If you’re in danger or thinking about harming yourself: call 911 (U.S.) or go to the nearest ER.

If you need someone right now, you can contact the Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255.

1) Immediate, Confidential Help (24/7)

• Veterans Crisis Line (U.S.) — 988 then press 1 (call), 838255 (text), or chat online

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (U.S.) — dial 988 (for anyone)

2) VA Mental Health & PTSD Care

• VA Mental Health Services — how to access care, eligibility, and local VA options

• VA PTSD Programs & Treatment — evidence-based therapies (e.g., CPT, PE, EMDR where available), residential programs, and outpatient care

• Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling) — often a great fit if you prefer a community-based setting; counseling for combat veterans and families in many cases

3) Peer Support & Veteran Communities

• Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) — community + physical activity + connection

• The Mission Continues — service-based reintegration and community

• Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) — programs, mental health resources, peer support

• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) — grief support (if loss is part of your PTSD story)

4) Combat Stress, Moral Injury, and Trauma-Informed Resources

• Give an Hour — mental health support network (varies by region)

• Headstrong Project — trauma therapy for veterans in many areas

• Cohen Veterans Network — clinics serving veterans and families (often with short wait times)

5) Families & Loved Ones

If you’re a spouse/partner/parent/friend trying to help:

• VA Caregiver Support and Vet Center family counseling (where eligible)

• A simple rule: connection beats correction. Curiosity beats confrontation

6) Finding a Therapist Outside the VA

Sometimes you just want a civilian provider:

• Look for clinicians who list trauma/PTSD, military culture, and evidence-based approaches like CPT/PE/EMDR.

• If cost/insurance is a barrier, ask about sliding scale, telehealth, or nonprofit networks above.

7) Practical Reintegration Tools (Sleep, Anger, Alcohol, Work)

PTSD rarely travels alone. These are common add-ons worth addressing early:

• Sleep problems / nightmares

• Irritability & anger

• Alcohol as self-medication

• Relationship strain

• Work identity + purpose loss

If Downriver resonates with you, you’re not weak — your nervous system is doing exactly what it trained itself to do. The goal is to retrain it for home.