Vet Center
A community-based VA counseling center offering free, confidential mental health and readjustment support to combat veterans and their families.
Vet Centers are small, neighborhood-based offices run by the VA that provide free, confidential counseling and readjustment services to combat veterans, sexual assault survivors, military families, and bereaved families of service members who died on active duty. Services include individual, group, marriage, and family counseling; PTSD treatment; military sexual trauma (MST) counseling; bereavement counseling; substance use referrals; help with VA benefit claims; community outreach; and a 24/7 Vet Center Call Center (1-877-WAR-VETS). Eligibility is broader and easier than VA medical eligibility — you do not need to enroll in VA health care, and there is no fee. Many Vet Centers are open evenings and Saturdays, and Mobile Vet Centers travel to rural areas. Records stay separate from your VA medical record, which often makes Vet Centers a comfortable first step for veterans who want low-pressure help.
In real life
- A combat veteran with PTSD walks into a Vet Center and starts free counseling that day.
- A military spouse joins a couples' counseling group at her local Vet Center.
- A bereaved mother of a service member who died on active duty receives free grief counseling.
Also known as
Frequently asked questions about Vet Center
Do I need to be enrolled in VA health care?+
No. Vet Centers are free and open to eligible veterans, families, and survivors regardless of VA enrollment.
Is it confidential?+
Yes. Vet Center records are separate from VA medical records.
Who is eligible?+
Combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, drone crew members, military families, and bereaved families of service members who died on active duty.
How do I find one?+
Search at vetcenter.va.gov or call 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387) anytime.
Source: vetcenter.va.gov