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Mental Health Resources For Veterans

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Addiction Resources For Veterans

Push for mental health resources for veterans

Serving in the military naturally puts you at a higher risk of injury and death. It also puts you at a higher risk for developing a substance use disorder. Even if you were never sent to war, you may have experienced military sexual trauma, difficulty in adjusting to civilian life, or a mental health condition that resulted from the stress of serving. A serious injury during training or a sexual assault can cause trauma and PTSD. Its not just combat that can cause these mental health issues, although combat certainly can cause them as well.

Rio Vista Behavioral Health Star Military Program

Rio Vista Behavioral Health helps active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders who are struggling with mental health and substance use disorders build a strong foundation for a better life. Our S.T.A.R. Program provides service members with compassionate care and therapeutic healing so that they can forge a path forward toward long-term health and happiness.

Contact: or online at: Military Treatment Program | El Paso, Tx | Rio Vista Behavioral Health Hospital

Steven A Cohen Military Family Clinic

The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors, El Paso provide in-person and virtual high-quality, accessible, and integrated mental health care to Veterans, regardless of role while in uniform, discharge status, or combat experience, active duty service members , and military families.

Contact: or online at: Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic MFC El Paso – Endeavors®

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Get Connected With Mental Health Careno Matter Your Discharge Status Service History Or Eligibility For Va Health Care

If you need support for a specific mental health problemor if youre having problems sleeping, controlling your anger, or readjusting to civilian lifeyou are not alone. And we can help.

To access free VA mental health services right away:

  • anytime, day or night.
  • Call us at . Were here Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. If you have hearing loss, call TTY: .

You dont need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care.

Free Clinics And Outreach

May 21

In addition to VA clinics, several other national programs provide free mental health counseling and outreach.

  • The Soldiers Project. This program helps soldiers and veterans by providing free, 100 percent confidential psychological treatment. So far, the program has locations in Chicago, Houston, Long Island, New York City, Sacramento, southern California, Pennsylvania, Washington state and Wyoming. Find local contact information on The Soldiers Project website.
  • Give An Hour. This organization connects you to a local mental health clinic for a free, in-person counseling session. Volunteer mental health professionals offer help with anxiety, depression, substance abuse, PTSD, grief and any other mental health concerns. Find a local mental health provider by searching Give An Hour’s provider directory.
  • Homecoming For Veterans. The Homecoming For Veterans directory includes a list of clinicians who have agreed to see veterans for 20-minute sessions at no cost.

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How Are Ptsd And Addiction Treated

Many people feel overwhelmed knowing they may have two serious issues like addiction and PTSD to deal with, which can cause them to delay in seeking treatment. Addiction and PTSD can be treated at the same time in a drug and alcohol rehab that offers co-occurring disorders treatment. Another term for co-occurring disorders is dual diagnosis.

New Freedom Academy is a drug and alcohol rehab center that provides co-occurring disorders treatment for those who need it. Evidence-based modalities we may incorporate in your treatment plan include psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, individual therapy, and group therapy. Our mental health professionals will work with you to help you learn how to win against triggers for substance use. Youll go deep and discover the core reasons behind your substance use, which may surprise you. Many problems that people experience are linked to childhood experiences.

Medication may also be prescribed for use in combination with psychotherapy to help you cope with PTSD symptoms. EMDR, prolonged exposure therapy, and psychodynamic therapy are other types of psychotherapy that may be used to treat PTSD.

How Do I Schedule My First Appointment

If youre already using VA medical services, ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment with a VA mental health provider.

If youre not already using VA medical services, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center to talk about your needs.Find your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center

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Mental Health Resources Help Veterans Families

Salesforce helping Veterans with mental health resources training modules

In partnership with VA, Salesforce has introduced a new training module to Trailhead, its free online learning platform, to give Veterans and their families access to mental health research and information.

The new module, Veteran Mental Health and Resiliency Resources, expands on the software companys Salesforce Military program. Salesforce Military offers free, online training classes and certification exams at no cost for active-duty military, Veterans and military spouses.

This new mental health resources module focuses on educating Veterans and their families about suicide risks and suicide prevention, a top clinical priority for VA.

Salesforce is deeply committed to supporting Veterans and their families, said Josh Kahn, Digital Acceleration Lead at Salesforce. As part of our ongoing partnership with VA, and through the power of technology, our mission is to create greater access to critical mental health information and resources.

Amistad For Veterans Project

Resources for veterans mental health struggles

Access to mental health services for veterans is essential in order to help them recover from their combat experiences and address mental health issues that may be related to their military service. Amistad understands the importance of increasing access to needed services to those who have served regardless of when they served, their time in service, or their discharge status. Amistad offers the following services free of charge to veterans, dependents, and surviving spouses: Individual, couples, and family counseling Psychoeducational groups on mental health topics including post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, anger management, alcohol and substance use, and Peer support counseling.

