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Military Mental Health

Mental Health America respects and appreciates current and former members of the military and provides information to help to break down the stigma of mental health issues among soldiers, veterans, their families, and medical staff to ensure that a greater number of military families receive the prompt and high-quality care they deserve.

Learn more about mental health and the military


Military Members and Their Families

Being a Couple Again Bereavement and Grief: Information for Military Families Coping with the Stress of Deployment Coping with War-Related Stress How to Get Back to "Normal" Returning to Work When the Letdown Doesn't Let Up


Children of Military Members

Helping our Children Deal with Deployment Reconnecting with Your Children Helping Children Cope with Loss Helping Children Cope with Tragedy Related Anxiety


General Mental Health Topics

Addictions Anxiety Disorders Depression Mood Disorders Substance Abuse Suicide


Mental Health B4Stage4

Changing the Way We Think About Mental Health Get Informed Get Screened Get Help


 


Direct Services/Health Benefits


TRICARE

(877) 874-2273 North Region
(800) 403-3950 South Region
(888) 874-9378 West Region
(888) 363-2273 Main TRICARE Information Service number

TRICARE has three regional claims offices that can be contacted for information about healthcare benefits, including benefits for mental health and substance abuse services.

TRICARE Information


Psychological Health Center of Excellence

The Psychological Health Center of Excellence website offers a list of resources for service members and their families and a link to the Department of Defense Mental Health Self-Assessment Program (alcohol and mental health screening).

Psychological Health Center of Excellence


Department of Veterans Affairs

The official Web site for the Department of Veterans Affairs offers information about benefits for returning veterans, those who have lost a loved one, health insurance information and facility locator to help find the closest VA Medical Center and the services it offers.
Department of Veterans Affairs Information


Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military-related issues. Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family. The 207 community based Vet Centers are located in all fifty states, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands. Use this link to locate your closest Vet Center.

Vet Centers Information


Military OneSource

A Military OneSource consultant can provide a brief assessment and referral to mental health professionals across the country for six free counseling sessions.


• ARMY - "Army OneSource" 800-464-8107
• MARINES - "Marines OneSource" 800-869-0278
• NAVY - "Navy OneSource" 800-540-4123
• AIR FORCE - "Air Force OneSource" 800-707-5784

(800) 342-9647 (24-hour, toll-free number)

Military Onesource Information


Dept of Defense Helpline

This is a deployment helpline at Walter Reed Medical Center.

(800) 796-9699


Publication

Department of Defense Compensation Handbook:

Review Handbook



Online Screening Tools

Free, confidential, online screenings for anxiety, depression, mood disorders, PTSD and other conditions are available trough Mental Health America's screening service.

MHA Screening Tool


 


PTSD

Discussing Trauma and PTSD With Your Doctor

Discussing PTSD with Doctors


PTSD and the Family

Trauma Symptom Checklist


National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

This is a Web site sponsored by the Department. of Veterans Affairs that offers a broad range of information about post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment methods and has a VA facilities locator.

(802) 296-6300
PSTD Information


Anxiety Disorders Association of America

The Anxiety Disorders Association of America offers extensive information about anxiety disorders (including PTSD) in people of all ages, online self-screening tools, a searchable list of treatment professionals and support groups, information about clinical trials, a medication chart, on-line newsletter, personal stories, and an online bookstore.

(240) 485-1001
ADAA Information


The Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute

The Sidran Traumatic Stress Institute offers extensive information online about PTSD, geographic lists of therapists with experience treating people with PTSD, and books, articles, and referrals to support groups. They also have information about self-injury.

(888) 825-8249 (therapist referral)
sidran.org


Suicide Hotline

By calling the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's 24 hour toll-free crisis hotline, you are connected with a crisis center that can tell you where to seek immediate help in your area.

988

988lifeline.org


American Psychiatric Association (APA)

The APA has information about a broad range of mental health topics. To locate a psychiatrist in your area, you can contact APA's Answer Center using their toll-free number.

(888) 357-7924
APA Provider Finder


National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

NIMH offers information about a broad range of mental health topics, including PTSD, medications and listing of current clinical trials. Their initiative Real Men Real Depression offers information to help encourage men to seek treatment for depression.

