VA Mental Health Care: How to Get Help
Veterans can access free or low-cost mental health care through VA medical centers, Vet Centers, the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1), and community care providers. Treatment includes therapy, medication, PTSD specialty care, military sexual trauma counseling, substance use treatment, and complementary therapies like acupuncture and yoga — no matter your discharge status or when you served.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | VA mental health care and disability compensation |
| Eligibility | Any veteran who served, regardless of discharge type for crisis care |
| Application | Call 988 (Press 1), visit VA.gov, or contact your local VA facility |
| Processing Time | Same-day crisis care; 1–30 days for routine appointments |
| Official Agency | U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Required Forms | VA Form 21-526EZ (disability claims); VA Form 10-10EZ (health care enrollment) |
| Updated For | 2026 |
What VA Mental Health Care Covers
VA health care covers mental health treatment for conditions including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), and substance use disorders. You do not need a service-connected disability rating to receive mental health treatment at VA.
Services include:
Individual and group therapy
Psychiatry and medication management
PTSD specialty clinical teams
Military sexual trauma counseling for men and women
Substance use disorder treatment
Suicide prevention and crisis intervention
Psychosocial rehabilitation
Compensated work therapy
Why This Matters
Veterans are approximately 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population after adjusting for age. VA has established suicide prevention as a top clinical priority. Mental health treatment works — and VA offers multiple pathways to access it.
What Veterans Should Do Next
If you are enrolled in VA health care, ask your primary care provider for a mental health referral. If you are not enrolled, apply online at VA.gov/health-care/apply or call 1-877-222-8387. You can also walk into any VA medical center emergency department for same-day mental health services.
Veterans Crisis Line: Free, Confidential, 24/7
The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support to veterans, service members, and their families 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to use this service.
How to Connect
| Method | Contact |
|---|---|
| Phone | Dial 988, then Press 1 |
| Text | 838255 |
| Online Chat | VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat |
| Off-Base | +1-866-989-9599 |
| On-Base (DSN) | 988 |
What Happens When You Call
A trained responder — familiar with military culture — answers. You do not have to give your name or any identifying information. Responders will listen, help you create a safety plan if needed, and connect you with local resources including suicide prevention coordinators at your nearest VA.
Who Can Use the Veterans Crisis Line
Veterans May Qualify for Extra Benefits
Check available financial assistance, healthcare programs and other opportunities that may apply to you.
Check EligibilityAny veteran, regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment. Friends, family members, and caregivers can also call, chat, or text on behalf of a veteran.
VA Disability Compensation for PTSD and Mental Health Conditions
VA disability compensation is a monthly, tax-free payment for veterans whose military service caused or worsened a physical or mental health condition. PTSD is one of the most commonly compensated mental health conditions.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for VA disability compensation for PTSD, you need three things:
A current diagnosis of PTSD from a qualified provider
An event, injury, or illness that occurred during military service (a stressor)
A medical nexus — a link — between your current PTSD and your military service
PTSD VA Ratings and 2026 Payment Rates
PTSD is rated using the General Rating Formula for Mental Disorders. Ratings range from 0% to 100%.
| Rating | 2026 Monthly Payment (Single Veteran) | Typical Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| 100% | ~$3,800+ | Total occupational and social impairment |
| 70% | ~$1,808 | Deficiencies in most areas (work, family, judgment) |
| 50% | ~$1,075 | Reduced reliability and productivity |
| 30% | ~$524 | Occasional decrease in work efficiency |
| 10% | ~$180 | Symptoms controlled by medication |
Note: Rates increase with dependents. Use the VA disability rate tables for exact 2026 amounts.
