Vet Centers Offer Free Support to Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families

Each year, Vet Centers in communities across this country provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to more than 200,000 veterans, service members, and their families. Vet Centers are staffed by qualified mental health professionals who provide family services, assessments, education, preventive health care information, family counseling, bereavement services, and referrals. Most of the staff members are veterans themselves and understand the unique challenges that veterans and their families can sometimes face. They can also assist with navigating the larger Veterans Affairs (VA) system, including both health care and benefits.

The families of veterans and service members can access services at Vet Centers. The services offered are confidential, completely free of charge, and do not require VA enrollment. Read more about Vet Center services, and find your local Vet Center at www.vetcenter.va.gov. You can also contact Vet Center staff 24/7 at 1-877-WAR-VETS (927-8387).

Beginning next month, Joining Forces will host a monthly feature on this blog highlighting the Vet Centers and the great work they do.

Rory Brosius is the Deputy Director of Joining Forces.