Online therapy for veterans: VA telehealth, free programs and TRICARE

The Veterans Crisis Line gives free, confidential support 24/7 to Veterans, service members, Guard and Reserve members and those who support them, by dialing 988 then pressing 1, online chat, or text to 838255.

Who

Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

What it gives

Crisis support from a qualified, caring responder by phone, online chat or text. The responder asks whether anyone is in immediate danger, helps you make a plan to stay safe, and connects you with resources from your local VA medical center or your community.

Cost

Free and confidential

How to start

Dial 988 then press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.

VA health care covers substance use treatment for enrolled Veterans, including medication for opioid addiction such as methadone and buprenorphine, medically managed detox and counseling.

Who

Veterans enrolled in VA health care

What it gives

Treatment, including methadone or buprenorphine for opioid addiction, medically managed detox and counseling

How to start

Apply for VA health care, then talk to your VA primary care provider or call 800-827-1000

Check first: The VA page was last updated on February 15, 2022; services and access steps may have changed.

Eligible service members, veterans and family members can get free individual and group counseling at a Vet Center.

Who

Eligible veterans and service members, National Guard and Reserve included, and their families; VA health care enrollment is not required

What it gives

Individual and group counseling in a non-medical setting; many Vet Centers also offer phone or video appointments

Cost

Free

How to start

Call 877-927-8387 (24/7) or walk in to a Vet Center during clinic hours

Check first: Eligibility depends on service, such as service in a combat theater or military sexual trauma, so check whether you qualify.

VA's telemental health program lets you connect with a VA mental health provider through a computer or mobile device in your home or at your nearest VA health facility.

Who

Veterans enrolled in VA health care: if you are enrolled, ask any of your VA providers to help connect you with the telemental health program.

What it gives

Mental health care from a VA mental health provider by video, from your home on a computer or mobile device or at your nearest VA health facility. VA mental health services range from peer support to counseling, therapy, medication, or a combination, for PTSD, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, substance use and more. VA also says regular outpatient mental health care may include care provided over the phone.

Cost

Depends on your VA copay status. No outpatient copay with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher. Otherwise you may pay $15 for a primary care visit or $50 for a specialty care visit for conditions not related to military service. Eligible Veterans may owe no copay for their first 3 visits a calendar year with a qualified mental health provider (visits between June 27, 2023 and December 29, 2027).

How to start

If you are enrolled, ask any of your VA providers to connect you with the telemental health program. If you are not already using VA care, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center. To find the right resources, call 877-222-8387 (TTY 800-877-8339), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Check first: Any Veteran enrolled in VA health care is eligible for care by telehealth, but VA says telehealth is not suitable for every condition and situation, so you and your VA care team decide whether video or phone fits.

VA Video Connect is VA's secure app for live video visits between Veterans and their VA providers on any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.

Who

Veterans and their caregivers who meet with VA providers. Speak with your VA care team to determine if VA Video Connect is right for you.

What it gives

VA's secure videoconferencing app for live video visits with your VA care team on any computer or mobile device with an internet connection, with optional live captioning and a transcript view.

Cost

The Android app is free to download. AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon help Veteran subscribers avoid data charges when using the app on their networks.

How to start

Speak with your VA care team. Once an appointment is made you receive an email from VA with instructions. For help with the app, call the Office of Connected Care Help Desk at 866-651-3180, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

VA can lend you a tablet at no cost for telehealth if you do not have an internet-connected, video-capable device, and your VA provider can tell you if you qualify.

Who

Veterans who do not have an internet-connected, video-capable device for telehealth. Talk with your VA provider to find out if you qualify for a VA-loaned device.

What it gives

A tablet lent by VA for video visits with your VA care team. The same page describes ATLAS sites (private appointment spaces with internet access and telehealth technology in Veterans' communities) and Lifeline discounts on home internet or phone service.

Cost

No cost to you for the loaned tablet

How to start

Ask your VA provider for the Digital Divide Consult, which refers you to the National Tablet Team to review your options.

Check first: Whether you qualify for a VA-loaned device is decided through the Digital Divide Consult, so it is not automatic.

If you are enrolled in or eligible for VA health care and meet an eligibility condition, such as VA not being able to provide mental health care within a 30-minute average drive time or a 20-day wait time, VA pays for care from an in-network community provider.

