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Coast Guard Veteran Mental Health Benefits

Since 1915, the U.S. Coast Guard has defended our borders and protected our national interests around the world. When war is declared, the Coast Guard acts as a branch of the U.S. Navy. Coast Guard members are entitled to the same pay and benefits as members of other U.S. armed forces, including mental health services for veterans.

  1. Veterans Health Administration

    • Through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Veterans Health Administration offers a range of mental health services at Vet Centers, clinics, nursing homes and residential care facilities across the country. This includes inpatient and outpatient medical care and counseling, programs for homeless or incarcerated veterans, a military sexual trauma program, suicide and violence prevention programs, substance abuse treatment and a geriatric mental health program. Vet Centers also provide counseling for individuals, groups, married couples and families. Call 800-905-4675 to find a center.

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

    • Coast Guard veterans who have lived through a traumatic event may experience recurring dreams, lack of interest in things they once enjoyed, numbness, jumpiness, irritability or anxiety. These are signs of post-traumatic stress disorder. The VA offers PTSD treatment through 200 specialized programs across the country, which offer mental health assessments, medicine, psychotherapy, rehab, group meetings and family support. Call 877-222-8387.

    Readjustment Counseling

    • The VA's readjustment program helps Coast Guard veterans return to civilian life. It is open to any veteran who has served in a combat zone, as well as his family members. Services include mental health screenings, counseling, bereavement support, military sexual trauma counseling, substance abuse assessments and referrals for employment and VA benefits. Services are offered at Vet Centers nationwide; call 800-905-4675.

    inTransition

    • The Department of Defense also offers mental health support for Coast Guard veterans leaving active service. The inTransition program provides one-on-one coaching to help veterans find counseling and other resources for moving forward. Call 800-424-7877 for a referral.

    Military Pathways

    • Free, anonymous online mental health self-assessments are available through Military Pathways for service members and their families. The program is designed to identify people with PTSD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol abuse and bipolar disorder and to refer them to services offered by the VA and Department of Defense. Coast Guard veterans can visit Military Mental Health or call 877-877-3647.

    Suicide Prevention

    • In partnership with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, the VA runs a suicide prevention hotline. Veterans should call 800-273-TALK and press 1 for free access to trained suicide counselors round-the-clock. Calls are confidential.

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