Free Resources for Veterans
There is more support out there than you realize. When you deal with mental health issues, it’s a lot of work just to make it through the day. If we’ve ever spoken about your mental health, there’s a good chance that you’ve heard me make a similar statement. It might have been after you told me that you “just” go to work and come home every day. It might have been after you guiltily said that you don’t always keep up with your personal hygiene.
Existing can take so much energy. When it takes all you’ve got to keep your head above water, the thought of finding proper support becomes yet another daunting task to add to the pile. But there are many available options beyond the VA. I hope this list of resources can offer you a more manageable place to start.
A few notes about these resources:
- I tried to only list free services, but I cannot guarantee my accuracy. Please check with each organization.
- Based on the available information, I tried to categorize each organization according to one or more of their service areas. Organizations may provide additional services.
- It appears that Combined Arms would be a good place for you to start, since they can steer you to one of their 200+ partner organizations.
- I am not specifically endorsing any of these organizations. If you have feedback (positive or negative) or additional helpful information about any of these resources, please feel free to let me know.
America's VetDogs
Placing highly-skilled service and guide dogs to veterans, active-duty service members, and first responders with physical injuries, PTSD, hearing and vision loss, and seizures.
Centerstone
Active duty military personnel, veterans, and their family members who live in South Carolina and Louisiana can see one of their specialized counselors at no cost.
Combined Arms
A community resource referral system for active service members, veterans, and their families and other military-connected individuals. Helps find needed resources to thrive professionally and personally in the areas of community, wellness, professional support, and essential services.
Coming Home Project
Free, confidential psychological counseling and evaluation for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families
Emory Healthcare Veterans Program
Traditional outpatient treatment and a two-week Intensive Outpatient Program for mental health, substance use disorders, and TBI are offered in-person at their Atlanta clinic or via telehealth in eligible states.
Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (EBV)
The EBV program leverages the skills, resources and infrastructure of higher education to offer cutting-edge, experiential training in entrepreneurship and small business management to post-9/11 veterans.
HeartMath Education And Resilience Training (H.E.A.R.T.)
Comprehensive instruction in HeartMath’s research-based self-regulation techniques and technologies that promote sustainable stress tolerance, resilience, alertness and composure before, during and after high-pressure situations.
Hire Heroes USA
Provides free job search assistance to U.S. military members, veterans and their spouses, and we help companies connect with opportunities to hire them.
Homecoming for Veterans
Clinicians providing neurofeedback services for veterans with a minimum of 20 sessions at no cost.
MGH Home Base Program
Healing the invisible wounds of war for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen – all at no cost to them – regardless of era of service, discharge status or geographical location.
Military OneSource
Giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive.
Operation First Response
Serving all branches of our nation’s Wounded Heroes/Disabled Veterans, Gold Star Families and First Responders with personal and financial needs.
Operation Homefront
Provides relief and recurring family support programs and services throughout the year to help military families overcome short-term difficulties so they don’t become long-term hardships.
Roger
Free wellness service for veterans and active duty – free of cost, free of stigma, and free from judgment. Make a 1:1 connection with a Wellness Coordinator to establish consistent support.
Rush University Medical Center Road Home Program
Dedicated to the mental health and wellness of veterans, service members, members of the National Guard, reservists and families at no cost and regardless of discharge status.
State Departments of Veterans Affairs
In addition to the services and benefits offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other Federal Agencies, most States offer unique benefits and services to Veterans, family members, caregivers and survivors. Here are links to the Department of Veterans Affairs office for each state or territory.
The Headstrong Project
Headstrong’s network of trauma-informed clinical partners provide individualized, evidence-based outpatient care to our clients. 30 cost-free sessions of PTSD treatment.
Tunnel to Towers Foundation
Builds mortgage-free smart homes for our most catastrophically injured veterans and first responders.
U.S. Vets
Their mission is the successful transition of military veterans and their families through the provision of housing, counseling, career development and comprehensive support.
UCLA Health Operation Mend
Advanced surgical and medical treatment, comprehensive psychological evaluation and support, and an Intensive Treatment Program.
VA Veteran Training
A variety of courses available to help with sleep issues, problem-solving, etc.
Vet Centers
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychological services, including professional counseling to eligible Veterans, service members, including National Guard and Reserve components, and their families. Find your nearest Vet Center.
Veteran Service Officers (VSO)
Every state provides Veterans Service Officers in addition to VSOs through nationwide organizations.
Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) will help you write and submit your benefits claims to the VA. Their services are free. They will help you gather the information that supports your claim. Once the claim is filed they will help you track the claim through the system. They can also help you file appeals for denied claims.
Wounded Warrior Project
Supporting injured post-9/11 veterans, service members, and their families.
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