Who

Veterans enrolled in or eligible for VA health care who have approval from their VA health care team before getting care from a community provider (except certain cases like urgent or emergency care), and who meet at least 1 listed condition, such as VA being unable to provide the care within the access standards.

What it gives

VA pays for care from a provider in its community care network. For mental health, the access standard is a 30-minute average drive time or a 20-day wait time. The page does not say whether community mental health visits are by video or phone.

Cost

VA pays for the cost of approved community care. VA copay rules still apply, and eligible Veterans may owe no copay for their first 3 mental health visits a calendar year, including in the community care network (visits between June 27, 2023 and December 29, 2027).

How to start

Talk with your VA health care team: you need their approval before you get care from a community provider (except for certain cases like urgent or emergency care).

Check first: You must have approval from your VA health care team before you get care from a community provider, except for certain cases like urgent or emergency care.

VA's Caregiver Support Program offers coaching, telephone support, peer support mentoring and online programs to caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care.

Who

Caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care who served in any era (general support program). A separate comprehensive program for family caregivers has its own eligibility requirements, including a Veteran who is at least 70% service connected.

What it gives

For family caregivers: skills training, mobile support, one-on-one coaching, group support and coaching, self-care, peer support mentoring, telephone support, online programs, and referrals to VA and community resources. The comprehensive program adds mental health counseling, a monthly stipend, respite care and other services.

How to start

Call the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET) or contact the Caregiver Support Team at your local VA facility.

VA's Veteran Training site offers free, confidential online courses on sleep, problem-solving, anger management, parenting and other topics, available 24/7.

Who

Not stated on the course site. VA's mental health page says you do not have to sign in or provide any personal information to use the tools.

What it gives

Self-paced online courses with no clinician: Moving Forward (problem solving), Anger and Irritability Management Skills, My Recovery Plan, Parenting for Veterans, Path to Better Sleep (insomnia treatment), and Alcohol and Drug Education.

Cost

Free

How to start

Go to veterantraining.va.gov and choose a course. No certificate of completion is offered.

Check first: These courses are not intended to replace treatment by a healthcare professional.

PTSD Coach, from VA's National Center for PTSD, is a free app that helps you learn about and manage symptoms after a trauma, and PTSD Coach Online is a desktop version with video coaches.

Who

Anyone who wants to learn about and manage symptoms after a trauma. Family and friends can also learn about PTSD and coping from the app.

What it gives

A self-help app and a desktop version with 17 tools, guided by video coaches, for sleep, trauma reminders, anger and other symptoms, plus symptom tracking and direct links to support. No clinician is involved.

Cost

Free

How to start

Download PTSD Coach for iOS or Android, or use PTSD Coach Online on a computer.

Check first: PTSD Coach is not meant to replace professional care.

TRICARE virtual health lets you see a mental health professional by secure video call or phone appointment without leaving home.

Who

TRICARE beneficiaries

What it gives

Coverage of video and phone visits with a mental health professional

Cost

The same as an in-person visit

How to start

Find a virtual provider through your TRICARE regional contractor; referral rules match in-person care

Check first: TRICARE does not cover text-only appointments, so check that a service's plan includes live video or phone visits.

Military OneSource counselors give free, short-term, confidential counseling for issues such as relationships, stress, parenting and grief, in person, by phone, by video or by online chat.

Who

Active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members and their immediate families listed in DEERS, and for 365 days after separation

What it gives

Short-term counseling with licensed counselors (up to 12 sessions per issue) for stress, relationships, parenting or grief, in person, by phone, video or chat

Cost

Free

How to start

Call 800-342-9647 (24/7) or start a secure live chat

Check first: Its counseling does not diagnose or treat diagnosed mental health conditions; therapy for those may be available through TRICARE or a military treatment facility.

Cohen Veterans Network, a not-for-profit network of mental health clinics, offers care in person at a Cohen Clinic or by live video telehealth.

Who

Post-9/11 veterans, including National Guard and Reserves, regardless of occupational specialty, discharge status or service length; service members of all branches (active duty need a TRICARE referral); and military family members of post-9/11 veterans and service members, including spouses, partners, children, parents, siblings and caregivers. Clinics make every effort to see pre-9/11 veterans based on clinician availability.

