How do I access VA telehealth services?

First, enroll in VA healthcare at va.gov/health-care/apply or by calling 1-877-222-VETS. Then download the VA Video Connect app on your phone or tablet, or use a computer with a webcam. You can request telehealth appointments through My HealtheVet secure messaging or by calling your VA clinic directly.

Does the VA offer telehealth for PTSD and mental health treatment?

Yes, the VA provides comprehensive mental health telehealth services including individual therapy for PTSD, depression, and anxiety, as well as group therapy, psychiatry, and evidence-based trauma treatments like CPT, PE, and EMDR. The VA also offers free mobile apps like PTSD Coach to supplement your care.

Can I use VA telehealth if I live in a rural area?

Absolutely. VA telehealth is specifically designed to reach veterans in rural and remote areas. The VA's Office of Rural Health offers special programs, and some veterans without technology access may be eligible for VA-provided tablets. Community-based outpatient clinics also offer telehealth kiosks in many locations.

What is the Veterans Crisis Line and how do I reach it?

The Veterans Crisis Line provides 24/7 confidential support for veterans, service members, and their families. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net. You don't need to be enrolled in VA healthcare to use this free service.

Can my family members access VA telehealth services?

Yes, the VA offers family therapy via telehealth, and family members can participate in your sessions with your permission. The Caregiver Support Program provides virtual resources for those caring for veterans, and Vet Centers offer counseling services to combat veterans' families. Family members can call the Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274.

Are there telehealth options for veterans outside the VA system?

Yes, veterans can access private telehealth platforms, and the VA may authorize Community Care with non-VA providers in certain situations. Active duty members and families can use TRICARE-covered telehealth services. Organizations like the Cohen Veterans Network and Headstrong Project also offer free mental health services to post-9/11 veterans.

Veterans & Military Telehealth Options

Veterans and service members have access to extensive telehealth services through the VA and other programs designed specifically for military communities. Whether you're seeking mental health support, managing chronic conditions, or need convenient access to healthcare, virtual care options are available to meet your needs. This guide outlines the telehealth resources available to you.

Important Disclaimer

This guide is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. VA policies and programs change—always verify current information with the VA directly. Eligibility for VA services depends on your specific situation.

If you are a veteran in crisis, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7: call 988 (then press 1), text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net.

VA Telehealth Services

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers comprehensive telehealth options for enrolled veterans:

VA Video Connect

VA Video Connect allows you to have face-to-face appointments with your VA providers from anywhere.

Available on smartphones, tablets, and computers
Secure, HIPAA-compliant video calls
Works for mental health, primary care, and specialty appointments
No special equipment needed beyond a device with a camera
Can include family members or caregivers in sessions

My HealtheVet

The VA's patient portal provides:

Secure messaging with your healthcare team
Prescription refill requests
Access to your medical records and test results
Appointment scheduling
Health tracking tools

VA Health Chat

Chat with VA staff for health questions
Get help navigating VA services
Schedule appointments
Connect with mental health resources

Remote Patient Monitoring

For veterans with chronic conditions, the VA offers home monitoring programs:

Connected devices to track vital signs
Regular check-ins from VA care coordinators
Early intervention for health changes
Reduced need for in-person visits

Mental Health Telehealth for Veterans

Mental health care is a major focus of VA telehealth services:

Services Available via Telehealth

Individual therapy: One-on-one counseling for PTSD, depression, anxiety, and more
Group therapy: Virtual support groups and therapy groups
Psychiatry: Medication management and psychiatric evaluation
Substance use treatment: Recovery programs and counseling
Couples and family counseling: Support for relationships affected by service
Evidence-based treatments: CPT, PE, and EMDR for trauma

Getting Started with VA Mental Health

Contact your VA facility's mental health clinic
Call the VA's general information line: 1-800-827-1000
Walk into any VA medical center
Use My HealtheVet to request an appointment
If you're new to VA, apply for VA healthcare at va.gov/health-care/apply

