NAMI believes that all people with mental health conditions deserve accessible, affordable, and comprehensive health care. NAMI supports public policies and laws that expand and improve access to mental health care for America’s Veterans.
There are more than 18 million Veterans living in the United States, and they are more likely to experience mental health conditions compared to the general population. Military service can carry a psychological cost that does not end when service members return to civilian life. Some Veterans face challenges readjusting and are at a high risk of experiencing mental health conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorders. Tragically, our Veterans, their families, and our country pay a high price: Veterans experience a higher rate of suicide compared to non-Veterans. In 2023, the suicide rate among Veterans was more than 1.5 times greater than for the non-Veteran U.S. civilian population ages 18+.
While Veterans may face significant mental health care needs, there are often barriers that can make accessing care more challenging among this population. Veterans may experience stigma about seeking care associated with attitudes within the military about mental health challenges as a perceived weakness. As a result, Veterans can benefit from evidence-based mental health treatments that are tailored to their gender and experience. However, there can be variability among the quality and effectiveness of treatment across Veteran-serving health care settings. An additional barrier is the widespread mental health workforce shortage that can feel more pronounced for Veterans, particularly those who live in rural areas where there are less providers and where internet access issues limit telehealth options. These access barriers may discourage help-seeking when Veterans are also juggling more pressing employment and family responsibilities associated with readjusting to civilian life.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), through the Veterans Health Administration, operates the nation’s largest health care system providing care to over 9 million Veterans at VA facilities. The Veterans Choice Program allows Veterans who live more than 40 miles from a VA medical facility, or have other transportation issues, to seek care in non-VA facilities. Unfortunately, too many Veterans who use the VA for their health care have experienced long wait times for medical appointments, which can range from a few days to a few months, or other challenges that limit receiving appropriate, coordinated care. Outside of the VA, Veterans may also receive coverage through TRICARE, the health insurance marketplace, Medicare, or Medicaid. For example, roughly one in ten Veterans rely on Medicaid for their health care coverage.
Given the Veteran population’s unique needs and health care options, there are specific considerations that can improve access and the overall quality of Veterans’ mental health care. NAMI supports public policies and laws that expand and improve access to mental health care for Veterans, including ensuring that Veterans are aware of their mental health care options and resources as they readjust to civilian life; strengthening the Veterans Choice Program; investing in telehealth options and addressing technology barriers; supporting a robust mental health workforce that understands Veterans’ lived experience; investing in public awareness campaigns to reduce stigma; and coordinating and assessing quality of care across Veteran-serving health care settings. Veterans should receive timely, appropriate, and effective mental health care no matter where they live or where they receive care.
Approved by NAMI Board of Directors 9/22/2025.
NAMI HelpLine is available M-F, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET. Call 800-950-6264,
text “NAMI” to 62640, or email. In a crisis, call or text 988 (24/7).