Contact: or online at: Veteran’s Counseling Center – Amistad

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Mental And Behavioral Health

According to a recent study, veterans experience mental health disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress, and traumatic brain injury at higher rates compared to civilians. The latest data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs states that 6,261 veterans died of suicide in 2019, or 17.2 veterans a day.

The NYC Department of Veterans’ Services connects veterans to services that can help them manage mental and behavioral health challenges. Our mission is to introduce veterans to organizations and resources that can support their journey toward a healthy and purpose-driven life.

Connect to mental and behavioral health services by filling out the VetConnectNYC form and selecting “Mental/Behavioral Health” as your preferred service:

Coping Skills

In addition to counseling and peer support, coping strategies can help you manage mental health challenges. Click on the links below to find coping strategies for the following conditions:

Check-in Calls

Mission: VetCheck is an initiative that allows volunteers to make supportive check-in calls to New York City veterans. Volunteers provide veterans with vital information on essential public services, COVID-19 testing and vaccine information, and online mental health resources.

Counseling Services

Peer Support for Veterans

Support Hotlines

Suicide Prevention

Mental Health Resources for Veterans with Illnesses

Training Programs

Additional Resources

Helped 1200 Veterans And Spouses Get Jobs

The module is part of Salesforces partnership with VA. The partnership was formed in 2020 to assist Veterans with developing their skills and transitioning to new careers after they leave the military. The partnership has since helped 1,200 Veterans and Veteran spouses place into new and high-paying jobs in tech industries.

The new mental health resiliency Trailhead module will teach users about VA resources designed to help lower suicide risk among Veterans , such as learning about signs that someone may be considering suicide, communication and outreach tools, evidence-based therapies and lethal means safety.

This partnership is an opportunity for us to help Veterans improve their economic stability, employment, health literacy and other social determinants of health, which are the social, economic and physical conditions in the environments where people live, work and play, said Christine Eickhoff, a health system specialist at VAs National Center for Healthcare Advancement and Partnerships , which facilitated the partnership between VHA and Salesforce.

Positive social determinants of health are linked to lower risk of death by suicide.

Mental health resiliency can have a big impact on employment and financial stability of Veterans and their families. Supporting the mental health of all Veterans, including those who may not already be engaged with VA, can ultimately help them in their civilian careers and to lead happier, healthier lives.

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El Paso Behavioral Health

Our psychiatrists, therapists and clinical staff are dedicated to serving the military population . We design individualized care plans in collaboration with military healthcare providers, emphasizing innovation, respect and patient choice. Our goal is to foster resiliency in those we serve so they may return to duty and society with honor. We accept TRICARE®, VA, Medicare, Medicaid and most private insurance.

Contact or online at: Military Mental Health Program | Military Behavioral Health

Mental Health Program For Veterans

Mental Health Resources near Venice

HHSC and the Texas Veterans Commission partner to administer the Mental Health Program for Veterans, which provides peer-to-peer counseling to service members, veterans and their families through local mental health authorities and local behavioral health authorities across the state.

HHSC uses funds appropriated by the Legislature to contract with TVC, LMHAs and LBHAs, and Texas A& M University Health Science Center to provide program services.

HHSC contracts with 37 LMHAs to hire or contract for Peer Service Coordinators to provide direct peer-to-peer services to engage veterans and family members who have experienced military trauma, are at risk of isolation from support services and don’t seek services through traditional channels.

HHSC contracts with TAMUHSC to provide online information and resources through the TexVet program.

HHSC contracts with the Texas Veterans Commission to provide training and technical assistance to peer service coordinators, community-based partners and mental health providers. It also coordinates services for justice-involved veterans.

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How You Can Help Veterans

You can also help veterans by donating a car to Vehicles For Veterans. Our car donation program benefits disabled veterans and helps fund resources they need for a better life. Donate an unwanted car, truck, boat, RV or motorcycle to help veterans today! You’ll even receive free towing and a tax deduction. Please call 1-855-811-4838 or fill out an online car donation form to get started with your car donation today.

Can I Speak To A Fellow Veteran Whos Been Through This Before

Yes. The BeThere peer assistance program, in partnership with Military OneSource, offers support to service members , their families, and transitioning Veterans up to 365 days after separation or retirement. Through this program, you can talk privately with peer coaches who are Veterans, service members, or military spouses.

To talk with a peer coach, call Military OneSources free, confidential peer support services at . This service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

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How Do I Talk To Someone Right Now

If youre a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.

To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:

  • Call , then select 1.
  • If you have hearing loss, call TTY: .

You can also:

  • Go to the nearest emergency room.
  • Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesnt matter what your discharge status is or if youre enrolled in VA health care.

