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Mental Health for Military Veterans

All-era veterans, family members of veterans. Real stats, specific resources, and guidance written for the particular culture of this profession — not generic advice.

The numbers
~17 veterans die by suicide daily. Post-9/11 veterans: 23% higher depression rate than civilian peers. Moral injury affects ~25% of combat veterans.
~16M living US veterans (post-9/11 era: ~3.5M)

Why mental health looks different here

Combat or not, the transition from military to civilian is identity-dissolving. The rank structure, clarity, and brotherhood are gone — replaced by ambiguity. Plus: moral injury is its own wound, different from PTSD.

Profession-specific resources

Built for your job. Not generic EAP. These know the culture.

Veterans Crisis Line — 988 then Press 1
Run by VA. Text 838255. Chat online. You don't need to be VA-enrolled.
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Vet Centers
300+ community counseling centers. Free. Confidential. Often lighter than VA medical centers.
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Give an Hour
Free therapy from licensed volunteer clinicians. Veterans + family.
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Cohen Veterans Network
20+ clinics nationwide. Treatment regardless of discharge status or combat experience.
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Wounded Warrior Project — Warrior Care Network
Intensive outpatient programs for PTSD and TBI.
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Most common issues in veterans

Based on prevalence data for this profession. Each links to a specific resource on Typical Male.

Licensure / fitness-for-duty — what's real and what's myth

For active-duty: mental health care is a legal right under the UCMJ. For veterans: zero impact on current employment unless you're in a cleared position (then the SF-86 Question 21 has specific exemptions for PTSD/combat treatment — consult a security-clearance attorney if concerned).

Free tool
Not sure what's going on?

The PHQ-9 + GAD-7 screeners your doctor uses. Private. Printable for your appointment. Tracks over time.

Take the PHQ-9 →