(866) 615-6464


Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Mental Health Information Center

SAMHSA provides referrals to outpatient, inpatient and residential treatment facilities, including affordable mental health services. Their Web site has a Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator to help you find substance abuse and dual diagnosis treatment (combined treatment for those who have both a substance abuse and mental health problem).

(800)-789-2647


Military Families

Army Community Services

Army Community Services offers information and articles on various topics, such as home and personal safety, managing deployment and money management.

Army Community Services


Military OneSource

See description in above section.

(800) 342-9647 (24-hour, toll-free number)

militaryonesource.com


National Military Family Association

The National Military Family Association educates military families about their rights and benefits. Their main programs are Spouse Scholarships (awarded to spouses to obtain professional certification or attend post-secondary or graduate school) and Operation Purple Camps (summer camps for military children).

(800) 260-0218
nmfa.org


Army Family Readiness Group

Family members can check their unit's Web site for up-to-date information and information about other families in the unit.
Army Family Readiness


Marine Corps Community Services

Find support programs, including deployment, relocation and transition.
http://usmc-mccs.org/


Army Families Online

Army Families Online staffs the Army Information Line from 8:00am to 4:30pm EST. They offer information and referral services for Army soldiers, civilians, retirees, veterans and families and address all issues and concerns. For mental health services, they refer to One-Source or for active-duty soldiers, they can connect them to their chaplain or someone in their chain of command.

(800) 833-6622
http://armyfamiliesonline.org


MilSpouse.org

The Military Spouse Resource Center provides information and resources to spouses of military personnel related to education, training and employment within the U.S. They also have a section on relocation resources.

milspouse.org


Military Family Network

Their mission is to support military families and increase their readiness and well-being by connecting them with their communities and the organizations that provide the best service and value.

http://emilitary.org



Homecoming


Veterans and Families

Veterans and Families provide information and resources to help homecoming Veterans and their families in their transition from military to civilian life. You will find links to online support groups.

Welcome Home: A guide to a healthy family reunion

http://redcross.org/www-files/Documents/pdf/corppubs/welcome.pdf


National Guard and Reservists

Army Reserve Family Programs

The Army Reserve Family Programs offers homecoming and reunion resources, including tips and links to resources.

(800) 318-5298 (Army HR Command)
arfp.org


Citizen Soldiers Support Program

Citizen Soldiers Support Programs works with local community agencies and organizations to address needs of Citizen Soldiers (including members of the National Guard and Reservists) and their families.

Citizen Soldiers Support Program

 


Veterans

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America


The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America provides support through advocacy, education and fundraising (fundraising mainly for VA hospitals).

iava.org/index.php


National Veterans Foundation

The National Veterans Foundation is operated by veterans and helps veterans and families access the help they need, including suicide and crisis intervention and mental health/PTSD counseling.

(888) 777-4443 (hotline) (9am-9pm PST)
nvf.org


AMVETS

AMVETS provides information, counseling and claims service to all honorably discharged veterans and their families concerning their benefits. They are also involved in community service programs and advocacy.

(877) 7AM-VETS
amvets.org


Vietnam Veterans of America

The Vietnam Veterans of America is a support and advocacy organization.

(800) VVA-1316
vva.org


Parents

 

Marineparents.com

Marineparents.com offers resources for parents, spouses, family and friends of Marines. They help connect families to each other via e-mail, chat rooms and message boards.

(573) 449-2003
marineparents.com

Your Soldier Your Army: A Family Guide

Family Guide


 

Domestic Abuse

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Through this 24-hour hotline, you can speak with a hotline advocate. Hotline advocates provide support and assistance to anyone involved in a domestic violence situation, crisis intervention, safety planning, information about domestic violence and referrals to local service providers. A direct connection to domestic violence resources is available in the caller’s area.

(800) 799-SAFE (7233)
(800) 787-3224 (TTY)
ndvh.org/


 

Wounded Soldier Support

Military Severely Injured Joint Operations Center

This Center offers assistance for severely wounded service members and their families by connecting them with various military and government agencies. They offer help with medical care, rehabilitation, education, employment, mental health counseling, and financial assistance and accommodation issues. They also offer regional ombudsmen/advocates. The Center is staffed with registered nurses, master's level researchers and counselors working as care managers who can answer questions and provide nationwide assistance.