How to Apply
Gather your service treatment records, personnel records, and any private medical records
Obtain a current PTSD diagnosis and nexus letter from a qualified provider
Complete VA Form 21-526EZ (Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits)
Submit online at VA.gov, by mail, or through an accredited Veterans Service Organization (VSO)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Filing without a current diagnosis
Failing to describe the in-service stressor clearly
Not submitting buddy statements or lay evidence
Missing the intent-to-file deadline (you can submit VA Form 21-0966 first to lock in your effective date)
Military Sexual Trauma (MST): Free Care and Compensation
Military sexual trauma refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment experienced during military service. VA provides free health care for any physical or mental health condition related to MST — regardless of whether you reported the incident, regardless of your discharge status, and regardless of whether you qualify for other VA care.
What Qualifies as MST
Being pressured or coerced into sexual activities
Sexual contact without consent (including when asleep or intoxicated)
Being physically forced to have sex
Unwanted sexual advances that felt threatening
Threatening comments about your body or sexual activities
Disability Compensation for MST-Related Conditions
You can also file a claim for VA disability compensation for conditions caused by MST. The evidence requirements are the same as any VA claim — current diagnosis, in-service event, and nexus — but VA accepts alternative sources of evidence for MST claims, including:
Chaplain or clergy records
Counseling or health clinic records
Rape crisis center or domestic abuse center records
Civilian police reports
Statements from family members, roommates, or fellow service members
How to Apply
Contact your local VA medical facility and ask for the MST Coordinator. You do not need to file a disability claim to receive MST-related treatment.
VA Whole Health: Treating the Whole Person
Whole Health is VA’s holistic approach to health care that centers on what matters to you — not just what is the matter with you. It is available to all veterans enrolled in VA health care at no cost.
Who Qualifies
Veterans with chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension
Veterans with PTSD, anxiety, or depression
Veterans who want to take charge of their health and well-being
Transitioning service members and veterans of any era
What Whole Health Includes
| Service | Description |
|---|---|
| Health & Wellness Coaching | One-on-one support for lifestyle changes |
| Complementary & Integrative Health (CIH) | Acupuncture, biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, massage therapy, meditation, guided imagery, tai chi/qigong, yoga |
| Circle of Health | Framework examining well-being across life areas |
| Well-being Group Offerings | Group programs for nutrition, movement, sleep, and more |
How to Get Started
Talk to your VA care team about Whole Health. You’ll complete an Intro to Whole Health session or meet with a Health & Wellness Coach before enrolling in group programs.
Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) Therapies
VA includes eight evidence-based CIH practices as veteran benefits. These practices support — but do not replace — conventional mental health treatment.
The 8 VA-Approved CIH Practices
Acupuncture — Needle-based therapy for pain and stress
Biofeedback — Using body signals to manage stress responses
Clinical Hypnosis — Guided trance for symptom management
Massage Therapy — Manual tissue manipulation for pain and relaxation
Meditation — Mindfulness and focused attention practices
Guided Imagery — Mental visualization for relaxation and healing
Tai Chi/Qigong — Movement-based mind-body practices
Yoga — Posture, breathing, and meditation combined
Chiropractic care is also available at VA facilities.
Evidence for PTSD
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) — an 8-week program — is the only CIH practice suggested in the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guideline for PTSD. Other mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi show promising results and are widely available.
How to Access
Ask your VA provider for a CIH referral. Most VA medical facilities now offer some CIH therapies.
VA Substance Use Disorder Treatment
VA provides treatment for substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. More than 95% of veterans served in VA’s Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs have an SUD diagnosis.
Treatment Options
| Level of Care | Description |
|---|---|
| Outpatient | Individual and group counseling, medication-assisted treatment |
| Intensive Outpatient | Structured programming several days per week |
| Residential | 24/7 treatment in a VA facility (typically 5-week programs) |
| Aftercare | Continued support after primary treatment |
How to Access SUD Treatment
You can self-refer to specialty SUD programs from any VA primary care or general mental health clinic. You do not need a referral from your primary care provider to start treatment.
Call your local VA medical center and ask for the Substance Use Disorder program, or contact the VA Emergency Medicine Addiction Hotline (VEMAH).
