Where to Get Help for PTSD
Are You in Crisis? You have options:
Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255; there is now a special option just for Veterans--press "1" to be routed to someone experienced in helping Veterans in crisis.
Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1 (text 838255) or Confidential Veterans Chat with a counselor; or Call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
PTSD Care for Veterans, Military, and Families
If you are a war Veteran, find a Vet Center to help with the transition from military to civilian life
Call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387) to talk to another combat Veteran.
DoD's Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) 24/7 Outreach Center for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury provides information and helps locate resources. Call 1-866-966-1020 or email resources@dcoeoutreach.org.
Military One Source--Call 24/7 for counseling and resources 1-800-342-9647.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Make the ConnectionMake the Connection is a one-stop resource from the VA offering personal testimonials and resources to help Veterans find ways to improve their lives. It encourages Veterans and their families to use this site to find information and resources, and to "make the connection" with Veterans like themselves, with other people, and with available sources of support including mental health treatments.
- PTSD: National Center for PTSDThe National Center for PTSD is the center of excellence for research and education on the prevention, understanding, and treatment of PTSD. They conduct leading edge research and apply the findings to: "Advance the Science and Promote Understanding of Traumatic Stress." Please note that the National Center for PTSD does not provide direct clinical care or individual referrals.
- Veteran Combat Call CenterCall the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387) to talk to another combat Veteran, an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can talk about their military experience or other issues they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.
Financial Assistance
Get Financial Assistance for Mortgage/Rent and Emergency Needs
Help for Homeless Vets
- NJ Veterans Transitional Housing Program (Veteran's Haven)Located in Camden County, the Veterans's Transitional Housing Program (Veterans Haven) is a New Jersey State operated facility for homeless veterans. Veterans admitted come to a 100 bed, addictions free program with staff that is sensitive to their needs.
- National Call Center for Homeless VeteransNational Call Center for Homeless Veterans provides a hotline and free online chat with confidential assistance. Trained VA staff are on-call and available 24/7 to help homeless Veterans and their families at 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838).
- VA's Domiciliary Care for Homeless VeteransVA's Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans (DCHV) Program has been providing medical services to disadvantaged Veterans since the Civil War. Today’s DCHV program uses advanced medical techniques in a residential setting for 24/7 support that allows Veterans to live independent, and healthy lives. Contact Information:
Jamie Ploppert, National Director, MH RRTP, 757-722-9961 ext 1123
Camilla Doctor, Program Specialist, MH RRTP, 757-722-9961 ext 3624. - VA Supportive Housing (VASH)As of June 2, 2016, to help end veteran homelessness, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are awarding nearly $38 million to help more than 5,200 homeless veterans find a permanent home. The rental assistance announced today is provided through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) Program which combines rental assistance from HUD with case management and clinical services provided by VA. A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord and veterans pay the difference. Additionally, the Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) Program provides grants and technical assistance to community-based, nonprofit organizations to help Veterans and their families stay in their homes.
- VA Health Care for Homeless VeteransVA’s Health Care for Homeless Veterans Program offers outreach, exams, treatment, referrals, and case management to Veterans who are homeless and dealing with mental health issues, including substance use. At more than 135 HCHV sites, trained VA specialists provide the support necessary for Veterans to get their lives on a better track. Call VA’s toll-free hotline or visit the Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) Program page.
Books and DVDS on PTSD
Demon camp : a soldier's exorcism by Demon Camp is the true story of a veteran with PTSD and an exploration of the battles soldiers face after the war is over. Percy’s riveting account forces us to actually look at the true human consequences of the War on Terror.
Plenty of Time When We Get Home by Documents the author's marriage to a fellow Iraq War veteran, describing the impact of his brain injury on their relationship, their shared efforts to overcome post-traumatic stress, and the lack of support for veterans.
The War that came home by Andrea's story is just one of many that are experiencing the abuse of soldiers due to PTSD. Whether you are a soldier, family member, counselor, or just interested in seeing some of the affects of PTSD, this book will give some good insights on what to look for and even how to care for your loved ones on both sides of the coin.- Wartorn [videodisc] : 1861-2010"Wartorn," HBO's revealing exploration of post-traumatic stress disorders as experienced by American soldiers throughout history, with a telling subtitle: "1861-2010, underscoring that this is not a new problem. The film profiles a handful of American vets, some of whom succumbed to PTSD and took their own lives, and others who just have trouble readjusting to civilian life.
When the warrior returns: : making the transition at home by When the Warrior Returns is a unique, easy-to-use, and comprehensive resource for military family members. This complete work will become a definitive 'Best Practices' foundation guide for all individuals in any relationships or positions who wish to render the utmost professional service and personal support to those who need it--and to those who deserve it--the most.
Requesting Military Records
- How I can get a copy of my Military Service RecordYou can request your military record, Form DD214 by mail or order online at the following website: http://www.archives.gov/veterans/military-service-records/.
Local Veterans' Resources
The following agencies offer information and referral, and other services, of interest to veterans.
NJVet2Vet A free, confidential helpline (1-866-VETS-NJ-4 or 1-866-838-7654) provides New Jersey Veterans and their families with access to a comprehensive support network of mental health professionals specializing in issues specific to Veterans returning to civilian life.
State of New Jersey Department of Military & Veterans' Affairs Atlantic City
Armory
1008 Absecon Boulevard
Atlantic City, NJ 08401-1999
609-441-3060/3061; 609-441-3899, fax, HOURS 8:30 - 4:30 M-F
Information and services for veterans and families provided in the Atlantic City office include eligibility and application for federal and state veterans benefits.
US Department of Veterans Affairs - Vet Center
Ventnor Professional Campus
6601 Ventnor Ave., Suite 401
Ventnor, NJ 08406
Phone: (609) 487-8387; Hours: 8:30-5:00 M-F
The Vet Center offers a range of outreach readjustment counseling, consultation, education and referral for veterans to help them adjust to civilian life. Information on veterans educational and job training benefits is also provided. In addition, individual/ group counseling, and marital/ family psychotherapy are provided.
Philadelphia VA Regional Office & Insurance Center (VAROIC)--Call 1-800-827-1000 - Veterans Services Representatives are available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday thru Friday.
Veterans' Hotlines
Bereavement Counseling 1-202-461-6530
Civilian Health and Medical Program (CHAMPVA) 1-800-733-8387
Education 1-888-442-4551
Health Care 1-877-222-8387
Homeless Veterans 1-877-424-3838
Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255
VA Benefits 1-800-827-1000
VA Combat Call Center 1-877-927-8387
Women Veterans 1-855 VA WOMEN
Wounded Warrior Resource Center 1.800.342.9647
Veterans" Organizations
- National Resource DirectoryConnecting Wounded Warriors, Service Members, Veterans, Their Families and Caregivers with organizations that support them, both within and outside the government.
- IAVAFounded in 2004 by an Iraq veteran, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is the first and largest organization for new veterans and their families, with nearly 300,000 members and supporters nationwide. Its mission is to improve the lives of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.
- Vietnam Veterans of AmericaVVA's goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.