Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and it should be a focus in your care.
VA offers Veterans several ways to connect with mental health professionals virtually, outside of a traditional office visit. Here are some VA virtual care tools that can help make your mental health a priority.
Conduct video visits through VA Video Connect
With VA Video Connect, VA’s secure videoconferencing app, you can connect with your VA mental health provider for your scheduled TeleMental Health video visit. Use the app to join video telehealth visits on a smartphone, tablet or computer with an internet connection.
VA Video Connect removes many of the barriers to mental health care that Veterans face with traditional office visits. Because you can connect with a VA provider from the comfort of your home, you don’t need to spend time or money traveling to the clinic.
For Veterans with PTSD and other mental health conditions, video visits reduce the stress of attending the clinic in person.
VA Video Connect also enables Veterans to invite guests to these calls, such as their family members, partners or caregivers. Many VA providers use this feature to offer group therapy, education or Whole Health sessions.
Message VA providers instantly with VA Health Chat
When you have a question about your mental or physical health, you can connect with a VA staff member through the VA Health Chat app. The app enables you to easily talk through instant chat messages about your nonemergency health concerns.
VA Health Chat staff can connect you with the mental health resources you need. They can also help you schedule in-person or virtual mental health appointments, refill your VA prescriptions and find the VA facility closest to you.
VA Health Chat is not available at all facilities. To see if your VA facility is participating in VA Health Chat, visit the app’s page on the VA App Store.
Take a mental health assessment through the MHA app
The MHA for Veterans app enables you to take mental health assessments assigned by your VA care team. Plus, you don’t have to wait until your next visit to receive the results. You can use the app to review your scores and even see trends over time. For some assessments, the app will share feedback about what your scores might mean and information about related mental health conditions.
Annie for Veterans is an automated text messaging service that helps Veterans manage their mental health and day-to-day well-being.
Annie can send you reminders to take your VA medications and instructions to prepare for your upcoming VA appointments. Annie can also send messages of support, tips for reducing stress, mental health information and more.
More VA apps to help you manage your mental health
VA apps offer a range of services for specific mental health conditions. You can use these apps to complement traditional therapy or track and manage certain conditions independently.
For example, the PTSD Coach app was designed for Veterans experiencing symptoms associated with PTSD. Veterans can track their PTSD symptoms and access strategies for managing them. The app also shares reliable information on treatments and therapy.
The Mindfulness Coach app enables Veterans to practice mindfulness techniques and offers independent or guided lessons. Mindfulness can help in reducing stress or coping with unpleasant thoughts and emotions.
Access the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential service that supports Veterans and their family and friends. It can support Veterans experiencing mental health crises and connect users with resources. Respondents are trained professionals who are qualified to support Veteran issues.
To access this service, call 988 and then press 1. You can also chat online or text 838255.
VA provides high-quality mental health care that is tailored to Veterans.
If you are a Veteran, VA can connect you with mental health resources and treatment. To learn how VA telehealth expands your mental health care options, visit the Office of Connected Care and VA Telehealth Services websites.
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