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VA » Health Care » Mental Health » Depression » Depression: Take the Next Step - Mental Health

Mental Health

Depression: Take the Next Step - Mental Health

Depression

Take the Next Step

Now that you’ve learned about depression and available treatment options, take the next step. Explore the following resources and connected care options to get started at VA.

Schedule a mental health appointment.

If you’re already using VA health care, ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment for VA mental health services.
If you're not already using VA health care, contact your nearest VA medical center to talk about your needs. Find your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center
New to VA? Apply for health care benefits. Getting started is simple. Create a free account online to help ease your enrollment process. Start your application today

Access mental health services online.

Telehealth: You can connect with VA mental health services through a computer or mobile device in your home or at your nearest VA health facility. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their health care team a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov.

Veteran Training: This self-help portal provides tools to help Veterans overcome everyday challenges in an entirely anonymous environment. Using the tools, Veterans can work on problem-solving, manage their anger, develop parenting skills, and more. The free tools are based on mental health practices that have proven successful with Veterans and their families.

Mobile Apps: Access mental health support wherever you are, whenever you need it. These mobile apps are specifically designed to support you in managing mental health conditions, including depression.

ACT Coach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) aims to help you live with unpleasant thoughts, feelings, and impulses without avoiding them or being controlled by them. In ACT, you are encouraged to commit to actions so that you can live your life by your values, even in the face of these unpleasant experiences.

VA Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment

VA residential rehabilitation treatment, sometimes referred to as inpatient residential or domiciliary care, provides comprehensive treatment and rehabilitation services to Veterans with mental health conditions like depression, PTSD and substance use disorder. The programs take a whole health approach to address challenges these Veterans may experience, including medical concerns and social needs such as employment and housing. Learn more about residential rehabilitation and how to apply.

Vet Centers: Support for Veterans, service members and their families

Vet Centers are small, non-medical counseling centers conveniently located in your community. If you are a Veteran or service member including members of the National Guard and Reserve, you may be eligible to receive individual and group counseling at no cost to you and your family. You can access these services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care or have a service connection.

Vet Centers offer counseling services for issues including:

Support for symptoms related to PTSD
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) counseling
Family and couples counseling for military transition to civilian life
Bereavement (grief) counseling
Employment assessment and referral
Substance abuse assessment and referral

Find a Vet Center near you

Call 1-877-927-8387 24/7 to reach the Vet Center Call Center and talk about your military experience or other concerns during your transition from military to civilian life. The team is comprised of Veterans from several eras as well as family members of Veterans.

Resources and support outside of VA

Veterans may obtain support from some government agencies and community organizations outside of VA.

Military OneSource

This free service provides expert support to connect military personnel and their families with the best available resources to fit their needs. For support, visit the Military OneSource website or call 800-342-9647 anytime, day or night.

Psychological Health Resource Center

The center works to improve the lives of Veterans, Service members, and their families by advancing excellence in psychological health care, readiness, and prevention.