Depression is a common, but serious mental health condition that impacts service members, veterans, and other civilians nationwide. If you are struggling with symptoms of depression, there are many VA depression resources available that can help. 

Depression is generally treated using through counseling, medication, or both. Some of the most effective evidence-based therapies to treat depression include:

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  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression (ACT-D)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression (CBT-D)
  • Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depression (IPT-D)
  • Problem Solving Therapy (PST)
  • Behavioral Activation

With so many counseling options, there are many treatment programs to choose from, as depression treatments are not one-size-fits-all. 

Veteran depression can make it difficult to perform even the most mundane daily tasks. Fortunately, there are several crisis and non-crisis resources available for service members, veterans, and their families. If you need help in a crisis, here are a list of crisis resources you can turn to: 

  • Veterans Crisis Line: You can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1. 
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline: You can reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. When prompted, you can also use the hotline to connect to a VA call center. 

If you are not experiencing an emergency situation, you can find veterans depression help at any of these resources: 

  • National Veterans Foundation: You can call the National Veterans Foundation at 877-777-4443 to access crisis management services, veteran depression resources, and referrals. 
  • SAMHSA National Helpline: The SAMHSA National Helpline provides free, confidential information on where to find depression, substance abuse, and other mental health resources in your area. Additionally, their website lets you search for depression treatment centers near you. 
  • The Soldiers Project: The Soldiers Project is available in many major cities within the U.S., including Chicago, Long Island, New York City, Sacramento, and Houston. This programs helps connect veterans and active service members to confidential, free psychological treatment. 
  • Give An Hour: Give An Hour is an organization that assists veterans in connecting with a local mental health clinic for free, in-person counseling. 
  • Homecoming for Veterans: Homecoming for Veteran has a large directory of mental health professionals who will see veterans for counseling for a free 20-minute session. 
  • Patients Like Me: Patients Like Me is a community of veterans and service members who can connect with and help others going through similar situations. 
  • Vets 4 Warriors: Vets for Warriors is an organization offering active duty service members and veterans with confidential, free peer support from other service members and veterans. 
  • Mission Reconnect: The Mission Reconnect program provides veterans with mind-body techniques they can practice to increase mental resilience and overall wellbeing. 
  • Real Warriors: Real Warriors connects veterans with trained health resources to help you connect with mental health and depression resources in your area. 

VA Mental Health Resources: The VA offers a variety of depression and other mental health services to veterans, service members, and their families, even if not enrolled in VA health care.

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By Admin –

Updated on 05/12/2022