no charge to veterans and their families.

Overcoming barriers to seeking help

Although the stigma around seeking mental health care remains strong in many areas and populations, seeking healthcare for a mental health condition can be a positive step toward well-being. Reaching out for the potentially life-saving support you may need can be an important step in caring for your mental health. Not all veterans experiencing mental health challenges seek mental health support, often due to stigma or lack of access to quality care, but alternative care options may help address this barrier.

For veterans who face obstacles to traditional in-person care, whether due to stigma, location, scheduling challenges, or discomfort with visiting a clinic, online therapy can offer an alternative pathway to support. Telehealth options and peer support programs can help make mental health care more accessible and reduce feelings of isolation.

Online therapy for veterans

Online counseling platforms like BetterHelp offer mental health support for anyone, including veterans living with invisible wounds. With this type of service, you can get matched with a licensed counselor who can help address mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, PTS, and other emotional challenges often linked to the military experience.

The cost of online therapy via BetterHelp ranges from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, with costs based on your location, referral source, preferences, any applicable discounts, and therapist availability. Some providers on BetterHelp may be in-network with certain health plans for eligible members in select states. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability.

BetterHelp also now offers psychiatry services through Uplift as an additional care option for adults ages 18 and older. Psychiatry services may include medication management when clinically appropriate and based on a licensed psychiatric provider's evaluation. If you are interested in getting started with psychiatry services, you can learn more here. Online resources allow veterans to receive counseling and support via phone, video call, or in-app messaging on a mobile device from anywhere with an internet connection.

*Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate and is not guaranteed. Pricing, availability, insurance coverage, and copays vary by plan, location, and provider availability are not guaranteed.

Medication availability and coverage may vary by member location, clinical appropriateness, and individual pharmacy or insurance benefits. Prescribing decisions are made by the treating clinicians. We do not guarantee that any specific medication will be prescribed or covered by a member's insurance plan.

Benefits of online therapy

Online therapy can offer several potential advantages for veterans seeking mental health support. For those living in rural areas or far from VA facilities, online therapy eliminates the need to travel long distances for appointments. The flexibility of scheduling sessions around work and family commitments can also make it easier to maintain consistent care, which may support better outcomes over time.

How effective online therapy can be for veterans

Studies suggest that internet-based counseling can be a meaningful form of support for veterans who want or need to receive care from home. For example, a 2021 meta-analysis published in BMC Psychiatry suggests that online CBT can be a viable option for veterans seeking virtual mental health care. Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp can also offer affordable pricing, with or without insurance, which can help reduce another common barrier to care.