Mental health, PTSD and TBI
Every option for healing, in one place
PTSD, depression, a brain injury, sleep that won't come, or just feeling off since you got out. There are more ways to get better than most Veterans are ever told. Here is every option we could find, from VA care and therapies proven to work, to alternative, outdoor and emerging treatments, with how to get each one and what it costs.
In crisis or thinking about suicide? Talk to someone now.
The Veterans Crisis Line is free, confidential and open 24/7. You don't need to be enrolled in VA. Family and friends can call too.
In immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can walk into any VA medical center, any time, whatever your discharge status.
What the evidence labels mean
Labels come from the VA/DoD Clinical Practice Guidelines, the same evidence reviews VA and DoD clinicians use. They rate how well a treatment works for the condition named, not whether it can help in other ways.
- Recommended The strongest evidence. VA and DoD say to offer it.
- Suggested Good evidence, a little weaker. A solid option.
- Not enough evidence yet Studies are too few or too small to say. This does not mean it doesn't work, and many Veterans use these alongside a recommended treatment.
- Not suggested The evidence leans against it for this condition.
- Not recommended VA and DoD advise against it for this condition.
- Research only Not approved. Available only in clinical studies.
Where to get care
You don't have to figure out the right door alone. Any of these can get you started, and most of them are free.
VA mental health care
Counseling, therapy and medication at VA medical centers and clinics, and by phone and video. VA offers same-day mental health services for urgent needs, including walk-in visits, telehealth and nurse triage by phone.
- How to get it:
- Already using VA? Ask your primary care team to set you up with mental health. Not using VA yet? Call or walk into your nearest VA medical center, or apply for VA health care online. For urgent needs, walk into any VA medical center, any time.
- Cost:
- No outpatient copay if you have a service-connected rating of 10% or more. Readjustment counseling and care related to military sexual trauma are free. Recent combat Veterans get 10 years of free care for conditions connected to service.
Vet Centers
Small community counseling centers run by VA, about 300 of them. Individual, group, couples and family counseling, counseling after military sexual trauma, grief counseling, and alcohol and drug assessment. You don't need to be enrolled in VA health care or have a disability rating.
- Who:
- Veterans and service members, including Guard and Reserve, who served in a combat zone or area of hostility, experienced military sexual trauma, provided emergency medical or mortuary care to casualties, served on a drone crew supporting combat, responded to a national emergency or disaster, and several other groups. Families can take part when it helps the Veteran.
- How to get it:
- Walk in, or call the Vet Center Call Center any time to talk with another combat Veteran or family member.
- Cost:
- Free.
Emergency suicide-crisis care, even with an OTH discharge (COMPACT Act)
In an acute suicidal crisis, VA will provide or pay for emergency care at any VA or non-VA facility: up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential care and up to 90 days of outpatient care. You don't have to be enrolled in VA.
- Who:
- Former service members with more than 24 months of active service and a discharge that was not dishonorable (this includes other-than-honorable and general), former members who served more than 100 days in a combat zone or contingency operation, and anyone who experienced sexual assault or harassment while serving.
- How to get it:
- Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room and tell them you served, or call 988 and press 1.
- Cost:
- No cost to eligible Veterans.
Care after military sexual trauma (MST)
Free treatment for any physical or mental health condition related to MST. You don't need a disability rating, and you don't need to have reported it at the time or have proof. Every VA medical center has an MST Coordinator.
- Who:
- Most Veterans and former service members, including those with other-than-honorable discharges or less than two years of service.
- How to get it:
- Tell any VA provider, call your VA medical center and ask for the MST Coordinator, or go to a Vet Center. Current service members can use DoD Safe Helpline.
- Cost:
- Free.
VA Community Care (a private provider, paid by VA)
If VA can't see you within a 30-minute average drive or a 20-day wait for mental health, or doesn't offer what you need, you may be able to see a community provider that VA pays for.
- How to get it:
- VA has to approve community care before your appointment (except emergencies). Ask your VA care team.
- Cost:
- Same copays as VA care.
TRICARE mental health care
For military retirees, families and Guard and Reserve members on TRICARE. Covers outpatient and inpatient mental health and substance use care. Active-duty members don't need a referral for outpatient mental health care at a military hospital or clinic.
