You have resources

If you need support for a specific mental health problem — or if you’re having problems sleeping, controlling your anger, or readjusting to civilian life — you are not alone. And we can help. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to get care. To access free VA mental health services right away, call or walk into any VA medical center — anytime, day or night. Find your nearest VA health facility. You can also call or walk into any Vet Center during clinic hours. Find your nearest Vet Center.

If you have questions about enrolling in VA health care, call our toll-free hotline at 1-877-222-VETS (1-877-222-8387) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET.

Yes, VA Solid Start is calling

Newly separated service members can expect three calls from qualified Solid Start representatives over the first year of separation. The VA will attempt to contact you several times, around 90, 180, and 365 days post-separation, so make sure your contact information is up to date in your VA.gov profile. Take the call and save 1-800-827-0611 as the contact for VA Solid Start!

VA Solid Start representatives will not ask you for financial information and will only discuss topics you are comfortable with. Remember that phone scammers often target veterans, so always be vigilant and protect your financial information when talking to someone you don’t know over the phone.

For questions about VA Solid Start, call our toll-free hotline: 1-800-827-0611, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.

There is no doubt that transitioning from military to civilian life comes with a few challenges. Of course, there are the expected emotional challenges that accompany any major life change, but separating from the military involves many logistical concerns as well. There’s so much information to review, so much to understand, and so many decisions to make. Add to that, adapting to many changes all at once, and the first year after separating from the military has the potential to be quite overwhelming. Enter: the VA Solid Start program.

Via Solid Start, VA representatives provide support to veterans and their families as they navigate the first year of separation from the military. A trained representative will reach out to every newly separated veteran three times during the first 365 days of his or her separation.

These VA representatives can help with anything from securing a home loan, to navigating VA benefits and services, to finding a civilian doctor. The VA understands that the first year of post-military life is full of highs and lows, so representatives are also trained to help veterans access free VA mental health services.

Whether you simply want to toss around ideas with another vet, need guidance regarding a specific topic, or need more in-depth assistance, these representatives will let you steer the conversation and will only discuss topics with which you are comfortable. The VA reminds all newly separated veterans that they are here to help in any way and encourages each and every veteran to answer the Solid Start call.