El Paso Veterans One Stop

Veteran’s Affairs offers counseling, mental health resources for local veterans

The Veterans One Stop is supported by grants from the Texas Veterans Commission Fund for Veterans Assistance and Health and Human Services . The one stop concept provides El Paso Veterans and their families with accelerated access to mental health and support services. It is here that service members, Veterans and their families are provided with therapy, case management and telemedicine services. Along with clinical services, the One Stop also offers peer support services through the Military Veteran Peer Network, stigma reduction trainings. Our community partners who are housed at the One Stop can assist individuals with needs such as education and benefit claims.

Contact: or online at: Home – El Paso Veterans One-Stop Center

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Cognitive Impairment And Dementia

Delirium: What Families Need to Know
This brochure is intended to help families and caregivers of Veterans understand and manage sudden changes in thinking or behavior in loved ones. Explores:

  • The definition of delirium
  • Risk factors for developing delirium
  • How clinicians manage delirium when it develops
  • Tips for helping loved ones who are experiencing delirium
Management of Dementia Related Behaviors
Dementia related behaviors include wandering, impulsivity, problems with sleep and appetite, feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, and many others. These brochures help caregivers and providers identify and manage dementia-related behaviors.

  • Caregiver brochure defines dementia related behaviors, describes causes and treatments for these behaviors, and lists tips and services to encourage caregiver wellness.
  • Provider brochure is available in pocket and letter sizes and describes evaluation, contributing factors, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of dementia related behaviors.
  • Both brochures highlight resources for support.
PACERS Video: Dementia and Driving
This video helps providers identify and address driving and can be used to educate families and Veterans and provide strategies about stopping driving. Published 2016.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Animated Review
These six brief videos walk learners through the ACT Hexaflex.

  • Contact with the present moment

Demand For Mental Health Crisis Intervention Outpaces County Resources

Fairfax County Police shot and killed Jasper Aaron Lynch, 26, July 3 after he charged officers with a wooden mask and threw a champagne bottle at them. Police had responded to a 911 call from Lynchs concerned family, reporting that he was in the midst of a mental health crisis. This was not the first visit to the house that day. In a previous call, police responded with a co-respondent, a trained mental health professional whose goal is diversion first.

Unfortunately, when police responded a second time the co-respondent was not present. In the body camera footage released a month later, Lynch is confronted by officers trying to calm the agitated young man. The incident ends with officers shooting Lynch four times, ending his life.

During the week of Lynchs death, there were 187 total people experiencing a mental health crisis calls for service. His case, and a large number of calls in general, only highlights the challenges emergency services are facing as they develop alternative approaches to mental health cases. Fairfax County Times previously reported in 2021, that the Community Services Board launched a co-responder program that allows for a mental health professional from the Mobile Crisis Unit to respond with an FCPD officer. The county currently has two clinicians to service the entire area. When the program has reached Phase 4 there will be 16 clinicians in the program.

Curry acknowledges that the program should continue to grow.

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What Causes Substance Use Problems In Veterans

Possible causes behind a veterans substance use are trauma, chronic pain, difficulty adjusting to civilian life, and mental health struggles. Military drinking culture also puts service members at a greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder. Theres peer pressure to participate in heavy drinking. Many people are also led to believe, whether through the media or through their peers, that drinking alcohol while feeling down is helpful. Drinking alcohol when youre feeling depressed, sad, angry, or any other negative emotion increases your risk of becoming addicted. Drinking games also increase your chance of becoming addicted because they cause you to binge drink. Binge drinking comes with a host of other problems, including unsafe sex, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver disease, cancer, strokes, memory and learning problems, violence, and injuries.

A higher percentage of veterans have chronic pain than those in the general population. More than half of the veterans in the VA system have chronic pain, and nearly 60% of veterans who returned from the Middle East report having chronic pain. If you were prescribed opioids for your pain, theres a chance you could become addicted. Because of the addictive qualities of this medication, its best to not use opioids as long-term chronic pain treatment. Up to 25% of people who are prescribed opioids in a long-term care setting become addicted to them.

How Do You Know If You Have Substance Use Disorder

â Military Resources For Mental Health

When your substance use is negatively affecting your life or causing you to experience withdrawal symptoms, it may be time to get help. If your relationships have been damaged as a result of your substance use, this is another sign it has gotten out of hand.

Your loved ones care about you and can be more aware than you are of how alcohol or drugs are hurting you. Since youre a veteran, theyll feel even more concerned if this is a change that occurred after your service. There can be a lot of emotions involved in seeking treatment from worries about stigma and the program not working for you. Substance use disorder gets worse over time, so its important you go through drug rehab as soon as possible. You have a lot of options in rehab centers to find the one right for you.

Veterans have risked their lives for our country and have thus exposed themselves to trauma. The risks involved are plenty. Some of these risks include developing a substance use disorder and PTSD. We are compassionate to the unique needs of veterans and can help you overcome both of these mental health issues. You also have resources available to you as a veteran to treat these health conditions. Dont give up on overcoming the health issues you developed from serving in the military. Its possible for everyone, no matter how severe the disorder is, to get better and live a fulfilling life.

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