If you are a Veteran in crisis and need immediate assistance call the Veteran crisis support line for help. Dial 800-273-8255 and press 1. You can also send a text message to 838255. These services are free and available 24/7.
Families serve together
Whether you are the family they chose, or the family they were born into, you are the foundation of veterans' support networks. Learn more about the resources available to support you as you continue to support them.
Veterans' voices
Veterans give advice to friends and family
Listen to a diverse group of veterans share their personal messages about how friends and family can show their support.
Video frame of Claudia, Army, Diesel Mechanic
Listen to a diverse group of veterans share their personal messages about how friends and family can show their support.
Video frame of Claudia, Army, Diesel Mechanic
Reintegration challenges
Reintegration into the civilian population can be difficult for veterans and their families. There can be many hurdles to navigate from changes in routine to dealing with invisible wounds, and as part of veterans' support networks, it's important to be prepared to face them.
Invisible & visible Injuries
Some veterans' injuries are visible, but invisible wounds such as joint damage from repeated jumps, hearing loss from explosions, or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) caused by concussive events, can be just as significant. Many veterans have had experiences that can lead to issues such as post-traumatic stress, depression, and/or substance use disorder. If you think that a veteran in your life might be affected by PTSD, consider directing them to the 5-question clinically validated PTSD screener that can be found from Search in the U.S. to take a self-assessment and consider next steps.
Loss of status or purpose
The transition from a structured environment to one where roles and expectations are less clear can also lead to a real or perceived loss of status or purpose. This loss of status, purpose and/or structure can sometimes have a negative effect on veterans’ mental wellness, leading to possible depression and/or unhealthy behaviors such as excessive alcohol use.
Employment
Nearly half of transitioning veterans report difficulty finding jobs in their desired fields. Many skills acquired during their service are transferable, but it can be tough to reposition these skills in a way that resonates with employers. If a veteran in your life is looking for career support, they can visit Grow with Google for veteran-focused resources.
Hear from Homebase
Learn more about PTSD
Hear from Homebase
Learn more about PTSD
Watch this video from Homebase about the impact that PTSD can have, the warning signs to look out for, and how you can help. If you want to connect directly with a provider for an appointment, or learn more about the services we offer, visit Homebase here.
Support for military families
Military families face unique challenges, and can often benefit from specialized support by organizations that understand these challenges. There are many reputable organizations focused on providing support and guidance to military families, helping them navigate issues from substance use to reintegration, and we’ve included a subset of these options here. To get you started, some are shown below. Note–many VSOs support families as well as veterans, so if you don't see what you're looking for here, check out the list on our veterans page.
Organization
Org Type
Description
Org Type
Nonprofit
Description
Offers free programs and resources to those grieving the death of a military loved one. Support available 24/7 800-959-TAPS (8277)
Org Type
Government
Description
Provides a national telephone service to support those seeking care for a Veteran. 888-823-7458
Org Type
Nonprofit
Description
Provides services for wounded, ill, and injured families through peer support for family/relationship violence, parenting, food insecurity, mental health, substance abuse, benefits, and Veteran Treatment Courts.
Org Type
Nonprofit
Description
Offers health, wellness, and therapeutic programs for wounded Service Members, Veterans and their families.
Org Type
Government
Description
Provides a 24/7 connection to support for active Service Members and their families. Support line available at 800-342-9647
Org Type
Nonprofit
Description
Provides a directory of licensed clinicians and content to help restore service marriages impacted by the military and first responder lifestyle.
Sorry, no organizations matched your search
12-step support groups for family & friends
If a veteran in your life is struggling with use of alcohol or other substances, you are not alone, and it's ok to seek help for yourself too. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon have peer support groups, many of them virtual, that give loved ones the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations. To find Nar-Anon and Al-Anon resources in your area, just enter your zip code below. If no local resources are available, the nearest available resources, e.g. state/national, will be shown instead.
Military families and their childrens’ substance use
Children in military families can be at increased risk for substance use due to the frequent transitions associated with relocation assignments, and/or having a parent deployed or injured in the line of duty. If you're a caregiver in a military family, you can use these materials, created by Partnership to end Addiction and the SAFE Project, to start addressing substance use with your kids.