Veterans have a higher rate of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than civilians, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): 7 out of every 10 Veterans will have PTSD at some point in their lives. However, this data is based on Vets who use VA for health services, as they’re automatically screened for PTSD and military sexual trauma—the actual number of individuals affected is unknown.
PTSD and addiction are also quite common among individuals who serve. Kaiser Permanente released findings in 2020 that state “depression and PTSD are up to 5 times more common in first responders…but 57 percent fear negative repercussions for seeking help, and 40 percent fear being demoted or fired.”
Although the 2018 Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act was enacted to provide valuable resources to this community, studies indicate that “public safety officers, particularly those in law enforcement, are at a considerably higher risk of suicide. A recent study concluded that LEO officers have a 54 percent increase in suicide risk compared to civilians.”
Additionally, the U.S. Fire Administration reports that “for many first responders, there’s a stigma associated with seeking help for mental illness, which is perceived by some as a sign of weakness. Studies have shown that up to 92 percent of [those surveyed] indicate this stigma as a reason for their unwillingness to get help.”
These are only a few sobering statistics highlighting the dire health needs of the brave women and men in these professions. The board-certified medical team at Fair Oaks Recovery Center wants to make sure you and your family have access to all the resources necessary to get the help you deserve. Here’s an extensive list of options.
First Responders and Veterans Health Resources
If you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, please reach out to one of these free, confidential service lines anytime, day or night.
Committed, competent, and compassionate retired officers are trained to engage with callers on the daily stressors faced by members of law enforcement and their families. Individuals can remain anonymous if necessary. Dial 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463).
- First Responder Hopeline
A specialized program available to all first responders, including emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and law enforcement officers. Call 1-866-4FL-HERO.
Veteran volunteers offer support to “Veterans and their families who are enduring a crisis or who have a critical need for help.” Call 888-777-4443.
This non-medical service extends resources to military members and their families regarding stress reduction, relationship building, and other critical support. Call 800-342-9647, or use chat, OCONUS, or VOP to connect.
Use the online chat or call 800-799-7233. Open to everyone, this organization also provides additional support for children and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Call 877-717-7873 for the trauma hotline, and use the website to find a support group near you.
This program’s ROGER wellness service provides counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention that’s 100 percent free for U.S. Veterans and service members. Call 844-317-1136.
This national network of local crisis centers offers free and confidential emotional support to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis. Use the online chat or dial 988 from any phone.
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. Call 800-856-HOPE (4673) or start a live chat online.
Call 866-966-1020, start a live chat online, or use the 24/7 live chat feature to find different resources for active/retired military members and their families.
Designed for members of the BIPOC community to “support the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color.” Use the crisis text line—Text STEVE to 741741—and visit the online knowledge center.
Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255. This therapeutic resource is open to all current and former military personnel, as well as family members and friends.
Additional Health Resources for Veterans and First Responders
If you or a loved one needs more information about treatment options for alcohol use disorder, behavioral and mental health issues, substance use disorder, and other essential health matters, here are some valuable agencies and organizations.
This international organization provides extensive resources and free assistance to support first responders and their families.
A national clearinghouse of resources, shared stories, therapy contacts, and other information to help you cope.
Programs include direct financial assistance, mental health support, and bereavement grants.
Find access to confidential, no-cost mental health care services to active-duty military, reservists, guard, Veterans, and, in certain cases, family members and caregivers.
A comprehensive resource center for LGBTQIA+ youth, adults, and seniors that includes peer-supported chat platforms and various helplines, including the national hotline of 888-843-4564.
This organization helps Veterans learn from and support each other through hundreds of shared experiences and stories of recovery.
MHA extends numerous resource outlets, including a peer support program, a community chat platform, and various interactive tools.
For survivors of emotional and sexual abuse or sexual assault, this site offers numerous hotlines and support chats.
This agency coordinates many efforts across the country for broader awareness, education, and support for both individuals and their loved ones. Review the site to find various helplines, local and virtual support groups, family programs, and more.
An organization that provides peer training, counseling, and community-based partnerships that give back to first responders in their time of need.
You’ll find various services in this “vet-to-vet service model” to help individuals feel heard and understood.
This site offers a detailed list of additional hotlines for survivors of domestic abuse, rape, and other tragedies.
A support site not only for Veterans and active military but also for their families and caregivers. Call 855-838-8255 for an immediate connection with an employed and trained Veteran.
When you simply need a compassionate listener to help you work through a problem or receive support outreach, this peer-based connection is staffed by other people managing mental health.
Also find extensive health resources through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs including, but not limited to:
- Caregiver Support Services
- Military Sexual Trauma
- Solid Start
- Transition Assistance Program
- Women Veterans Health Care
- VetChange
Additionally, turn to CalVet for more Veterans resources,
Trust Fair Oaks to Be Your Unit of Support
We know asking for help is hard, especially when you’re up against certain misconceptions and stigmas. But the constant struggle is harder. It’s mission-critical to understand that you’re not alone.
This is why at Fair Oaks Recovery Center in Sacramento, California, we offer you Tactical Recovery: a Veteran-Ready program in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs Community Care Network and PsychArmor. Our staff is trained to create a culturally competent and trauma-informed environment that fosters healing and recovery for Veterans and active military personnel, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services professionals.
We’ve also earned the status of a licensed Chemical Dependency Recovery Hospital, issued by the California Department of Public Health to addiction rehabilitation and dual diagnosis treatment facilities that provide high-level acuity care. Trust us to enable you to pursue the healthy life you deserve—contact our admissions team today to learn more.