Caregiver Support Program
VA’s Caregiver Support Program provides resources, education, and financial support to family caregivers of eligible veterans.
Two Programs
| Program | Who It Serves |
|---|---|
| Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) | All caregivers of enrolled veterans |
| Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) | Caregivers of veterans with serious service-connected disabilities |
2026 Program Update
VA extended PCAFC eligibility for “legacy” participants and applicants through September 30, 2028. Legacy participants are those whose caregivers were approved by VA as of September 30, 2020. Legacy applicants applied before October 1, 2020, and were accepted on or after that date.
What PCAFC Provides
Monthly stipend for the primary caregiver
Access to health insurance (if not otherwise covered)
Mental health counseling
Telehealth therapy through the Virtual Psychotherapy Program for Caregivers (VPPC)
How to Apply
Apply online at VA.gov/caregiver or call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET).
PACT Act: Toxic Exposure Screenings and Health Care
The PACT Act (Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022) expanded VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, radiation, and other toxic substances.
What the PACT Act Does
Expands VA health care eligibility for toxic-exposed veterans
Adds presumptive conditions for burn pit and other exposures
Requires VA to provide toxic exposure screenings to all enrolled veterans
Extends eligibility for Vietnam, Gulf War, and Post-9/11 era veterans
Toxic Exposure Screening
All veterans enrolled in VA health care should receive a toxic exposure screening at least once every five years. The screening takes 5–10 minutes and identifies potential exposures during military service. Depending on your responses, you may be connected to additional resources and a review by your primary care team.
Potential Exposures Screened
Open burn pits and airborne hazards
Gulf War-related exposures
Agent Orange
Radiation
Camp Lejeune contaminated water
Other military exposures
How to Get Screened
Contact a Toxic Exposure Screening Navigator at your local VA medical center, or ask for the screening at your next appointment.
VA Community Care: When VA Sends You to a Local Provider
Community care allows eligible veterans to receive care from providers outside VA when VA cannot provide the needed care or meet access standards.
Eligibility Requirements
You must meet both of these:
Be enrolled in or eligible for VA health care
Have elected community care and received a referral and approval letter from your VA health care team
And at least one of these:
VA does not provide the service you need at any VA facility
You live in a state without a full-service VA facility
VA cannot meet drive-time or wait-time standards
You and your VA provider agree community care is in your best medical interest
VA cannot provide the service in a way that meets quality standards
How It Works
Discuss community care with your VA provider
VA reviews your eligibility
If approved, you receive a referral and approval letter
VA schedules your appointment with an in-network community provider
VA pays for the authorized care
Important
Community care must be authorized by VA before you receive care, except for urgent or emergency situations. You may still have a copayment, just as with VA-provided care.
VA Homeless Programs: Housing and Support
VA operates multiple programs to help veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
Key Programs
| Program | What It Provides |
|---|---|
| HUD-VASH | Permanent supportive housing vouchers through public housing authorities |
| SSVF | Short-term rental assistance and rapid rehousing |
| Grant & Per Diem (GPD) | Temporary housing in community-based facilities |
| Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) | Outreach, treatment, and contracted residential services |
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Call 877-424-3838 for 24/7 assistance. This service is free and connects veterans directly with housing resources.
Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E)
VR&E — also known as Chapter 31 — helps veterans with service-connected disabilities prepare for, find, and keep suitable employment.
Eligibility
You have a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
You have an employment handicap related to your disability
You have received or will receive an honorable discharge
Services Available
Career counseling and planning
Education and training (college, vocational, apprenticeship)
Resume development and job search assistance
Self-employment support
Independent living services
How to Apply
Apply online at VA.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation or call 1-800-827-1000.
Common Questions
1. Can I get VA mental health care if I was discharged with a general discharge?
Yes. The Veterans Crisis Line is available to all veterans regardless of discharge status. For ongoing VA health care, eligibility depends on your discharge characterization. Veterans with general discharges may still qualify for mental health services. Contact your local VA medical center or call 1-877-222-8387 to check your eligibility.
