Seeking Mental Health Help as a Veteran Without Compromising Your Career

Many veterans hesitate to seek mental health care because they fear stigma, judgment, or negative career impact—especially if they are currently serving in the Guard, Reserves, or in a defense-related civilian job. The truth is, there are confidential pathways and legal protections designed to help you get care while safeguarding your career.

1. Understand Your Privacy Rights:

• HIPAA: Your medical records, including mental health visits, are protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Providers cannot disclose your treatment details to your employer without your permission.
• Command Notification Rules: If you are still in uniform, mental health providers typically only notify your command if there is an immediate safety concern, duty impairment, or a need for duty modification.
• ADA & USERRA Protections: As a veteran, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) may protect you from discrimination based on mental health conditions.

2. Choose Confidential Treatment Options:

• Vet Center Services: The VA’s Vet Centers offer confidential counseling for combat veterans, MST survivors, and their families. These records are *not* part of your VA medical file unless you request it.

Find a center: https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

• Military OneSource: Offers completely confidential non-medical counseling for service members, veterans (up to 365 days post-separation), and families.

Call 800-342-9647 or visit: https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

• Private Civilian Providers: You can pay out-of-pocket or use private insurance to see a counselor outside of the military or VA system. This keeps records separate from your service file.
• Telehealth: Online platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace offer anonymous or first-name-only signups.

3. Seek Peer & Support-Based Options:

• Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988 and press 1, or text 838255—free, confidential, 24/7.
• Battle Buddies / Peer Mentors: Many veteran organizations (like Team Red, White & Blue or Wounded Warrior Project) have peer programs where you can talk informally without generating a medical record.

4. Manage Disclosure Carefully:

• You don’t have to tell your employer why you have an appointment—simply request personal time or sick leave.
• If you require accommodations (like flexible scheduling), you may share only the minimum necessary information with HR.
• Avoid discussing your treatment casually at work unless you’re fully comfortable with potential stigma.

5. Remember: Seeking Help is a Strength:

Veterans often think mental health care is a “career killer,” but untreated issues can have far more damaging effects on your performance and relationships. Early, confidential support is the best investment in both your career and your long-term well-being.

Veteran Support & Assistance Contacts

(Confidential – Available 24/7 unless noted)

📞 Crisis / Immediate Help

Veterans Crisis Line – Call 988, press 1 | Text 838255 – veteranscrisisline.net

Military OneSource – 800-342-9647 | militaryonesource.mil

Vet Center Call Center – 877-927-8387 | vetcenter.va.gov

💬 Confidential Counseling (Non-Military Record):

Vet Centers – Counseling for veterans & families, not in VA health record

Give an Hour – Free therapy from volunteer licensed providers | giveanhour.org

BetterHelp – Private online therapy (first-name only signup) | betterhelp.com

🤝 Peer & Community Support:

Team RWB – Physical, social, and volunteer events | teamrwb.org

Wounded Warrior Project – Peer & support programs | woundedwarriorproject.org

American Legion / VFW Posts  – Local veteran community meetups

🛡️ Know Your Rights:

USERRA – Protects employment after service

ADA – Prevents discrimination for mental health-related conditions

More info: dol.gov/agencies/vets/programs/userra

Do you need a VSO/VSR?
Video appointments are available!
To request a video appointment, please call the office or send
an email to Barbara.Sotorodriguez@dvs.virginia.gov. 
In-person appointments available at the Virginia
Department of Veteran Services – Springfield Benefits Office.

VDVS – https://vesa.dvs.virginia.gov/