Helpline (951) 686-HELP
Veterans
Vets

Veterans/Military

Veterans and/or active-duty military face unique mental health challenges, such as PTSD, depression, anxiety or even suicidal ideation as the result of combat or past experiences. The good news is there are many resources and supports specifically tailored to veterans and/or active duty military members that can speak to the unique experiences or challenges they have and may face. Find easy to access supports and resources here:

Immediate Crisis

If you or someone you care about is in emotional distress or crisis and needs immediate help, call the Helpline at 951-686-HELP anytime to speak with trained professionals confidentially and for free. They can assist you in accessing mental health services in Riverside County. The National Crisis line is also available, call or text 988 24/7. If emergency medical care is needed, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital.

Mental Health Urgent Care

If you are having a mental health crisis, and need counseling and nursing, or psychiatric medications, you can call or walk into a Riverside County 24/7 Mental Health Urgent Care location (locations and more info available here). Whether you are in crisis or just need someone to talk to, all services are voluntary and do not require an appointment, open 24/7, and available to all regardless of insurance 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 are also available.

www.veteranscrisisline.net

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.

www.maketheconnection.net

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.

www.thesoldiersproject.org

California Department of Veteran Affairs

Phone: (800) 952-5626

A hub to learn about federal and state education, employment, healthcare, housing, and claims benefits.

www.calvet.ca.gov

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.

www.nrd.gov

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.

www.health.mil