- Cost:
- Depends on your TRICARE plan.
Military OneSource counseling
Free, short-term, private counseling with a licensed counselor for stress, relationships and the move to civilian life, in person, by phone, chat or video. It is not medical treatment for a diagnosed condition.
- Who:
- Service members and their families, up to 365 days after separation.
- Cost:
- Free.
Women Veterans Call Center
Connects women Veterans with their local VA, women's health and mental health services, and answers questions about enrollment and benefits.
- Cost:
- Free to call.
PTSD: talk therapies that work
VA and DoD recommend one-on-one, trauma-focused talk therapy as the first choice for PTSD, ahead of medication. These therapies are offered at VA medical centers, many Vet Centers, through community care, by TRICARE providers and at the free programs further down this page.
Ask for them by name. Most take 3 months or less. Having a substance use problem or another condition should not keep you from getting them.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
RecommendedYou learn to spot and question the stuck thoughts that trauma leaves behind, like "It was my fault" or "Nowhere is safe," and check them against the facts. About 12 weekly sessions, one-on-one or in a group.
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
RecommendedWith a therapist, you slowly and safely face the memories, feelings and places you've been avoiding, until they lose their power. Usually 8 to 15 weekly sessions.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
RecommendedYou bring up a painful memory while following a back-and-forth movement or sound, which helps your brain process it so it hurts less. Usually weekly for about three months, and many people feel changes sooner.
Written Exposure Therapy (WET)
SuggestedShort and simple: 5 weekly sessions where you write about the trauma for about 30 minutes, then talk briefly with your provider. No homework.
Present-Centered Therapy (PCT)
SuggestedFocuses on today's problems, not the trauma itself. You learn how PTSD affects daily life and build problem-solving skills. A good fit if you don't want to talk about the trauma in detail. About 12 weekly sessions.
Cognitive Therapy for PTSD
SuggestedA trauma-focused therapy that changes the painful meanings a person attaches to what happened and what came after. Less widely offered, so ask your provider.
Other therapies you may hear about
Not enough evidence yetAcceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Narrative Exposure Therapy, Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Seeking Safety, Stress Inoculation Training, STAIR, interpersonal and psychodynamic therapy, group therapy, and couples therapies. The guideline found too little evidence to recommend for or against them for PTSD. Some may still help with related problems.
Not sure which one fits? The National Center for PTSD's free Treatment Decision Aid compares them side by side.
PTSD: medications
Medication can help, especially if you can't get to therapy or want both. It can take a few weeks to notice a difference. Never stop a medicine suddenly without talking to your prescriber.
Sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), venlafaxine (Effexor)
RecommendedDaily antidepressants. The National Center for PTSD says these three work best for PTSD and about equally well. Common side effects include upset stomach, sweating, headache, dizziness and sexual side effects.
- How to get it:
- VA, TRICARE or any prescriber.
Prazosin for trauma nightmares
SuggestedA blood pressure pill taken at night that can reduce nightmares for some people. It is suggested for nightmares, not for PTSD symptoms overall.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) and other antidepressants
Not enough evidence yetThe 2023 guideline found too little evidence for fluoxetine and many other antidepressants for PTSD itself. A doctor may still prescribe them for depression or other reasons.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, Ativan) and cannabis
Not recommendedVA and DoD advise against both for PTSD. Benzodiazepines can make recovery harder and carry risks.
Sleep and nightmares
CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I)
RecommendedA short, skills-based therapy, usually about six sessions, that resets your sleep habits. It's the top treatment for insomnia, preferred over sleeping pills, and it can also reduce nightmares. In person, by video, online or with an app.
- How to get it:
- Ask VA primary care or mental health, community care or TRICARE. Free apps: CBT-i Coach and Insomnia Coach.
Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares
Not enough evidence yetWhile awake, you rewrite a repeating nightmare into a less upsetting version and practice it daily. The guideline found too little evidence for PTSD nightmares, but some VA sleep and PTSD clinics still offer it.