(888) 774-1361 (24-hour hotline)
/militaryonesource.com


National Family Caregivers Association

The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 50 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age. NFCA reaches across the boundaries of diagnoses, relationships and life stages to address the common needs and concerns of all family caregivers. They offer educational materials and links to other resources and support.

(800) 896-3650
nfcacares.org


Fisher House

Fisher House provides housing and other supports so that family members can be close to wounded or ill service members. They also offer a frequent flyer donation program and a scholarship program.

(888) 294-8560
fisherhouse.org


Amputation Foundation

This organization provides support for recent amputees, including in person peer support and phone support. They also offer donated medical equipment and printed information.

(516) 887-3600
amputationfoundation.org


Blind Veterans Association

This organization offers support to blinded veterans via field representatives and peer to peer support for veterans and families. They also offer scholarship program for spouses and dependent children.

(202) 371-8880
bva.org


Paralyzed Veterans of America

The Paralyzed Veterans of America is an advocacy organization that also provides benefits information, social programs and sports and recreation programs.

(800) 424-8200
pva.org


Marine for Life Program

This program offers help with reintegration and transitioning from Marines to VA. They provide information about specific injuries, benefits and links to other agencies. Direct support is available via their toll-free number.

(888) 774-1361 (24 Hour Injured Support Hotline)
Marine for Life Program


Navy Safe Harbor Program

This program provides support and assistance to sailors injured after 9/10/01. They help with benefits information and retention or transition into civilian life.

(877) 746-8563


Childcare

National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

NACCRRA works with the Department of Defense (DoD) to help those who serve in the military find and afford child care that suits their unique needs. For help finding a child care provider, contact Child Care Aware at (800) 424-2246 or at childcareaware.org. To reach the Military Subsidy department, call the number listed above.

(800) 793-0324 x341
 


 

Financial Issues

Armed Forces Relief Trust

This is the main Web site for collecting donations for Military relief organizations.


Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

The Coast Guard Mutual Assistance program offers financial counseling and assistance via grants and loans for emergency housing, food, medical assistance and other essentials.

(800) 881-2462
cgmahq.org/


Army Emergency Relief

Army Emergency Relief offers financial counseling and assistance via grants and loans for emergency housing, food, medical assistance and other essentials. It is usually handled via the local or base Army Emergency Relief officer. They also offer scholarship programs.

(866) 878-6378
armyemergencyrelief.org


Navy Marine Corps Relief Society

Navy Marine Corps Relief Society offers financial counseling and assistance via grants and loans for emergency housing, food, medical assistance and other essentials. Please contact the nearest office for assistance.


VA Home Loans for Veterans

A guide to understanding the benefits of, types of, and eligibility requirements for VA Loans.

http://mortgageloan.com/veterans/


Refinancing Mortages for Veterans

This mortgage guide for veterans is offered as an educational resource for those interested in understanding the home ownership possibilities available through the Veterans Affairs Mortgage Loan Programs.

http://refinancemortgagerates.org/refinance-mortgage-guide-for-u-s-veterans



Loss of a Family Member

American Gold Star Mothers

They are a non-profit membership organization for mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the military. They provide support and sponsor memorial programs and events.

(202) 265-0991
goldstarmoms.com


Comfort Zone Camp

Comfort Zone Camp provides grief support weekend camps for children ages 7 to17 and offers special programs for children in military families.

(866) 488-5679
comfortzonecamp.org


Gold Star Wives

Gold Star Wives is a non-profit membership organization for people who have lost spouses in the military. They offer local chapters, memorial programs, support and benefit information.

(888) 751-6350
goldstarwives.org


Society of Military Widows

The Society of Military Widows is a non-profit membership advocacy and support organization. They provide information about benefits, supports and networking via local chapters.

(800) 842-3451, Ext. 1005
militarywidows.org


TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)

TAPS offers support for survivors: peer support as well as 24-hour crisis intervention. They also provide information about benefits and other services, survivor seminars, camps for children and have an online chat.

(202) 588-TAPS (8277)
taps.org


Returning to Work

Business and Professional Women/USA Business and Women's Professional Foundation

This group developed Women Joining Forces, a program designed to help women veterans re-enter the workforce.

(202) 293-1100
bpwfoundation.org