What it gives

Therapy by face-to-face video, or in person at a Cohen clinic, for depression, anxiety, PTSD, sleep problems, adolescent behavioral issues, relationship and family stress and transition challenges, plus case management support and local referrals for unemployment, finances, housing and legal issues. Needs a secure internet connection and a phone, computer or tablet with audio and video.

Cost

Cost will never be a barrier to care, handled case by case. Most major insurances are accepted, including TRICARE, and for those with no insurance care may be available at no cost.

How to start

Use the Make an Appointment form or call your nearest Cohen clinic. If no clinic is in your area, contact the nearest clinic to discuss CVN Telehealth.

Check first: If you live where there is no Cohen clinic, telehealth is something to discuss with your nearest clinic, not a guarantee, and CVN may offer services in your state in the future.

Emory Healthcare Veterans Program offers its two-week Accelerated Brain Health Program by secure video at no cost to eligible post-9/11 veterans and service members in participating states.

Who

Veterans who served at least one day after 9/01/2001 and service members affected by invisible wounds such as post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression or military sexual trauma, regardless of discharge status, deployment history or length of service.

What it gives

A two-week Accelerated Brain Health Program by secure Zoom video from home: daily individual and group therapy, wellness coaching, family services, case management and medication education. It also offers neuropsychological assessments and cognitive rehabilitation therapy for traumatic brain injury by Zoom.

Cost

No cost. If Emory cannot accept your insurance, or you have none, the program pays the entire cost of treatment. If it can accept your insurance and you normally pay a copay, the program pays the copay.

How to start

Call a veteran care coordinator at 888-514-5345 or complete the confidential form on the program's site. Self-referrals are welcome, so a provider referral is not needed.

Check first: Telehealth is offered only to those living in the participating states on its list, which the page says is current as of October 2025. Veterans elsewhere can be treated in person at the program, which pays for transportation and accommodation for those approved.

The Headstrong Project fully covers up to 30 eligible trauma therapy sessions for veterans, in person or by secure telehealth, with no insurance required.

Who

Veterans of any era, National Guard and Reserve members, transitioning service members within three months of separation or retirement, and Gold Star family members. Trauma does not have to be combat-related. Family services may be available by referral when a veteran or service member is in care. Location, clinical needs, availability and funding may affect access.

What it gives

Trauma-focused therapy with licensed clinicians, primarily individual therapy using Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure and EMDR, in person or by secure telehealth depending on location and clinician availability. Couples, family, group and psychiatric services are offered on a limited basis.

Cost

Headstrong fully covers up to 30 eligible therapy sessions and insurance is not required. From session 31, clients pay a modest copayment per session.

How to start

Complete the Connect to Care form. Headstrong aims to respond within one to two business days, connect eligible clients with a therapist within three business days, and support a first appointment within 15 business days of the initial phone intake.

Check first: Your therapist must be authorized to practice in the state where you are physically located during each session, and Headstrong may temporarily pause new requests in a location when funding or clinician capacity is limited.

ROGER, the wellness service of Stop Soldier Suicide, provides free virtual counseling, suicide prevention and crisis intervention for U.S. veterans and service members.

Who

U.S. veterans and service members, regardless of discharge status, age or years of service. A concerned loved one or a third-party organization can use the Get Help form to refer someone.

What it gives

Free virtual counseling, suicide prevention, crisis intervention and safety planning with a ROGER Wellness Coordinator, who is licensed or supervised by a licensed clinician. You set appointments and check-ins by phone, text or video. There is no set number of sessions, and the journey is frequently 12 to 14 sessions.

Cost

100% free to U.S. veterans and service members

How to start

Submit the web form at goroger.org/get-help or call 833-MY-ROGER (833-697-6437), 24/7. ROGER reaches out quickly to confirm your information and provide crisis support if needed, then contacts you within one business day to schedule your intake session.

Check first: ROGER says it is not a crisis line. It first checks whether it has a counselor licensed to provide services in your state, and if not it helps you find quality services elsewhere in your state.

Give an Hour provides confidential, no-cost mental health care services to active-duty military, reservists, guard, veterans, and in certain cases spouses and caregivers.

Who

Active-duty military, reservists, guard, veterans, and in certain cases spouses and caregivers.

