A Call to Action: Transforming Mental Health Care for Our Veterans

I may sound like a broken record but the two recent tragedies involving combat veterans have cast a stark light on a crisis we can no longer ignore. These moments remind us of the heavy toll service takes on those who defend our freedoms—and the dire need for change in how we care for their mental health. While the VA has made significant strides in recent years, including telehealth appointments and expanded services, these measures alone are not enough. A comprehensive overhaul of veteran mental health care is desperately needed.

Breaking the Stigma

Stigma remains one of the most significant barriers to mental health care. Too many veterans hesitate to seek help, fearing judgment, rejection, or the belief that admitting to mental health challenges reflects weakness. This outdated mindset not only isolates them but leaves critical conditions untreated.

We must shatter this stigma. Public awareness campaigns should highlight stories of resilience—veterans who found strength through therapy or counseling. Mental health education should start during service and continue as part of the transition to civilian life. Seeking help must be normalized, celebrated, and recognized as a vital part of long-term well-being.

Rethinking Treatment

Mental health care for veterans often suffers from a cookie-cutter approach that doesn’t address the unique traumas of combat. Treatments must be as diverse and individualized as the people they aim to heal.

While therapies like cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and prolonged exposure therapy have proven effective, we must also invest in groundbreaking approaches. Ketamine-assisted therapy, MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, and neurofeedback are showing promise for those who don’t respond to traditional treatments. The goal should be to expand options and let veterans, alongside their care providers, choose what works best for them.

Making Care Accessible

Access to care is another significant hurdle. While video appointments through telehealth have helped, they are not a universal solution. Many veterans in rural areas lack reliable internet or nearby clinics. Some face long wait times or transportation challenges that make getting care nearly impossible.

Here’s how we can improve access:

• Increase funding to hire more mental health professionals.

• Expand partnerships with local providers so veterans can seek care in their communities.

• Create mobile mental health units to serve remote areas.

• Establish walk-in mental health clinics to ensure immediate care is available when needed.

No veteran should ever feel that help is out of reach.

Harnessing the Power of Peer Support

Sometimes, the best person to help a veteran is another veteran. Peer support programs connect veterans with trained mentors who understand their struggles and can guide them through recovery. These relationships build trust, reduce isolation, and provide a sense of community—something many veterans lose when they leave the service.

Driving Change Through Legislation

Transformative change requires action at the highest levels. Policymakers must prioritize funding for veteran mental health care, support research into innovative treatments, and enforce shorter wait times for care. Legislation should also incentivize community programs and nonprofit organizations that focus on serving veterans.

Engaging Our Communities

Mental health care doesn’t begin and end at the VA. Communities play a crucial role in supporting veterans. Local businesses, faith-based organizations, and civic groups can all help by creating safe spaces, hosting events, or simply fostering a culture of understanding. Employers can contribute by providing mental health benefits and encouraging open conversations about mental health in the workplace.

Time for Action

Our veterans deserve more than gratitude—they deserve action. They fought for us, sacrificing their peace for our freedom. Now it’s our turn to fight for them by ensuring they receive the mental health care they need.

This isn’t just a government issue; it’s a societal responsibility. If we come together as individuals, communities, and a nation, we can create a system that truly supports those who have sacrificed so much.

The time for change is now. Let’s honor their service—not just with words, but with meaningful action. See you out there.