According to research from the RAND organization, when Veterans return home from deployment, nearly 50 percent experience difficulties with their families, and more than 40 percent struggle to adjust to civilian life. Some face additional battles, too, such as PTSD, depression, anger management, substance and alcohol misuse, and the effects of traumatic brain injuries.
In 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported study findings that indicate “public safety sector workers including firefighters (structural and wildland), law enforcement officers, emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians, and corrections personnel are at a high risk of occupational exposure to traumatic events and stress.” Approximately 30 percent of first responders develop PTSD and depression, and varying reports indicate the prevalence of alcohol and drug misuse among these professionals is as high as 40 percent.
If you’re one of the many brave women and men in these professions, the board-certified medical professionals at Willingway want to ensure you and your family have full access to all the resources necessary to get the help you need. Here’s a comprehensive list.
Veterans and First Responders Health Resources
If you or someone you love is in immediate crisis, please call one of these free, confidential service lines, usually available 24/7.
This organization offers competent, committed, and compassionate retired officers to engage with callers on the daily stressors officers and their family members experience. Callers can remain anonymous if they choose. Dial 1-800-COPLINE (267-5463).
- First Responder Hopeline
A specialized service available to all first responders, including emergency medical technicians, firefighters, and police officers. Call 1-866-4FL-HERO. - Georgia Office of Public Safety Support
Launched in 2019, the OPSS provides any first responder, anywhere in the state, help when they need it. Call 404-624-7638 for primary contact, or 404 624-6077 for after-hours peer support emergencies.
This program features Veteran volunteers who offer support to “Veterans and their families who are enduring a crisis or who have a critical need for help.” Call 888-777-4443.
A non-medical service that provides resources for military members and their families regarding stress reduction, relationship building, and other vital support. Call 800-342-9647, or use chat, OCONUS, or VOP to connect.
Call 800-799-7233 or use the online chat. Open to everyone, this organization also provides additional support for children and members of the LGBTQAI+2 community.
Call 877-717-7873 for the trauma hotline, and use the website to find a support group near you.
The organization’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 is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Dial 988 from any phone.
Use the 24/7 live chat feature and find different resources for active/retired military members and their families. Also call 1-866-966-1020 or start a live chat online.
Dedicated to the BIPOC community by “supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of young people of color,” there’s a crisis text line (Text STEVE to 741741) and an expansive knowledge center.
Dial 988 then press 1 or text 838255. This therapeutic resource is open to all current and former service people, as well as family members and friends of military personnel.
Additional Health Resources for Vets and First Responders
To learn more about treatment options for substance use disorder (SUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), mental health conditions, and other critical health matters, here are some essential agencies and organizations.
Find peer communities, connections to specialized therapy options, and more focused assistance by disorder.
An organization that not only honors servicemembers and first responders but also highlights their perseverance and fortitude to overcome obstacles.
This program provides access to confidential, no-cost mental health care services to active-duty military, reservists, guard, Veterans, and, in certain cases, spouses and caregivers.
A comprehensive link to resources for LGBTQAI+ youth, adults, and seniors that includes peer-supported chat platforms and various helplines, such as the national hotline of 888-843-4564.
This organization helps Veterans learn from each other through hundreds of shared experiences and stories of recovery.
With a strong peer support program and numerous resource outlets, including a community chat platform and interactive tools, MHA creates many pathways for connection.
For survivors of emotional and sexual abuse or sexual assault, this site lists numerous support chats and hotlines.
Spearheads many efforts across the country for broader awareness, support, and education 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 supports peer training, counseling, and community-based partnerships that give back to first responders in their time of need.
This is a gateway to various services in a “vet-to-vet service model” so individuals feel heard and understood.
This site provides a detailed list of additional hotlines for survivors of domestic abuse, rape, and other tragedies.
When you just need a kind 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 access specialized health resources through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
The Georgia Department of Veterans Service offers an easy listing of county VA field offices. So does Florida, South Carolina, and Alabama. These local offices will have information about health services, support groups, Veterans’ groups, and other resources.
Trust in Willingway’s Unit of Services and Support
Asking for help is hard. But the constant struggle is harder. It takes a specialized team of professionals to understand the unique needs of Veterans, first responders, and their family members, which is why Willingway’s Tactical Recovery Program intentionally includes both Veterans and people in long-term recovery on its staff. These individuals understand what it’s like to serve and are trained through PsychArmor.
Additionally, this recovery program is supported by the VA’s Community Care Network, which utilizes Veteran’s benefits to cover the cost of treatment. You’ve served your country—now receive the care you deserve. Our Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations stand at the ready to provide evidence-based, culturally competent care. Consult our admissions team to learn more.