Resources

Veterans / Military

Help is available! Find easy access to mental health and suicide prevention resources by using the links provided here.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis and needs immediate help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273-8255 or 988. The phone lines are answered by trained professionals; the call is free and confidential. If you need to be connected to mental health services in Riverside County, call the Helpline at (951) 686-HELP. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital. You may also call or walk into a Riverside County 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care location.  Whether you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, all services are voluntary. Counseling and nursing, as well as, psychiatric medications are available. All locations are open 24/7 and everyone is welcome regardless of insurance type or ability to pay.

  • Veterans Crisis Line
    Phone: (800) 273-8255 (TALK), press “1” for Veterans, or text ‘838255’
    This is a free, 24-hour hotline available to Veterans or anyone concerned about them who may be in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Text and chat also available.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs
    This section of the website offers tips and resources related to mental health and suicide prevention.
  • Make the Connection
    This campaign, launched by the Department of Veterans Affairs, seeks to make it easy for Veterans to “make the connection” between what they are experiencing and the kinds of resources and services that can help them get on a better track. It not only provides information, but allows Veterans to contact others who have made “the connection,” sought services/treatment and found an improved quality of life. Watch hundreds of Veteran videos and learn more about how to overcome challenges.
  • Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
    This website offers forums, tips and mental health resources for family members and friends of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.
  • Military OneSource
    Education, relocation, parenting, stress – you name it. Military OneSource was created to help with just about any need. Available by phone or online, their free service is provided by the Department of Defense for active-duty, Guard, and Reserves service members and their families. The service is completely private and confidential, with few exceptions.
  • National Resource Directory
    The National Resource Directory is a website for wounded, ill and injured service members, veterans, their families and those who support them. It provides access to services and resources at the national, state and local levels to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration. Visitors can find information on a variety of topics including benefits and compensation, education and training, employment, family and career support, health, homeless assistance, housing, transportation and travel and other services and resources.
  • The Real Warriors Campaign
    The Real Warriors Campaign is an initiative launched by the Defense Centers for Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) to promote the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery and supporting reintegration of returning service members, veterans and their families.
  • Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)
    The Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization that seeks to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been severely injured by encouraging peer support and providing unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.
  • The Soldiers Project
    Phone: (877) 576-5343
    Connects current and former service members from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, along with their families and loved ones, with free, confidential therapy from licensed mental health professionals.
  • California Department of Veteran Affairs
    Phone: (800) 952-5626
    A hub to learn about federal and state education, employment, healthcare, housing, and claims benefits.
  • Blue Star Families
    Blue Star Families is a non-partisan, non-profit organization, created by real military families. It is committed to supporting military families through the unique challenges of military service and asking the larger civilian population to help as well, connecting military families regardless of rank, branch of service or physical location, and empowering military family members to create the best personal and family life as possible.
  • Military SoS
    Military SoS is a support site for military spouses and significant others, open to all loved ones of military service members (active, reserve and retired).
  • National Military Family Association
    The National Military Family Association is an organization with strong grassroots support balanced with a professionalism that makes them a leader in the field. Spouses, parents, and family members make up their staff and board positions. They speak up on behalf of military families and empower husbands, wives and children to understand and access their benefits. Based on what they hear from their members, NMFA meets the needs of service members and their families with insightful recommendations, innovative programs and grassroots efforts to better the quality of life for military families.
Helpline (951) 686-HELP