Mental Health Resources for Military Families: A Support Guide

Last updated 3 months ago. Our resources are updated regularly but please keep in mind that links, programs, policies, and contact information do change.

Military life creates unique mental health challenges that civilian populations rarely face. Combat exposure, frequent relocations, extended family separations, and the constant pressure of readiness demands take a serious toll on service members, veterans, and their families.

The good news: an extensive network of support exists specifically for the military community. The Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs have built comprehensive mental health systems with 24/7 crisis support, confidential counseling, specialized trauma treatment, and innovative digital tools.

Crisis Resources: When You Need Help Now

In moments of acute distress, knowing exactly where to turn can save lives. These resources are available 24/7 for immediate, confidential support.

When to Call 911 vs. Crisis Lines

Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room for situations involving immediate risk of harm to yourself or others. This includes active suicidal or homicidal thoughts with a plan and intent, or any other medical emergency.

Contact crisis lines for urgent emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or when you need immediate confidential support. These lines connect you with trained professionals who can provide support and help prevent situations from escalating.

Military and Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line serves as the primary lifeline for the entire military community. This service connects individuals with caring, qualified responders from the Department of Veterans Affairs, many of whom are veterans themselves.

Who can use it: All service members (active duty, National Guard, Reserve), all veterans (regardless of VA registration or discharge status), and their families and friends.

How to connect 24/7:

• Call: Dial 988, then press 1
• Text: Send a message to 838255
• Online Chat: Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website
• TTY users: Dial 711, then 988

For personnel stationed overseas:

• Europe: +1 844-702-5495 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Pacific: +1 844-702-5493 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
• Southwest Asia: +1 855-422-7719 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)

DoD Safe Helpline

For members of the DoD community affected by sexual assault, the DoD Safe Helpline provides specialized crisis support. This secure, confidential, and anonymous resource is operated by RAINN specifically for sexual assault trauma.

Contact methods 24/7:

• Call: 877-995-5247
• Online Chat: Safe Helpline chat

Additional Crisis Resources

Vets4Warriors: Provides 24/7 confidential peer-to-peer support from veterans for active service members, veterans, and their families. Call 855-838-8255.

Crisis Text Line: For anyone in emotional distress who prefers texting. Text HOME to 741741.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.

The Three Pillars of Military Mental Health Support

The U.S. government provides mental health support through three main systems: Military OneSource, TRICARE, and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Each serves different needs and populations, creating a comprehensive support network throughout military careers and beyond.

Military OneSource: Your First Stop for Confidential Support

Military OneSource is the DoD’s 24/7 gateway for quality-of-life support. It provides confidential, non-medical counseling and serves as a bridge to other resources.

Who’s Eligible

Services are available to active-duty, National Guard, and Reserve service members, their spouses and dependent children, and in some cases, survivors and extended family members.

What Makes It Special

Complete Confidentiality: Counseling services are private and not reported to your chain of command. This addresses one of the biggest fears about seeking help. Getting support through Military OneSource does not negatively impact security clearances.

Non-Medical Counseling: This service provides short-term, solution-focused counseling for common life challenges including stress management, relationship conflicts, PCS adjustments, deployment stress, grief and loss, and parenting skills.

The 12-Session Benefit: Eligible individuals receive up to 12 free sessions with licensed counselors per issue, per person.

How to Connect with a Counselor

Military OneSource offers four flexible ways to connect with master’s or doctoral-level counselors trained in military life:

• In-person: Face-to-face sessions in your local community
• Telephone: Available for adults 18 and older
• Secure Online Chat: Real-time text-based counseling
• Secure Video: Face-to-face sessions via secure video link

Getting started: Call 800-342-9647 or submit an online request at Military OneSource.

Additional Services

Beyond counseling, Military OneSource offers specialty consultations for wounded warriors, peer-to-peer support programs, and health and wellness coaching.