Sleeping pills
Quick but temporary relief, usually advised for short-term use only (2 to 4 weeks). Benzodiazepines are not recommended for people with PTSD.
Whole health, alternative and outdoor options
Many Veterans find these help with stress, pain, sleep and connection. For PTSD itself the evidence is still thin for most of them, so they work best alongside a recommended treatment, not instead of one.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
SuggestedAn 8-week course in mindfulness meditation and gentle movement. New in the 2023 guideline as a suggested option for PTSD.
- How to get it:
- Ask your VA care team about Whole Health and mindfulness classes.
VA Whole Health: acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, meditation, massage, biofeedback, guided imagery, hypnosis
Not enough evidence yetFor PTSD specifically. They may still help with stress, pain and sleep.
VA's Whole Health approach starts with what matters to you. VA covers these when your care team decides they're right for you, on site, by video, through community partners or community care.
- How to get it:
- Ask your VA care team or your facility's Whole Health contact.
Creative arts therapy (art, music, dance, writing)
Not enough evidence yetCreative Forces, a National Endowment for the Arts program with DoD and VA, provides creative arts therapy at military and VA sites, including by video, and funds community arts programs for military families.
Service dogs
Not enough evidence yetK9s For Warriors provides trained service dogs to Veterans of all eras with PTSD, TBI or MST at no cost. VA doesn't provide service dogs, but VA runs a pilot at five sites (Anchorage, Asheville, Palo Alto, San Antonio, West Palm Beach) where Veterans with PTSD help train service dogs.
- Cost:
- K9s For Warriors: no cost to the Veteran.
Fishing, outdoors and equine programs
Not enough evidence yetHeroes on the Water runs free fishing and kayaking for Veterans and families. Project Healing Waters teaches fly fishing and fly tying in 43 states. PATH International accredits horse-based programs. These are great for connection and calm, alongside treatment.
Emerging and research treatments
You've probably heard about some of these. Here's where each one actually stands as of October 2026. VA says it will consider psychedelic therapies outside research only after FDA approval, and strongly warns against self-medicating with psychedelics or other unprescribed drugs.
MDMA-assisted therapy
Research onlyTalk therapy given while the patient takes MDMA under close supervision. Not FDA-approved: FDA declined it in August 2024, and the developer reportedly resubmitted in August 2026, with no FDA decision yet. VA is funding a study for Veterans with both PTSD and alcohol use disorder at the Providence and West Haven VA medical centers.
- How to get it:
- Only through clinical trials.
Psilocybin and other psychedelics
Research onlyNot FDA-approved for any mental health use. In August 2026 VA launched a psilocybin study (PIVOT) for Veterans with treatment-resistant depression, with or without PTSD, at Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Portland, Philadelphia and Seattle VA sites. VA says it is part of 20 active psychedelic therapy trials.
- How to get it:
- Only through clinical trials. Ask your VA provider or search ClinicalTrials.gov.
Esketamine (Spravato) and ketamine
Not suggestedFor PTSD. Suggested as an add-on for depression that hasn't responded to several medicines.
Esketamine is a nasal spray FDA-approved for treatment-resistant depression, used at a certified clinic where you're watched for at least 2 hours. VA has offered it since 2019. It is not approved for PTSD, and the guideline does not suggest ketamine for PTSD.
Stellate ganglion block (SGB)
Not enough evidence yetA numbing shot in the side of the neck aimed at nerves tied to the body's fight-or-flight response. A large VA trial of 410 Veterans has finished enrolling but hasn't posted results. A smaller Ohio State study in 2026 found it sped up improvement when paired with CPT. Offered at some VA, military and private clinics.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Not enough evidence yetFor PTSD. Suggested for depression after two or more medicines haven't worked.
Magnetic pulses from a coil held against the head. You stay awake and can drive yourself home, usually over 30 or more sessions. FDA-cleared for depression since 2008 and offered at a number of VA facilities for treatment-resistant depression. Not cleared for PTSD.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
Not enough evidence yetFor PTSD. Recommended against for mild TBI.
Breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Not FDA-cleared for PTSD or TBI. The PTSD guideline found too little evidence, the TBI guideline recommends against it for mild TBI, and VA and TRICARE don't cover it for TBI. Research continues.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
A blast, crash, fall or blow to the head can injure the brain and cause PTSD at the same time. The two share symptoms like poor sleep, irritability, anxiety and trouble concentrating, so they get confused. Headaches, dizziness, light and noise sensitivity and nausea point more to TBI. Reliving the event, nightmares and avoiding reminders point more to PTSD.
Most people with a concussion recover within weeks to months. If symptoms hang on, get checked. Having a TBI is not a reason to delay PTSD treatment: CPT and PE appear to work just as well for people with a TBI history.
Go to the ER or call 911 for danger signs
A headache that gets worse or won't go away, weakness, numbness or seizures, repeated vomiting, slurred speech, one pupil bigger than the other, confusion or agitation, or trouble waking up.
Get screened: VA TBI screening and evaluation
VA screens post-9/11 combat Veterans for TBI with four short questions. A positive screen doesn't mean you have a TBI, only that you get a full Comprehensive TBI Evaluation with a specialist, who builds a plan of care with you if rehab will help.
- How to get it:
- Ask your VA primary care team: "I may have had a head injury in service. Can I get the TBI screen and, if it's positive, a Comprehensive TBI Evaluation?" Served before 9/11 or never screened? Ask anyway.
- Cost:
- No copay for care related to a service-connected rating, or for care that may be related to combat service in a combat theater after November 11, 1998.
VA Polytrauma and TBI System of Care
Five Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers (Richmond, Tampa, Minneapolis, Palo Alto, San Antonio), 23 regional Polytrauma Network Sites, and more than 80 outpatient TBI teams at VA medical centers. The same five centers run a 3 to 8 week Intensive Evaluation and Treatment Program for complex mild-to-moderate TBI, often with PTSD.
- How to get it:
- Referral through your VA care team. Use the Polytrauma program locator to find the team nearest you.
TBI rehab that treats each symptom
SuggestedRatings vary by symptom; see the guideline.
For lasting concussion symptoms, VA and DoD recommend treating each symptom: headache care, sleep care (including CBT-I), vestibular therapy for dizziness and balance, and a short trial of therapist-led cognitive rehab for memory and attention if those problems continue. Brain-training computer programs alone are not suggested.
- How to get it:
- VA outpatient TBI teams, physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Free intensive programs for TBI and PTSD
The TBI guideline found too little evidence to compare specialized programs with regular care.
Avalon Action Alliance funds a roughly 3-week program at six partner brain-health centers for Veterans of any era or discharge status, with no TBI diagnosis needed and travel, lodging and meals covered. The Marcus Institute for Brain Health (Colorado) and Shepherd Center's SHARE program (Atlanta) treat TBI together with PTSD, anxiety or depression. Warrior Care Network runs free two-week programs for post-9/11 Veterans at Emory, Mass General Home Base, Rush and UCLA.
- Cost:
- No cost to Veterans for these programs.
Active-duty TBI care (NICoE and Intrepid Spirit Centers)
DoD's National Intrepid Center of Excellence in Bethesda and its network of Intrepid Spirit Centers at military bases provide intensive brain-health care, mainly for active-duty service members. Most Veterans should use the VA Polytrauma system or the free programs above.
VA benefits for TBI
VA rates TBI under diagnostic code 8045, which scores ten areas like memory, judgment and headaches; the single worst area sets the rating. PTSD or depression is rated separately when the symptoms can be clearly told apart, and a distinct diagnosis like migraine gets its own rating. If your TBI is service-connected, VA presumes these are caused by it: Parkinsonism and unprovoked seizures after moderate or severe TBI; certain dementias within 15 years of moderate or severe TBI; depression within 3 years of moderate or severe TBI or within 12 months of mild TBI; and hormone deficiency diseases within 12 months of moderate or severe TBI. Missed those limits? You can still win with medical evidence.
- How to get it:
- File with free help from your county Veterans Service Officer or an accredited VSO.
- Cost:
- Free help is always available from accredited VSO representatives.
Learn more and get answers
The Brain Injury Association of America's information center answers questions about brain injury. BrainLine has free articles and videos for military families. VA's Concussion Coach app helps track and manage symptoms.
