Confidential Mental Health Resources for Military Personnel & Veterans

Seeking mental health care is a sign of strength. Multiple confidential pathways exist for service members and veterans.

Immediate Crisis Resources

• 988 then press 1: Veterans Crisis Line (24/7, confidential, chat/text available)
• Military Crisis Line: 988-1 (same); DSN 118 overseas
• 911: Imminent danger

Ongoing Confidential Care Options

1. Military OneSource

• 800-342-9647 / militaryonesource.mil
• 12 free non-medical counseling sessions (in-person, phone, video)
• Specialty: financial, spouse, relocation, parenting
• Confidentiality: HIPAA + 42 CFR Part 2; command not notified without consent (except harm to self/others/mission)

2. Chaplain Services

• 100% confidential (privileged communication under UCMJ/SEL)
• Spiritual & emotional support; not just religious
• Available at every installation, deployed units

3. Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs)

• Behavioral Health Clinics: psychiatry, psychology, social work
• Embedded Behavioral Health (BH) in brigades/battalions
• TRICARE covers network providers off-base

4. Vet Centers (VA)

• 300+ community-based; combat veterans, MST, bereavement
• No enrollment requirement; free; confidential
• vetcenters.va.gov

5. VA Mental Health

• Comprehensive: PTSD, depression, SUD, TBI, suicide prevention
• Whole Health coaching, peer support
• VA.gov/mentalhealth

Stigma Reduction

• DoD Instruction 6490.08: Command-directed eval only for safety; voluntary care protected
• Real Warriors Campaign, InTransition program
• Security clearance (SF-86): Q21 – seeking help is favorable, not disqualifying

You are not alone. Help is confidential, available, and effective.