TRICARE: Your Health Insurance for Mental Health Care

TRICARE is the official healthcare program for the military community. It’s your primary vehicle for accessing and funding clinical mental health treatment, including psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and medication management.

What TRICARE Covers

TRICARE provides robust coverage for medically and psychologically necessary mental health and substance use disorder services:

• Outpatient therapy (individual, family, and group)
• Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs)
• Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs)
• Inpatient hospitalization for acute psychiatric crises
• Psychiatric Residential Treatment Centers for children and adolescents
• Telehealth mental health appointments

Navigating Different TRICARE Plans

How you access care depends on your specific TRICARE plan:

Active Duty Service Members: Must first seek non-emergency mental health care at military hospitals or clinics. Referrals and pre-authorization are required for civilian mental health care.

TRICARE Prime: Beneficiaries (other than active duty) don’t need Primary Care Manager referrals for outpatient mental health office visits with in-network providers. Out-of-network care is available under “point-of-service” options but costs more.

TRICARE Select: Offers more flexibility. You can see any TRICARE-authorized provider without referrals for most outpatient services. In-network providers cost less.

TRICARE For Life: Medicare serves as primary payer for mental health care. Referrals generally aren’t required unless Medicare benefits are exhausted.

Finding Providers and Understanding Costs

Use the TRICARE Find a Doctor tool to locate authorized providers and the Compare Costs tool to estimate out-of-pocket expenses.

All TRICARE plans include annual “catastrophic caps” that limit maximum family payments for covered services, providing crucial financial protection.

Department of Veterans Affairs: Lifelong Mental Health Services

The VA provides comprehensive, lifelong mental health care to veterans with particular focus on conditions related to military service.

Who’s Eligible

All veterans can receive some level of mental health services from the VA. Access to emergency care and community-based Vet Centers is available regardless of discharge status or VA healthcare enrollment.

How to Access VA Services

Immediate Access: Walk into any VA Medical Center or Vet Center anytime to seek help.

Phone: Call the VA’s general information and health benefits hotline at 877-222-8387.

Online: Use the My HealtheVet portal to manage appointments, communicate with care teams, and access health records.

VA Care Settings

Vet Centers: Over 300 community-based centers provide free, confidential readjustment counseling in non-medical settings. Staffed by professionals, many of whom are veterans. Available to combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and their families. VA enrollment not required.

Primary Care-Mental Health Integration: Mental health clinicians are embedded directly into primary care teams, allowing veterans to receive treatment for common issues like depression and anxiety during regular primary care visits.

Specialty Mental Health Clinics: For complex conditions such as PTSD, schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, the VA provides specialized outpatient care.

Mental Health Residential Programs: Live-in programs providing intensive, structured care for veterans with severe mental health challenges, often combined with other needs like homelessness or job training.

Telehealth: Robust telemental health program allows veterans to connect with providers via secure video from home, overcoming geographical barriers.

Bridging the Gap: inTransition Program

The inTransition program provides specialized coaching during periods of change like deployment, relocation, or separation from service. This program ensures mental health care doesn’t fall through cracks as people move between support systems.

Specialized Care for Common Military Mental Health Conditions

The military health system has developed evidence-based treatment pathways for conditions that most commonly affect service members and veterans—often called the “signature wounds” of modern military service.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is a primary mental health concern in the military community. Diagnoses among active-duty troops nearly doubled between 2019 and 2023. Among veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, lifetime prevalence rates can reach 29%.

Recognizing PTSD Symptoms

PTSD symptoms include:

• Re-experiencing trauma through flashbacks or nightmares
• Avoiding people or places that remind you of the event
• Feeling on edge or hypervigilant
• Having negative thoughts or feelings about yourself or the world

Evidence-Based Treatments

The DoD and VA prioritize “gold standard” talk therapies proven effective for PTSD:

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): Helps identify and change unhelpful thoughts related to trauma, such as self-blame or beliefs that the world is entirely dangerous.

