After Service: The 2025 Veterans Mental Health & Community Care Playbook

PTSD, TBI/brain health, substance use recovery, MST support, housing, employment — plus step‑by‑step ways to start today.

12/19/20254 min read

1) If you need help now

Veterans Crisis Line (24/7, confidential): Dial 988, then Press 1 • Text 838255 • Chat – https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
(You don’t have to be enrolled in VA care to call.)
Find local VA crisis & mental health resources: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/find-resources/local-resources/

2) Not sure where to start? Use these three “front doors”

VA Mental Health overview (what’s available, how to get care): https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
Vet Centers (no‑cost, confidential counseling for Veterans, service members, and families): https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/
Call VA to get connected: 877‑222‑8387 (Mon–Fri, 8am–8pm ET)

3) PTSD & moral injury: evidence‑based care that works

PTSD: National Center for PTSD (plain‑language info + treatment options): https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
What treatments help? Learn about Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and EMDR:
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/overview_therapy.asp
Peer stories: Veterans share what recovery looks like (Make the Connection): https://www.maketheconnection.net/
Apps you can use tonight:
PTSD Coach – https://mobile.va.gov/app/ptsd-coach
Mindfulness Coach – https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach

4) Brain health after TBI (and when to ask)

Polytrauma/TBI System of Care (specialized VA rehabilitation network): https://www.polytrauma.va.gov/
Understand TBI basics and screening: https://www.polytrauma.va.gov/understanding-tbi/
Ask your VA team for a TBI screen if you’ve had blasts/blows to the head, new headaches, memory or balance changes.

5) MST (Military Sexual Trauma): confidential care, no matter when it happened

What MST care includes and who’s eligible: https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/military-sexual-trauma/
Learn more & hear recovery stories: https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome/index.asp
Vet Center MST counseling: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Military_Sexual_Trauma.asp

6) Substance use: treatment that respects your goals

VA Substance Use Treatment (options from counseling to meds): https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/substance-use-problems/
Find VA SUD programs near you: https://www.va.gov/directory/guide/sud.asp
Community locator (SAMHSA): https://findtreatment.gov/

7) Sleep, pain, and stress (build skills that last)

CBT‑I Coach for insomnia: https://mobile.va.gov/app/cbt-i-coach
Insomnia Coach (self‑guided): https://mobile.va.gov/app/insomnia-coach
Whole Health (care built around what matters to you): https://www.va.gov/wholehealth/
Pain Management & Whole Health approaches: https://www.va.gov/painmanagement/

8) Housing & stability (if you’re at risk or already unhoused)

HUD‑VASH (housing voucher + VA case management): https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp
SSVF (Supportive Services for Veteran Families – eviction prevention/rapid rehousing): https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/
Find VA Homeless Programs: https://www.va.gov/homeless/
HUD overview: https://www.hud.gov/helping-americans/housing-choice-vouchers-homeless-veterans

9) Work, purpose, and independence

VR&E (Veteran Readiness & Employment) — 5 tracks: https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/programs/
Independent Living track (when work isn’t feasible right now): https://www.va.gov/careers-employment/vocational-rehabilitation/programs/independent-living/
VR&E home page: https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/

10) Family & caregiver support (you don’t have to do this alone)

Caregiver Support Program (PGCSS & PCAFC): https://www.caregiver.va.gov/
Apply for PCAFC (stipend program): https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/
Coaching Into Care (VA psychologists coach family/friends on how to help a Veteran enter care): https://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/
Women Veterans Call Center: 1‑855‑829‑6636 • https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/wvcc.asp

11) Safety first: quick, practical steps

Safe storage = time + space in a crisis. VA’s Keep It Secure: https://www.va.gov/reach/lethal-means/
Free cable gun locks at VA facilities (no paperwork): https://www.va.gov/reach/lethal-means/gun-safe/
Medication safety: keep only current meds in easy reach; lock up extras and high‑risk meds.

12) Scripts you can copy

Ask your VA team for mental health care:
“I’d like to schedule a mental health visit and discuss options like PE or CPT for PTSD. Can we also review sleep help (CBT‑I) and a Whole Health plan?”

For a family member calling Coaching Into Care:
“I’m worried about my Veteran. Can you coach me on how to talk with them about getting help and what local options we can try first?”

Housing stabilization request:
“I need help with rental arrears and staying housed. Can we review SSVF and, if needed, HUD‑VASH?”

13) Copy‑and‑save checklists

Daily (2 minutes)

Check‑in: sleep • appetite • movement • connection (text/call someone)
Skill: 5 slow breaths or 3‑minute grounding (use Mindfulness Coach)

Crisis plan (fridge + phone)

Veterans Crisis Line: 988, then Press 1 • Text 838255 • https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
Local VA mental health clinic | Nearest ER | Trusted contacts (3)

Appointment prep

Top 3 concerns • meds list • what success looks like in 90 days

Home safety reset (weekly)

Lockboxes working • meds reviewed • remove unused/expired meds

How AFHCS can help (today)

Skilled Nursing, Personal Care, Companion Care, and CNA Services — routines that support mental health, meds safety, and appointment follow‑through: https://afhcs.com/services
Talk with us (no pressure): https://afhcs.com/contact • Phone 470‑982‑CARE (2273) • Email corporate@afhcs.com
Resource hub (printable links & numbers): https://afhcs.com/resources

Works cited & official resources (used throughout)

Disclaimer: This guide is educational and not a substitute for medical, legal, or financial advice. VA policies can change; confirm eligibility and coverage with the VA or a VA‑accredited representative.