What it gives

Confidential, one-on-one counseling with a Give an Hour volunteer, licensed mental health professional. The page does not say whether sessions are by video, phone or in person.

Cost

No cost

How to start

Complete the Contact Us form on giveanhour.org, choose that you need help and that you are interested in clinical support from a licensed mental health professional, and the team follows up with information, resources or next steps.

Check first: Give an Hour does not provide emergency services. For immediate help, call the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text SIGNS to 741741.

Wounded Warrior Project screens veterans and refers them to no-cost mental health services ranging from telephonic emotional support to in-person accelerated treatment.

Who

Warriors and their family members. WWP supports veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001, and family members or caregivers of a wounded warrior.

What it gives

A brief one-on-one screening by a WWP team member, then referral to WWP's supportive programs or clinical services, ranging from telephonic emotional support to in-person, accelerated treatment programs for PTSD, MST or other service-connected mental health concerns.

Cost

No cost to veterans and their families. You may be asked whether WWP or its partners may seek insurance reimbursement, and you will never be responsible for co-pays, coinsurance or deductibles.

How to start

Contact the WWP Resource Center by phone, email or chat. A WWP teammate calls and emails within 3 to 5 business days.

Check first: The accelerated treatment programs are in person, and the phone option is telephonic emotional support, so ask the screener what is available to you from home.

WWP Talk is a free, non-clinical program of weekly phone calls that connects veterans and their family members with a dedicated and empathetic listener.

Who

All warriors, family members and caregivers registered with WWP. It is most appropriate for those who are not in crisis and are ready to discuss emotional issues and set goals. WWP supports veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving on or after September 11, 2001, and their family members or caregivers.

What it gives

Non-clinical emotional support and goal setting by a weekly phone call of about 20 minutes with a dedicated WWP Talk Partner, usually for about six months. It can be used alongside counseling you already receive.

Cost

Free (WWP says all its programs and services are at no cost to veterans and their families)

How to start

Register with WWP, then contact the WWP Resource Center. You start with an initial call and are paired with a WWP Talk Partner who calls on the same pre-established day and time each week.

Check first: WWP Talk is not a crisis helpline and is not meant to replace clinical treatment, therapy or counseling.

Give an Hour's peer support groups are virtual, meet regularly and are always offered at no cost.

Who

People with shared lived experiences. Give an Hour's homepage lists weekly peer support groups for Military and Veterans and for Military Family.

What it gives

Regular virtual peer support groups led by trained peer supporters guided by experienced facilitators, who offer emotional support, shared knowledge and practical skills. Peer supporters are not licensed mental health professionals.

Cost

Always offered at no cost

How to start

Choose a group on giveanhour.org/peersupport, fill out the Contact Us and Register form, and the link is emailed to you. Join the regular virtual meetings.

Check first: Peer supporters are not licensed mental health professionals, and Give an Hour does not provide crisis support (call or text 988 for immediate help).

Vets4Warriors provides live, free, confidential, 24/7 peer support to active-duty or transitioning service members, veterans and their families.

Who

Active service members, National Guard members, reservists, veterans, and their families or caregivers. It operates independently of the VA and the U.S. military.

What it gives

Live, confidential peer support from trained veterans and military family members (not trained counselors), who listen, connect you to resources and follow up on every call until an issue is resolved. Peers respond by phone, email, chat or text.

Cost

Free (its mission is to provide live, free, confidential, 24/7 peer support)

How to start

Call 855-838-8255, 24/7, or use Talk to Us on vets4warriors.com to call, request a call, chat or email.

Check first: Peers are trained in peer support, not trained counselors, so this is not therapy.

NAMI offers a free online suite of mental health resources for caregivers, family members, military service members and veterans, and a free six-session Homefront class for families, caregivers and friends.

Who

Caregivers, family members, military service members and veterans for the online resources. The six-session class is designed for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions and is taught by trained family members.

What it gives

A free online suite of mental health resources (conditions, evidence-based treatments, self-care, stress, communication, crisis planning) and a free six-session educational class. This is education and mutual support, not therapy.

Cost

Free

How to start

Sign up for free access to the online resources on NAMI's Homefront page, or use its sign-up for a class. If a class is not available, contact your local NAMI affiliate about starting one.

Check first: NAMI Homefront is education and support rather than treatment, and the page does not say whether the national class dates are online or in person.