Prolonged Exposure (PE): Involves gradually and safely confronting trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations that have been avoided through both talking about trauma and engaging in real-world activities.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Uses bilateral stimulation like guided eye movements while focusing on traumatic memories to help the brain reprocess memories and reduce emotional intensity.

VA PTSD Resources

Every VA Medical Center offers specialized PTSD treatment at different intensity levels, from outpatient PTSD Clinical Teams for regular therapy to intensive Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs.

Helpful VA Tools:

• AboutFace: Video testimonials from veterans who underwent treatment
• PTSD Treatment Decision Aid: Helps learn about and compare different effective therapies

Substance Use Disorders

More than one in five veterans diagnosed with PTSD also struggle with substance use disorders. While the military maintains zero tolerance for illicit drug use, robust treatment programs exist for alcohol or prescription drug issues.

Service-Specific Programs

Each military branch operates substance abuse programs focused on promoting readiness and restoring members to full duty:

• Army: Army Substance Abuse Program (ASAP)
• Navy: Navy Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention (NADAP)
• Air Force: Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment (ADAPT)
• Marine Corps: Marine Corps Substance Abuse Program

VA Treatment Options

The VA provides a full continuum of SUD care:

Medically Managed Detoxification: Safe withdrawal from substances under medical supervision.

Outpatient and Residential Care: Different levels of treatment intensity based on individual needs.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Uses medications like methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, or acamprosate to reduce cravings and support recovery.

Peer Support and Holistic Therapies: The VA’s “Whole Health” approach integrates peer support specialists and complementary practices like yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

Prevention Resources

The DoD promotes prevention through educational campaigns:

• Own Your Limits: Focuses on responsible alcohol use
• YouCanQuit2: Tobacco cessation resource

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Military Sexual Trauma refers to experiences of sexual assault or threatening sexual harassment during military service. Among veterans seen by the VA, about one in three women and one in 50 men report experiencing MST.

Free VA Treatment

Any veteran who experienced MST can receive free treatment from the VA for any related mental or physical health conditions. This care is available regardless of eligibility for other VA services, and no documentation or formal report is required.

MST Coordinators

Every VA medical facility has a designated MST Coordinator who serves as a central point of contact to help survivors understand options and navigate the healthcare system.

Accessing MST Care

Survivors can access care by:

• Telling any VA provider they see
• Calling their local VA and asking for the MST Coordinator
• Contacting a community Vet Center for counseling

Disability Compensation

Veterans can file for VA disability compensation for conditions caused or worsened by MST. The VA allows “markers” as supporting evidence, including records of work performance changes, requests for duty station changes, substance abuse issues, or unexplained relationship problems.

Key Resources

• Active Duty: DoD Safe Helpline for crisis support
• Veterans: Beyond MST mobile app—a free, private self-help tool for coping with MST effects

Support for Military Families

The Department of Defense operates on the principle that family readiness equals force readiness. An extensive network supports spouses, children, Guard and Reserve members, and caregivers.

Military Spouses and Children

Military lifestyle stressors including frequent moves, deployments, and separations place unique pressures on families. The 2024 Active Duty Spouse Survey found that 61% of military spouses reported anxiety symptoms.

Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLCs)

MFLCs are master’s or doctorate-level licensed counselors providing confidential, non-medical counseling to service members, spouses, and children. They’re highly accessible—located on and off installations, embedded in schools, and available through Child and Youth Programs.

MFLCs help with deployment adjustment, stress management, and family relationships.

Child-Specific Support

Military OneSource Counseling: Offers confidential counseling for children and youth aged 6-17. Parental consent is required, and parents must be present for sessions with children under 13.

Warning Signs in Children: Parents should watch for prolonged sadness, social withdrawal, or sudden drops in school performance.

Child Resources:

• Military Kids Connect: Engaging platform with games and peer stories
• Sesame Street for Military Families: Includes apps like Big Moving Adventure to help young children cope with PCS moves

Spouse Support Networks

Family Readiness Groups: Each service branch has FRGs or similar programs providing information, support, and community. Many installations have Key Spouse programs welcoming and mentoring new spouses.

