Treatment Options for Veterans

Veterans have access to mental-health and substance-use care through VA and community providers. Learn about the options and how to get started.

Updated 2026

This guide is informational and is not medical advice.

Category: special-populations · Updated 2026

Veterans can face elevated rates of post-traumatic stress, depression, and substance use, and there are dedicated routes to care. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides mental-health and substance-use treatment, and veterans may also use community providers. Knowing the options helps veterans and their families make a plan.

This is informational only and not medical advice. In a crisis, veterans can call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.

VA care

The VA provides mental-health and substance-use disorder treatment to eligible veterans, including therapy, medication, outpatient and residential programs, and specialized care for post-traumatic stress. Eligibility depends on service history and other factors. Veterans can contact their local VA medical center or apply for VA health benefits to get started.

Community care

In some situations the VA coordinates care with community providers through its community care program, and veterans may also use private insurance, Medicaid, or other coverage. Military sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress are areas the VA specifically addresses; also, other programs in the SAMHSA national directory may be options depending on location and coverage.

The Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. It is staffed for veterans, service members, and their families, and it is free and confidential. It is not only for emergencies; it can also help with ongoing support and referrals.

How to get started

Contact your local VA medical center or apply for VA health care.
Ask about mental-health and substance-use services specifically.
If the VA is not available or not preferred, ask about community care or other coverage.
For crisis support, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255.
Ask about family involvement and support programs.

Listings in this directory are unrated; confirm services, licensing, cost, and availability directly.

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Can all veterans get VA mental-health care?

Many veterans are eligible for VA health care, but eligibility depends on service history and other factors. Veterans who served in certain roles or have service-connected conditions may qualify. Contact the VA or apply for benefits to confirm your eligibility.

What is the Veterans Crisis Line?

It is a 24/7, free, confidential support line for veterans, service members, and their families. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. It handles both emergencies and ongoing support.

Does the VA treat substance use disorder?

Yes. The VA provides substance-use disorder treatment, including outpatient and residential programs, medications for opioid use disorder, and care for co-occurring mental-health conditions. Ask your VA provider for a referral.

What if I do not want to use the VA?

Veterans can use community providers through the VA's community care program in some cases, or private insurance and public coverage. The SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 can also help identify treatment near you.

Data sources

SAMHSA FindTreatment.gov. This guide is provided for information and is not medical advice. Processing date: 2026-10-08.

Required disclosures

For general information only, not medical advice. This website shares public data and general information. It does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance, and it cannot replace a consultation with a qualified health care professional.

Independent and unaffiliated. RehabProviders.org is a private, independently run directory. It is not affiliated with, nor endorsed or operated by, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, or any government agency. SAMHSA has not reviewed or endorsed this site.

Confirm details before acting. Facility records come from public federal datasets and may lag or contain errors. These listings are unrated; always verify current services, licensing, availability, and cost directly with the provider.

In a crisis, get help now. Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

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