This page is for general education and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified professional. If this is an emergency, call 911 or 988.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.
If service-related trauma is following you home — in your sleep, your temper, the places you avoid — you are not broken, and you are not alone. PTSD is common among veterans, it is well understood, and the treatments work. Seeking help is a sign of strength, and you can take the next step today.
If you are a veteran in crisis or worried about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line any time: dial 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online. You do not need to be enrolled in VA care to use it.
Your treatment options
The same evidence-based treatments that help civilians help veterans, and the VA supports them:
- Trauma-focused therapy — usually first. Cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure are first-line approaches, and EMDR is also well supported. See therapy for PTSD.
- Skills-based therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) builds practical tools for managing symptoms and reducing avoidance.
- Medication. Certain antidepressants can ease symptoms, often alongside therapy. See PTSD medication.
- VA and community care. Eligible veterans can access PTSD treatment through VA facilities and Vet Centers; civilian options are covered in our treatment guides and PTSD treatment overview.
For trusted, veteran-specific information, the VA’s National Center for PTSD at https://www.ptsd.va.gov is an excellent starting point.
What happens when you call
If you use the helpline on this page, here is what to expect — no surprises:
- A treatment specialist answers and asks a few questions about what you are looking for.
- It is a no-pressure conversation. There is no obligation, and you can stop any time.
- They can help you understand options, including cost and insurance.
- This is an advertising-supported service: calls are answered by a paid advertiser, not by Get Mental Help. If you would rather not use it, the free SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357), the Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1), and 988 are always available.
Check in on your symptoms
Not sure where you stand? Take a private, two-minute, non-diagnostic PTSD self-check. Nothing is saved.
Find PTSD help in your state
VA facilities, providers, and coverage differ by state. Use Find Help by State for local resources and low-cost options — part of our State of Mental Health Access data.
What treatment costs
Cost depends on your eligibility, insurance, and state — so there is no single number. Many veterans can receive PTSD care through the VA, and Medicaid, private insurance, community mental health centers, and sliding-scale clinics are also options. A specialist can help you find care that fits your budget.
From our clinical review. Many veterans tell themselves they should be able to handle this alone — that asking for help means they have lost something. The opposite is true. The veterans who reach out are not weaker; they are the ones who get their lives back. Treatment works, and you earned access to it.
If you are ready, talk to someone about your options now — it is free to call and there is no obligation. In crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line (988, then press 1) is available 24/7.
Frequently asked questions
Why are veterans at higher risk for PTSD?
Military service can involve repeated exposure to combat, life-threatening danger, loss, and in some cases military sexual trauma — all of which raise the risk of PTSD. Risk varies by era of service and individual experience. PTSD in veterans is common and treatable, and seeking care is a sign of strength, not weakness.
What PTSD treatment does the VA offer?
The VA supports trauma-focused therapies such as cognitive processing therapy, prolonged exposure, and EMDR, along with medications when appropriate. Eligible veterans can access PTSD care through VA facilities and Vet Centers. A professional can help you find the right starting point.
What is the Veterans Crisis Line?
The Veterans Crisis Line connects veterans and their loved ones with trained, confidential support 24/7. Dial 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online. You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care or benefits to use it.
Sources
- PTSD: National Center for PTSD — U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — American Psychological Association (APA)
Reviewed against the sources above. This page is educational and is not medical advice.
Talk to someone about treatment options
Reach the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline for treatment referrals and information.
This is the free, confidential SAMHSA National Helpline, operated by the U.S. government. Get Mental Help is not affiliated with it and is not compensated for these calls. How this site is funded.