REACH-Spouse Program: Military OneSource initiative specifically designed to empower military spouses to seek mental health support.

National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: For new and expectant mothers, providing free, confidential support. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA.

National Guard and Reserve Support

Guard and Reserve members face unique challenges, often living far from military installations while balancing civilian careers, family life, and military duties.

Psychological Health Program (PHP)

The PHP is the primary mental health resource for the National Guard. Each state or territory has a Director of Psychological Health who provides assessment, confidential referral, and case management, linking members to appropriate local resources.

inTransition Program

This free, confidential coaching service is especially critical for Guard and Reserve members, ensuring care continuity when status changes—such as returning from deployment or relocating. Coaches help bridge gaps between military and civilian providers.

Vet Centers for Guard and Reserve

Guard and Reserve members who served in combat zones are eligible for free, confidential counseling at VA Vet Centers. Many offer flexible hours, including drill weekends, to accommodate reserve schedules.

Military Caregiver Support

Caring for wounded, ill, or injured service members or veterans carries significant physical, emotional, and financial burdens.

VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)

Eligibility: For caregivers of veterans with 70% or higher service-connected disability ratings who need at least six months of personal care services.

Benefits: The program provides substantial support to Primary Family Caregivers including:

• Monthly financial stipend
• Health insurance through CHAMPVA (if not otherwise insured)
• Mental health counseling
• Comprehensive caregiver training

How to Apply: Veterans and chosen caregivers apply together using VA Form 10-10CG online at VA Family and Caregiver Benefits, by mail, or in person at local VA medical centers.

Military OneSource Caregiver Support

Military OneSource provides services for caregivers of active-duty members and veterans including:

• Help navigating special needs and wounded warrior care
• Connections to finance, education, and legal experts
• Confidential emotional support through counseling

Military Caregiver PEER Forums: In-person and virtual opportunities for caregivers to connect, share experiences, and receive support on stress management and financial wellness.

National Resource Directory

The National Resource Directory is a vital online tool co-managed by DoD, VA, and Department of Labor, providing vetted lists of thousands of resources for caregivers and the wounded warrior community.

Overcoming Barriers and Reducing Stigma

Despite extensive available resources, significant barriers prevent many service members and veterans from seeking needed mental health care. The most formidable barrier is stigma.

Understanding Military Stigma

Military culture values strength, stoicism, independence, and self-reliance, creating internal conflicts for those struggling with mental health challenges. Seeking help can be wrongly perceived as weakness or failure to “tough it out.”

Fear of Career Impact

Research shows the greatest stigma-related barrier is fear of negative career repercussions. Service members worry that seeking help will cause leaders and peers to treat them differently, view them as weak or unreliable, and harm promotion chances or desirable assignments.

Security clearance concerns are also paramount. Over 44% of military personnel believe their leadership would treat them differently if they sought mental health care. This fear is so pervasive that an estimated 60% of military personnel with mental health problems don’t seek professional treatment.

Other Barriers

Beyond stigma, obstacles include:

• Inconvenient appointment times
• Difficulty getting time off work for care
• Lack of knowledge about where to get help
• Skepticism about treatment effectiveness

The Brandon Act: A New Pathway to Help

The Brandon Act represents one of the most significant recent policy changes aimed at dismantling barriers to mental health care.

Background

Named in honor of U.S. Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Brandon Caserta, who died by suicide in 2018 after enduring persistent bullying and feeling unable to get help. The Act was signed into law as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022.

What the Brandon Act Does

The law empowers any service member to initiate a confidential referral for mental health evaluation for any reason, at any time, and in any environment.