Free programs outside VA
Good options if you want care outside VA, can't get VA care, or want more. Check each program's own site for current eligibility.
Give an Hour
Free, confidential one-on-one counseling with licensed professionals and weekly peer support groups. Not for emergencies.
- Who:
- Active duty, Guard, Reserve, Veterans, and in some cases spouses and caregivers.
- Cost:
- Free.
Cohen Veterans Network (Cohen Clinics)
Outpatient therapy for PTSD, depression, anxiety, anger, grief and transition, plus relationship and family counseling, at 23 clinics in 22 states and DC, in person or by video.
- Who:
- Post-9/11 Veterans including Guard and Reserve, regardless of discharge status, plus service members and families.
- Cost:
- Most insurance including TRICARE is accepted. Ask your nearest clinic about cost.
The Headstrong Project
Confidential PTSD treatment through a national network of trauma-informed therapists.
- Who:
- Veterans, service members and family members connected to their care.
- Cost:
- 30 free sessions. Longer care may have a copay.
Wounded Warrior Project mental wellness
Warrior Care Network's two-week intensive outpatient programs, Project Odyssey (a 12-week adventure-based mental health workshop) and WWP Talk (weekly one-on-one support calls).
- Who:
- Post-9/11 Veterans and service members; some programs include caregivers and family.
- Cost:
- Free. WWP may bill insurance but never collects copays or deductibles.
Home Base
A two-week Intensive Clinical Program for PTSD, TBI, MST, depression and anxiety, plus an intensive program for Families of the Fallen. Family members can take part.
- Who:
- Veterans of all eras, active duty, Guard and Reserve, regardless of discharge status.
- Cost:
- No cost. Travel, lodging and meals are covered.
Boulder Crest: Warrior PATHH
A 90-day program built on posttraumatic growth, starting with a 5-day in-person initiation. It's training, not clinical therapy. Also offers Family Rest and Reconnection stays in Virginia and Arizona.
- Who:
- Active duty, Veterans and first responders.
- Cost:
- Free.
Vets4Warriors peer support line
24/7 confidential peer support by phone from Veterans and military family members. Not affiliated with VA.
- Who:
- Service members, Veterans and their loved ones.
Team Rubicon and Team Red, White & Blue
Connection through mission and community. Team Rubicon volunteers respond to disasters together. Team RWB brings Veterans together for fitness, events and outdoor trips.
Free apps and self-help
All free from VA's National Center for PTSD. Apps work best alongside care, not instead of it.
PTSD Coach and PTSD Coach Online
Learn about PTSD and use tools for stress, sleep, trauma reminders and anger. Family members can use it too.
More free VA apps
CBT-i Coach and Insomnia Coach (sleep), Mindfulness Coach, VetChange (alcohol), Beyond MST, PTSD Family Coach, Couples Coach, Safety Plan, Concussion Coach, and companion apps for CPT and PE.
Make the Connection and AboutFace
Hundreds of real Veterans telling how they got through PTSD, depression and more, and what helped.
PTSD Treatment Decision Aid
Compare PTSD treatments side by side and bring your questions to your provider.
For family and caregivers
VA Caregiver Support Line
Connects family caregivers with VA caregiver programs, coaching, peer mentoring and support groups. Caregivers of any Veteran enrolled in VA health care can use the general program. The comprehensive program, for Veterans rated 70% or higher who need in-person care, can include a monthly stipend, health coverage and respite care.
- Cost:
- Free.
Worried about a Veteran?
Family and friends can call the Veterans Crisis Line too: 988, then press 1. Vet Centers offer family counseling when it helps the Veteran, and the National Center for PTSD has a section just for families.
Not sure where to start?
Start with one call. The Vet Center Call Center (877-927-8387) is answered 24/7 by combat Veterans and family members, and they can point you to the right door. For claims help with PTSD or TBI, your county Veterans Service Officer is free.
Reviewed against official sources on October 14, 2026. Treatments, rules and phone numbers change, so confirm details with the program or your provider. This page is general education, not medical advice. Talk with a licensed provider about your care. Helping The Brave is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense, and we never sell anything.