Vet Centers

Vet Centers offer readjustment counseling to combat veterans, and many now offer telehealth:

No VA enrollment required
Confidential counseling
Available to combat veterans, their families, and survivors
Call 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387) to find services

How to Access VA Telehealth

Step 1: Enroll in VA Healthcare

If you're not already enrolled:

Apply online at va.gov/health-care/apply
Call 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387)
Visit your local VA medical center

Step 2: Set Up Technology

Download the VA Video Connect app on your phone or tablet
Or use a computer with a webcam
Create a My HealtheVet account if you haven't already
Complete identity verification for full account access

Step 3: Request a Telehealth Appointment

Ask your VA provider about telehealth options at your next appointment
Use secure messaging through My HealtheVet
Call your VA clinic directly
Many appointments can be converted to video visits

Technical Support

If you need help with VA telehealth technology:

Call the VA OIT Help Desk: 1-800-877-4328
Ask your VA facility for telehealth support
VA staff can help you test your setup before appointments

Programs for Specific Needs

PTSD and Trauma

VA's PTSD Treatment Programs available via telehealth
Evidence-based trauma therapies (CPT, PE, EMDR)
PTSD mobile apps (PTSD Coach, CPT Coach, PE Coach)
National Center for PTSD resources: ptsd.va.gov

Substance Use

Addiction treatment programs with telehealth components
Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
Peer support and recovery coaching
Family support services

Women Veterans

Women's Health telehealth services
Gender-specific mental health care
Maternity care coordination
Women Veterans Call Center: 1-855-VA-WOMEN (1-855-829-6636)

Rural Veterans

VA's Office of Rural Health programs
VA telehealth is designed to reach rural areas
Community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs) with telehealth
VA-provided tablets for veterans without technology access

Resources Outside the VA

Veterans can also access care outside the VA system:

Community Care (VA-Paid Non-VA Care)

In some cases, the VA may authorize care from community providers:

If VA wait times are too long
If VA facilities are too far away
If you need services the VA doesn't provide
Ask your VA provider about Community Care eligibility

TRICARE (Active Duty and Families)

Active duty service members and their families can access telehealth through TRICARE:

Telehealth covered for many services
Check tricare.mil for covered providers
Many civilian telehealth platforms accept TRICARE

Private Telehealth Options

Veterans may also use private telehealth platforms:

BetterHelp - Online therapy; some therapists specialize in veteran issues
Talkspace - Messaging and video therapy
Cerebral - Mental health with medication management
Teladoc - General telehealth; may accept TRICARE

Veteran-Specific Organizations

Give an Hour: Free mental health services for veterans and families
Cohen Veterans Network: Mental health clinics for post-9/11 veterans and families
Headstrong Project: Free mental health treatment for post-9/11 veterans
Stop Soldier Suicide: Veteran suicide prevention services

VA Mobile Apps

The VA offers free apps to support your health:

VA Health Chat: Chat with VA staff
PTSD Coach: Tools for managing PTSD symptoms
CBT-i Coach: Help for insomnia
Mindfulness Coach: Guided mindfulness exercises
Moving Forward: Problem-solving skills
Anger and Irritability Management: Tools for managing anger
COVID Coach: Support for pandemic-related stress
Annie: Text message health reminders

Family and Caregiver Support

VA services extend to families and caregivers:

Family therapy available via telehealth
Caregiver Support Program with virtual resources
Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
Vet Center services for family members
Education about veteran mental health and transition

Crisis Resources

If you or a veteran you know is in crisis:

Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: veteranscrisisline.net
Emergency: Call 911 or go to nearest emergency room
Same-day mental health services: Available at VA facilities

The Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 and serves all veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their families.

Related Guides

Important Reminder

This guide provides general educational information only. It is not medical advice. VA programs and eligibility requirements change—always verify current information with the VA.

If you are in crisis, contact the Veterans Crisis Line immediately: call 988 (press 1), text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. You have served; now let others serve you.