How It Works

1. A service member requests mental health evaluation from their supervisor (E-6 or above) or commanding officer
2. No reason or basis for the request is required
3. The supervisor or commander must refer the service member for evaluation in a timely and appropriate manner
4. The process is designed to be confidential, with health information protected under privacy laws like HIPAA

The Act’s primary purpose is reducing stigma by creating a safe, standardized, and confidential pathway to care. It makes referrals mandatory, not discretionary, directly confronting fear of leadership judgment.

Security Clearance Reality Check

A pervasive fear stops many from seeking care: Will mental health treatment affect my security clearance?

The truth: Seeking mental health care is not, by itself, a reason for clearance revocation. Security clearance applications focus on mental health conditions that could impact judgment, reliability, or trustworthiness.

An untreated condition poses far greater risk than one being actively and responsibly managed with professional help. Seeking counseling is often viewed by security adjudicators as a sign of strength and responsibility, and can be a mitigating factor when assessing overall fitness to hold a clearance.

Digital Mental Health Tools and Apps

The DoD and VA have developed a suite of free, secure, and private mobile applications providing 24/7 access to self-help tools, education, and coping strategies. These apps offer low-stigma first steps toward mental wellness.

Community Organizations and Innovative Therapies

A vibrant community of non-profit organizations and innovative treatment approaches supplements official government programs, often providing specialized services with high levels of confidentiality and flexibility.

Non-Profit Organizations

NAMI Homefront: National Alliance on Mental Illness initiative providing free educational classes and online resources for family members, caregivers, and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions.

The Headstrong Project: Offers confidential, barrier-free, cost-free treatment for post-traumatic stress to post-9/11 veterans, service members, and connected family members. Provides up to 30 sessions of trauma-focused therapy.

Cohen Veterans Network: National network of outpatient mental health clinics providing high-quality, accessible care to post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members (with referral), and their families. Accepts TRICARE and major insurance plans.

Gary Sinise Foundation: Operates Relief and Resiliency program partnering with leading treatment centers to provide innovative mental health care for service members, veterans, and first responders.

Animal-Assisted Therapy

The therapeutic power of animals is increasingly recognized for healing. Service dogs and companion animals provide unconditional love and safety, helping alleviate PTSD, anxiety, depression, and loneliness symptoms.

K9s For Warriors: Nation’s largest provider of service dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD, TBI, and MST. They rescue dogs and train them for this special purpose.

Paws and Stripes: Provides animal-assisted therapy and service dog training for New Mexico veterans and their families living with service-connected trauma.

Virtual Reality Therapy

Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy uses VR technology to create immersive, realistic, customizable virtual environments. Under clinical guidance, veterans can safely confront and process traumatic memories in controlled settings.

BraveMind Program: Partnership between non-profit SoldierStrong and the VA, representing a leading example of VR technology being deployed to treat veterans with PTSD.

Getting Started: Your Next Steps

If you’re struggling with mental health challenges, here’s how to begin getting help:

For Immediate Crisis

• Call 988, press 1 for the Military/Veterans Crisis Line
• Text 838255 for crisis text support
• Call 911 if you’re in immediate danger

For Non-Crisis Support

1. Start with Military OneSource (800-342-9647) for confidential counseling and resource guidance
2. Contact your Primary Care Provider through TRICARE for clinical treatment
3. Visit a Vet Center if you’re a veteran needing readjustment counseling
4. Download mental health apps for immediate self-help tools

Remember

• Seeking help shows strength, not weakness
• All these resources maintain strict confidentiality
• Getting mental health treatment typically doesn’t affect security clearances
• You have multiple options—if one doesn’t work, try another
• Your family members also have access to many of these resources

The military and veteran community has built an unprecedented network of mental health support. These resources exist because your well-being matters—to your family, your unit, and your country. Don’t suffer in silence when help is available and confidential support is just a phone call away.

Your service has earned you access to world-class mental health care. Use it when you need it. That’s not just your right—it’s often the best way to stay mission-ready and take care of the people who depend on you.

Our articles make government information more accessible. Please consult a qualified professional for financial, legal, or health advice specific to your circumstances.