Mental Health Resources

Mental Health Resources

• After Deployment – www.afterdeployment.org.  This website provides “self care” solutions targeting Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and other behavioral health challenges commonly faced after deployment. There are self assessment tools, videos and other resources for both veterans and family members. It is a joint effort between the Dept. of Defense, Veteran Affairs and civilian agencies.
• Coming Home Project – www.cominghomeproject.net.  “Devoted to providing compassionate care, support and stress management tools for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families . . a range of free services: residential retreats; psychological counseling; education, training and consultation; self-care for service providers; and community forums . . . emotional, spiritual, relationship, and reintegration challenges faced by veterans and families before, during and after deployment.”
• Grace After Fire -www.graceafterfire.org.  Grace After Fire is designed to serve women veterans from all eras and branches of service (currently 1.8M), and is preparing to meet the high numbers of women (approximately 14 percent of the armed services) currently serving. Treatment links and options are listed.
• The Mental Health America Resource Center – www.nmha.org.  National Mental Health Association.
• Military Mental Health Assessment – www.militarymentalhealth.org.  This has a mental health self-assessment screening and referral program offered to families and service members affected by deployment or mobilization.
• Not Alone – www.notalone.com.  This site is intended for: · Warriors from any branch of service who are currently serving or have served in combat – especially those who have recently come home. · Family members and close friends of warriors that deal with the effects of combat stress on a daily basis. · Supporters who care about our warriors and their families. Under the “group” section, you can sign up for 60-90 minute video classes that may be helpful in understanding readjustment issues.
• National Alliance on Mental Illness – www.nami.org/veterans.  Specific information about Veterans and mental health related illnesses and information for resources for veterans and their families.
• National Institute of Mental Health – http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml Scroll down to “Mental Health Topics” to get a description of mental health diagnosis and how to locate resources for assistance.
• National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – www.ptsd.va.gov.  Information on PTSD from the National Center for PTSD.
• NEW! Operation Reach Out – FREE! Suicide Prevention Apps for http://militaryfamily.com/downloads/apps/military-suicide-prevention-operation-reach-out/ These apps are designed to encourage people to reach out for help when they are having suicidal thoughts, help those who are concerned about family members, spouses, or fellow service members who may be suicidal, provide a personal contact help center, provide activities to help people who are depressed stay connected to others.
• Red Cross –www.redcross.org Go to “Getting Assistance” and click on “Military Families” to find out about the resources that are offered by the red cross with regard to counseling and other social service needs or call 1-877-272-7337.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration -www.samhsa.gov.  The United States Department of Health and Human Services special link to mental health resources. Look in left hand menu under “treatment locators” to find community mental health resources near you.  NEW!  For specific information about veterans, visit www.samhsa.gov/vets/
• Suicide Prevention Action Network – www.spanusa.org.  A national suicide prevention organization that provides extensive information that may be helpful for veterans and their families. 1-800-273-TALK for 24/7 assistance.
• Suicide Information/Assistance http://www1.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=1363 and http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/.  VA Suicide Hotline and other mental Health support and information.
• Vet Centers -www.vetcenter.va.gov. Vet Centers offer a wide range of services to help you make a successful transition from military to civilian life. Services include -individual & group counseling, marital and family counseling, bereavement counseling, medical & benefits referrals, employment counseling. To locate the Vet Center nearest you, click on “find a vet center” in the right hand menu.