A Veteran’s Way – An Ode to Our Country’s Service People

American Flag

Veterans Day is a time to pay tribute to the bravery, sacrifice, and resilience of our veterans. It is a time to pause and reflect on how Veterans have dedicated themselves to protecting and serving our country. Veterans can face unique mental health challenges when returning from service, due to the nature of experiences that they have while in the service. If you are a Veteran, thank you for your service.

Understanding Veterans’ Mental Health

Some of the mental health concerns that Veterans may face can include PTSD, depression, anxiety, survivor guilt, moral injury, military sexual trauma (MST), and reintegration challenges.
About how many veterans experience mental health concerns?

  • “17.6% of U.S. Veterans experienced a mental illness in 2023 (3.5 million people).” (Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness)
  • “In 2023, mental health disorders accounted for the largest total number of hospital bed days and the second highest total number of medical encounters for members of the active component of the U.S. Armed Forces” (Source: MSMR Dec 2024)

Mental Health Services in Richmond, VA

Health in Mind has several therapists with experience working with individuals who have PTSD and service-based traumatic experiences. Our practice also offers EMDR, a type of therapy that is commonly used to treat trauma, and independently licensed clinicians, which may be a requirement for the VA to cover a Veteran’s mental health services. Our offices have couseled many veterans and as part of our contract with the VA, we continue to help more and more.

Additional Veterans Resources in Richmond, VA

  • VA Richmond Health Care Behavioral Health Program: This location provides comprehensive services including psychiatry, psychology, addiction treatment, PTSD and MST care, inpatient/outpatient options, and telehealth. Veterans may qualify to have their mental health services covered by the VA through a referral to Health in Mind. Reach out to the Richmond VA to see if this may apply to you!
    The Richmond VA Medical Center is located at 1201 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23249-4915 and their phone number for mental health support is 804-675-5411
  • Richmond Vet Center: This location provides non-medical counseling services specifically tailored for veterans and their families. This includes services for PTSD, MST, depression, grief, anger, and trauma and has an emphasis on a safe, confidential environment. Group counseling options for veterans of various service eras (Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan). Specialized therapy groups such as women’s groups, STAIR group, and support for military sexual trauma survivors. The Richmond Vet Center’s main location is 4902 Fitzhugh Avenue Richmond, VA 23230 and their phone number is 804-353-8958. They also have a number that can be reached 24/7 at 877-927-8387.
  • Richmond VA Medical Center: Additional mental health care through the Richmond Vet Center
  • VA’s Suicide Prevention Program at this website: Veteran Suicide Prevention | Veterans Affairs
  • To use the 24/7 Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 then press 1. You can also chat at here or text 838255.

Charities and Community Organizations Supporting Richmond Veterans

Some local veteran-focused charities, nonprofit organizations, and support groups dedicated to mental health and wellness can be found below:

  • Virginians For Veterans (V4V) – Virginians For Veterans (V4V) is a Richmond-based 501(c)(3) charity that raises funds for local and regional veteran support groups and directs donations to organizations like Operation Healing Forces, Fisher House, and support services for military families in the area
  • The Mission Continues – Richmond Platoon – Richmond Platoon is a local branch of a national nonprofit empowering veterans to serve and lead community impact initiatives in Richmond, VA
  • Tech For Troops–  Tech For Troops is a nonprofit that collects, refurbishes, and donates computers and technology to veterans and their families, supporting employment readiness and digital inclusion.
  • Virginia Veterans Services Foundation – The Virginia Veterans Services Foundation is a state-chartered organization that raises and manages donations to support veterans programs throughout Virginia
  • Soldiers’ Angels – Richmond, VA – Soldiers’ Angels Richmond provides aid, comfort, and resources to deployed service members, veterans, and their families in the Richmond area.
  • Liberation Veteran Services – Liberation Veteran Services provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive care for homeless veterans in Richmond, VA.
  • Vets on Track Foundation – Vets on Track Foundation works to end veteran homelessness by providing furniture, essentials, and support to veterans transitioning to permanent housing in central Virginia.
  • Richmond Fisher House and Foundation – Richmond Fisher House and Foundation offers free housing to military families whose loved ones are receiving treatment at the Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical Center in Richmond, VA

Supporting our Veterans

It is crucial to continue to commit to supporting Veterans’ mental health and well-being through trauma-informed, compassionate mental health care. It is our hope that Veterans and their families can seek mental health help without stigma here at Health in Mind, the greater Richmond area, and beyond. This Veterans Day, show community solidarity and honor our Veterans through awareness, support, and respect. Reach out to Health in Mind or the local Richmond VA resources above today to get help as a Veteran yourself or for a loved one who has served.