2. How long does it take to get a VA mental health appointment?
Crisis situations receive same-day care at VA emergency departments. Routine mental health appointments typically occur within 1–30 days depending on your facility and the urgency of your needs. VA is required to meet specific wait-time standards. If VA cannot meet those standards, you may qualify for community care.
3. Do I need a disability rating to get mental health treatment at VA?
No. You can receive VA mental health treatment without a service-connected disability rating. VA health care enrollment is based on your veteran status and other factors, but mental health treatment is available to enrolled veterans regardless of whether their condition is service-connected.
4. What is the 2026 VA disability rate for PTSD at 70%?
A single veteran with a 70% PTSD rating receives approximately $1,808 per month in tax-free compensation in 2026. Veterans with dependents receive higher amounts. Use the official VA disability rate tables on VA.gov for exact figures based on your dependents and rating.
5. Can I get VA disability compensation for MST without reporting it?
Yes. You do not need to have reported MST at the time it occurred. VA accepts alternative evidence sources including counseling records, chaplain statements, and buddy letters. You also do not need a disability claim to receive free MST-related health care.
6. What is the PACT Act toxic exposure screening?
The PACT Act screening is a 5–10 minute questionnaire that identifies potential toxic exposures during military service. All enrolled veterans should receive it at least once every five years. It connects you to follow-up care and resources if you report exposures.
7. How do I apply for the VA Caregiver Program?
Apply online at VA.gov/caregiver or call the Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m. ET). You will need the veteran’s VA health care enrollment information and documentation of their need for caregiver support.
8. Are complementary therapies like acupuncture covered by VA?
Yes. VA includes eight CIH practices as veteran benefits: acupuncture, biofeedback, clinical hypnosis, massage therapy, meditation, guided imagery, tai chi/qigong, and yoga. Ask your VA provider for a referral.
9. What is the difference between VA health care and VA disability compensation?
VA health care provides medical treatment and services. VA disability compensation provides monthly tax-free payments for conditions caused or worsened by military service. You can receive both. Health care enrollment does not require a disability rating.
10. How do I find my local VA medical center?
Visit VA.gov/find-locations or call 1-800-827-1000. You can also use the VA Resource Locator at VeteransCrisisLine.net/find-resources to find local support services.
Key Takeaways
The Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988, Press 1) is free, confidential, and available 24/7 to all veterans regardless of discharge status or VA enrollment.
VA mental health care covers therapy, medication, PTSD specialty care, MST counseling, and substance use treatment.
You do not need a disability rating to receive VA mental health treatment.
VA disability compensation for PTSD ranges from 0% to 100%, with 2026 payments from approximately $180 to $3,800+ per month.
Military sexual trauma care is free and does not require a report, a disability claim, or other VA eligibility.
Whole Health and eight CIH practices (acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and more) are available at no cost to enrolled veterans.
The PACT Act expanded health care for toxic-exposed veterans and requires toxic exposure screenings every five years.
VA community care allows veterans to see local providers when VA cannot meet their needs.
VR&E (Chapter 31) helps veterans with service-connected disabilities find and maintain employment.
The Caregiver Support Program provides stipends, training, and counseling to eligible family caregivers.
Official Resources
VA Mental Health: MentalHealth.va.gov
Veterans Crisis Line: VeteransCrisisLine.net
VA Health Care Enrollment: VA.gov/health-care/apply
VA Disability Compensation: VA.gov/disability
VA Caregiver Support: Caregiver.va.gov
VA Whole Health: VA.gov/wholehealth
VA Homeless Programs: VA.gov/homeless
VR&E (Chapter 31): VA.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation
PACT Act Information: VA.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838
USA.gov Veterans Benefits: USA.gov/veterans-benefits
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