Mental Health and Crisis Support for Women Veterans

This guide explains the mental health and crisis support services available to women who served in the armed forces. It covers who can get help, what services are offered, and how to reach someone right away.

The Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line gives free, private support any time of day, every day of the year. It serves veterans, current service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and the people who support them. You do not need to be signed up for VA health care or VA benefits to use it, and your discharge status does not matter. The people who answer are trained in crisis help and understand military life. To talk to someone, dial 988 and press 1. You can also send a text to 838255. A live chat is available at http://www.veteranscrisisline.net. Veterans with hearing loss can use the TTY line at 800-799-4889.

One year of free mental health care

Every former service member and veteran can get one year of mental health care at no cost, no matter what their discharge status is. This benefit is a starting point for anyone who served and needs support.

Care related to military sexual trauma

You may be able to get care for issues tied to military sexual trauma, or MST, even if you are not eligible for other VA health care. MST refers to sexual assault or sexual harassment that happened during your military service. The VA may also cover emergency mental health care for a veteran at risk of immediate self-harm if that veteran was the victim of sexual assault, battery, or harassment while serving.

Women's mental health contacts at the VA

Women's Mental Health Champions, or WMHCs, are a point of contact for women's mental health services at VA facilities. They can help you find the right services for your needs.

Vet Centers and readjustment counseling

They provide individual, group, marriage, and family counseling, as well as referrals to other VA or community services. These services are open to eligible veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families. Many Vet Center counselors are veterans themselves and are prepared to talk about war, loss, grief, and the transition after trauma. Combat veterans and their families can call the Vet Center Call Center at 1-877-927-8387 any time, day or night, to talk privately about military experiences or readjustment issues. The call center staff includes combat veterans from several eras and family members of combat veterans.

Support for family and friends

Family and friends of a veteran can call the Coaching Into Care program at 888-823-7458, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. This line helps loved ones figure out how to encourage a veteran to seek care.

Where to get help

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 then press 1. Text: 838255. Chat: http://www.veteranscrisisline.net. TTY for hearing loss: 800-799-4889. Vet Center Call Center: 877-927-8387, available 24/7 for combat veterans and their families. To understand exactly what you qualify for, reach out to the VA directly and speak with a qualified professional who can review your personal circumstances.