Paths To Healing: Service Members & Therapy
Medically reviewed by April Justice, LICSW
Updated April 23, 2024by BetterHelp Editorial Team
Content warning: Please be advised, the below article might mention trauma-related topics that could be triggering to the reader. Please see our Get Help Now page for more immediate resources.
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) and others are not uncommon among veterans and service members, which can significantly affect the individual’s functioning, relationships, job, and overall health and well-being if left untreated. However, several resources are available to those who may be in need of mental health treatment for veterans. In many cases, veterans and family members can get therapy for free or at a reduced cost. Read on to learn more about mental health options for veterans, potential benefits, and resources for receiving this type of care.
Are you living with the stress of past military experiences?
Why might a veteran want therapy?
Therapy or other mental health treatment for veterans is generally aimed at helping them process and heal from the traumatic experiences they may have personally undergone and/or witnessed during their time in the military. A therapist can help former service members address potential resulting emotional difficulties including but not limited to those listed below. Again, if left untreated, conditions or challenges like these have the potential to severely interfere with life, health, and well-being, which is why seeking treatment as soon as possible is generally recommended.
Clinical Depression
Depression is a common but serious mental illness among active duty, national guard, or out-of-service military members, with some studies suggesting that around 14% to 16% of US service personnel will 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, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorders
Anxiety can manifest in various forms and may be linked to traumatic events experienced during military service. Those living with some form of an anxiety disorder may have trouble concentrating and could experience persistent feelings of worry and fear, making it difficult for them 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 a traumatic event(s) during their service. Some symptoms of PTSD 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 especially pervasive in military communities. Also, 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 for suicide prevention is typically paramount.
If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts or urges, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk to someone over SMS. Support is available 24/7.
Military sexual trauma
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.
Processing 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 for different people in different ways, but general symptoms may include feeling sad, angry, guilty, and/or having a hard time accepting the loss that happened.
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 are more likely to drink heavily compared to current military personnel or people who haven't served in the military. Since substance use disorders are clinical mental health conditions, this could be another reason for a veteran to seek therapy.
If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.
Other potential challenges that veterans may face
Some other possible challenges related to mental or emotional health that a veteran may seek treatment 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. In addition to offering medical advice for physical issues such as traumatic brain injury, certain veteran services may also offer other resources that address the emotional side of these challenges including free mental health care clinics with free individual therapy, and other programs.
Also note that mental health services for active or out-of-service military members may take the form of individual therapy, group therapy or veteran peer support groups, couples counseling, and/or therapy for former service members and their families together. Other types of available support may center around helping an individual adapt to life outside the military, such as advice on finding job opportunities, housing, or community resources.
When may therapy be beneficial?
Mental health conditions may arise during active duty or after transitioning back to civilian life. For post 9-11 veterans, there is at least recognition that this is the case, and there are programs available for helping veterans with this transition. However, For some people, it can be hard to pinpoint when to seek help. That’s why it can be helpful to recognize the signs of certain common mental health conditions.
Service members or others may want to seek therapy 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 therapy if they have a hard time with daily tasks or relationships. For example, if you’re 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. Finally, remember that veterans and family members can both benefit from professional mental health support in many cases.
What to expect during therapy
Therapy practitioners who can assist veterans may offer one-on-one and/or group sessions. Individual therapy offers personalized attention, 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 general symptoms or challenges so they can recommend the right type of treatment for you.
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
A common technique used in therapy for active or out-of-service military members is cognitive processing therapy (CPT). It’s a kind of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on treating symptoms of post-traumatic stress and other mental health challenges. In CPT, individuals work with a therapist to identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. This can help them process and understand their traumatic experiences and learn healthier ways to cope.
During therapy, veterans will generally discuss with a provider various aspects of their past experiences and how these events may have affected their mental health, relationships, and transition back to civilian life. Throughout the therapeutic process, they can expect mental health professionals to be caring and sensitive and to aim to promote a sense of emotional safety at every step of the way.
Remember that although the stigma around seeking mental health care—especially among military members and veterans—remains strong in many areas and populations, there is nothing weak or shameful about seeking healthcare for a mental health condition. Reaching out for the potentially life-saving support you may need is a sign of strength and self-care.
Resources and organizations that can provide mental health suppor
Below are several mental health services, resources, and programs veterans may consider when seeking support after serving in the military.
- VA services: VA mental health services offer free counseling, alcohol and drug assessment, and support for combat veterans and their families with a VA mental health provider through over 300 community Vet Centers. Eligible veterans can get VA mental health providers for their mental health needs to help them transition from military to civilian life through their local VA facility, as well.
- Veterans crisis line: The Veterans Crisis Line is a resource 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 24/7 through a national call center. You can dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line or text 838255.
- intransition: The inTransition program is provided by the Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE) 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.
- Military onesource: Military OneSource, a 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: The American Legion is an influential organization 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: Outside the Wire offers individual, family, and group counseling along with educational workshops at no charge to veterans and their families.
Are you living with the stress of past military experiences?
Online therapy
Online therapy platforms like BetterHelp also offer mental health support for anyone, including veterans dealing with invisible wounds. With this type of service, you can get matched with a licensed therapist who can help address mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, PTS, and other mental or emotional concerns often linked to the military experience. Online resources allow veterans to receive therapy and support via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging on a mobile device from anywhere with an internet connection.
Studies suggest that internet-based therapy can have a positive impact in the lives of veterans with PTSD in particular. It reports that this type of treatment can produce “an overall positive effect” on symptoms of various mental health disorders in the populations studied.
Other research suggests that online and in-person therapy in general can offer similar benefits in most cases, so it typically comes down to deciding whichever format is more comfortable and convenient for you.
Takeaway
Military veterans often face unique mental health concerns and emotional challenges after receiving their discharge status from active service. Post-traumatic stress and depression are not uncommon, and these individuals may also benefit from support related to grief and loss, anxiety, and other mental health issues, as well as the unique needs of readjusting to civilian life. If you’re a veteran who is experiencing mental health symptoms, taking advantage of the resources above and seeking therapy online or in person can be helpful and is generally recommended. Care (including family therapy) is also available for spouses and other family members of veterans who may be experiencing challenges.
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