Self-paced mental health tools Veterans can use anytime

Are you a Veteran facing common challenges like managing anger, insomnia or substance use? Discover VeteranTraining.va.gov, VA’s award-winning online mental health resource designed just for you.

This innovative site offers a variety of self-help courses focused on practical issues such as problem-solving, parenting and healthy coping skills. Each course features videos and activities to make learning practical and enjoyable. All resources are free, confidential and available 24/7, so you can access support whenever and wherever you need it. Browse the course list below.

Courses available on VeteranTraining.va.gov

  • Alcohol and Drug Education: Managing substance use can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This program equips you with essential knowledge about alcohol and drug use, empowering you to make informed choices. Understand your options.
  • Anger & Irritability Management Skills (AIMS): Uncontrolled anger can damage relationships and impact your quality of life. AIMS demonstrates ways to manage anger and irritability through exercises, relaxation techniques and coping strategies. Empower yourself to effectively manage anger.
  • Path to Better Sleep: If anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other issues keep you awake at night, you’re not alone. This 4-part course introduces reliable methods to enhance your sleep quality and reduce insomnia. Discover the path to restful sleep.
  • Moving Forward: Life can be challenging, and it is common to feel overwhelmed at times. The Moving Forward program offers a variety of problem-solving skills designed to help you overcome obstacles, whether it’s finding a job or addressing personal issues. Start moving forward.
  • My Recovery Plan: A tailored recovery plan can be your roadmap to successfully navigate mental health challenges. This course can help you track progress, set attainable goals and discover resources for support. Take command of your mental health journey.
  • Parenting for Veterans: Parenting can feel like navigating uncharted waters, but you can approach the journey with confidence. This course provides essential tools for effective communication, discipline and stress management to foster positive relationships with your children. Level up your parenting game.

Getting more mental health support

Your mental health matters. Visit Veteran Training and begin your path forward today. The courses above are accessible from any web browser. VA also offers a suite of mobile mental health apps that can be downloaded to your mobile device. 

While many Veterans find these digital educational tools valuable, they are not a substitute for professional mental health care. To learn more about directly accessing VA mental health services, visit VA Mental Health Services.

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6 Comments

  1. Richard April 21, 2026 at 12:24

    Empowerment is the key here. Learning to be accountable for one’s healing and wellness begins with a choice. I believe in using all available resources within the VA including in-person therapy and the courses mentioned here. We are all a continual work-in-progress. You are not alone. Grateful for the resources. Thanks VA.

  2. Martin Gross April 17, 2026 at 04:43

    For the record, I read what I can about alzheimer’s and dementia. I have a pet theory. Forewarned is forearmed.

  3. Keith Hammond April 16, 2026 at 18:27

    Where can I sign up

  4. Anonymous- Harry April 16, 2026 at 18:03

    I suffer from severe anxiety. Frequently, I can’t breathe. It’s difficult and scary. I hope you have a program or help for me.
    Thanks

    • James M Robinson May 7, 2026 at 00:59

      I know the feeling, Harry. You’ve come to the right place.

  5. Dr. Irene Parker, Certified Psychologist April 14, 2026 at 05:54

    VA’s online mental health courses are a good example of how low risk does not mean no risk. A low-risk label means something is less likely to cause harm, not that harm can never happen. So if a problem shows up once, that does not automatically mean the original risk judgment was wrong.

    The same logic applies to these self-help tools. They can be very useful for Veterans dealing with sleep problems, anger, substance use, stress, or parenting challenges, but they are not a replacement for professional care. The right question is not just, “Did something bad happen?” It is also, “Were the tools and safeguards strong enough, and do they still make sense now?”

    That is why the courses matter: they give Veterans practical support they can use anytime, while still leaving room for higher-level care when needed. In risk terms, the courses are a helpful control, but their value depends on how they are used and whether the situation has changed.

    A simple way to say it is: low risk is not a promise, it is an estimate. And an incident should prompt review, not automatic blame.

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