Veterans and Mental Health

Veterans and Mental Health

On January 17, 2023, any U.S. military veteran in a suicide crisis, whether already enrolled in the VA system or not, became eligible for free care at any hospital in the country. The aid includes 30 days of inpatient care and 90 days of outpatient care. This policy change aimed to alleviate veterans' possible stress regarding care costs.

Considering this step forward in tackling the mental health crisis among our veterans, the matter is still far from perfect. Yes, this policy will likely save many lives; however, the principal objective is prevention.

VSOs (Veteran Service Organization) help veterans navigate the VA to find the support they need. VSOs provide information on benefits such as pensions, life insurance, and mental health care. They assist with filing claims, gathering information, and providing transportation. To find a list of VSOs in your area, go to your state government website or your state-level VA. When researching VSOs, ensure you are looking at VA-accredited VSOs. Use the VA’s website to verify credibility. 


Despite this, there are still people who want to provide aid. And asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. All the organizations mentioned in this article offer veterans free mental health care services or information.

Department of Veterans Affairs

The VA provides multiple avenues of assistance, including the veterans-only crisis hotline: dial 988, then press 1. Included on their website is the National Center for PTSD, which outlines treatment options for both veterans and their families. There are over 20 free mental health smartphone apps geared toward veterans and free online courses on emotional management. Navigating the VA can be difficult, and that’s where Veterans Service Organizations come in.

VET Solutions

VET Solutions focuses on traumatic brain injury and veteran suicide using alternative forms of medicine such as psychedelics. VET Solutions advocates for veterans and provides in-depth research into the benefits and risks of using psychedelics as treatment. To learn more about psychedelics as an effective treatment and participate in their e-course, visit the VET Solutions website.


Make the Connection

It can be helpful to talk or listen to someone who has gone through the same thing. However, the challenge is finding someone who can relate. Make the Connection has thousands of videos on its website comprising veterans who open up about their experiences. Visitors to the website can filter the videos by service era, their branch in the military, their gender, and their combat experience. Make the Connection also links other organizations dedicated to veteran mental health.


If you don’t require the services discussed in this article but want to get involved, you can donate financially or with volunteer hours. Without generous supporters, these organizations would be unable to do what they do.

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