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Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Find mental health services, including treatment for drug and alcohol addiction. Get help for veterans and family members to deal with mental health issues.

Get Help for Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is the misuse of alcohol, prescription or over-the-counter medications, and the use of illegal drugs. Find treatment and recovery services for substance abuse and learn how to prevent drug and alcohol problems.

Recognize the Signs and Effects of Substance Abuse

Alcohol and drug addiction can happen to anyone at any age. Learn the signs of someone with a drug or alcohol problem, the effect of drugs, and how to prevent substance abuse:  

Find Treatment for Substance Abuse

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers these services to help with drug and alcohol abuse:

Find Substance Abuse Treatment Programs for Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers veterans and their families a wide range of support services for substance abuse:

Find Local Help Centers for Alcohol and Drug Addiction

Get help from local support groups and other services in your community:

Find Mental Health Services

Mental health is as important as physical health. It includes your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Mental illnesses are serious disorders that can affect your thinking, mood, and behavior. Many factors can contribute to these disorders. These factors can include genes, family history, and life experiences.

These government services can help you find someone to talk to, treatment options, and information on a wide range of mental health issues.

Dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

For suicidal thoughts and behavior, dial 988 for help from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also reach them at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).

Talk to Someone About Depression and Other Mental Health Issues

If you don't have access to a health care professional, call for help with mental health problems.

 

Get Treatment for Mental Health Issues

Health centers and behavioral health treatment facilities can provide services that can help. 

 

Find Mental Health Information

Learn the warning signs of a mental health problem and how to talk about these issues with others.

  • Learn how to talk about mental health—the facts, myths, and typical treatments—at MentalHealth.gov.

Order mental health publications for help with a wide range of mental health issues, conditions, and disorders.

Mental Health and Substance Abuse Help for Veterans

If you or someone you know needs help now, contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Counselors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can:

  • Dial 988, then press 1

  • Send a text message to 838255

Veterans’ caregivers can find help through the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.

Mental Health Services from the VA

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) mental health services can help with:

  • Anxiety

VA Facility Locations

You can call or go to any VA medical center or vet center to get help. VA medical centers are open 24/7. Find VA locations near you.

Eligibility for Mental Health Services

Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive mental health services.

Even if you're not enrolled in VA health care, you may be able to get help.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The VA can help veterans with PTSD, no matter when the triggering event occurred.

Substance Abuse Treatment for Veterans

Veterans with substance use problems can get help through the VA. Treatment may include:

  • Safe detoxification with medication

  • Outpatient counseling

  • Residential care

  • Continuing care

You can seek treatment at a VA location or you can find a VA substance use disorder treatment program near you.

Support Program for Life Events

The inTransition program offers specialized coaching for military members and veterans during transitions like:

  • Changing duty stations

  • Returning from deployment

  • Preparing to leave the military

To enroll, call 1-800-424-7877. Outside the U.S., call 1-800-424-4685

Specialized Helplines for Veterans

You can also find help through these websites and toll-free numbers:

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Last Updated: August 10, 2022

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