As a veteran, transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging, and it’s not uncommon to experience physical, emotional, and mental health issues as a result of your service. However, seeking help and support is a sign of strength, and there are many resources available to assist you in managing these challenges. In this list, we have compiled counseling resources that cater to various groups of veterans, including those who have recently been discharged, combat veterans, disabled veterans, female veterans, LGBTQ+ veterans, veterans with substance abuse issues, homeless veterans, veterans with mental health issues, older veterans, and veterans living in rural areas. These resources can help you cope with the unique challenges you may be facing and improve your overall well-being.

Recently Discharged Veterans

These Calfornia focused resources aim to provide recently discharged veterans with the support and assistance they need to transition back into civilian life.

1. California Department of Veterans Affairs: The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) is a state agency that provides a range of services and resources for California veterans, including education and training, health care, and housing assistance. They also offer benefits counseling and claims assistance to help veterans access the benefits they are entitled to. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/
2. Veterans Resource Centers of America: Veterans Resource Centers of America is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services and resources for California veterans, including housing assistance, employment services, and counseling and case management. They also offer a variety of programs and activities, such as art therapy and peer support groups. https://www.vetsresource.org/
3. Swords to Plowshares: Swords to Plowshares is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services and resources for California veterans, including employment and training services, housing assistance, and legal services. They also offer mental health counseling and case management to help veterans access the resources they need to succeed. https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/
4. Veterans Legal Institute: The Veterans Legal Institute is a nonprofit organization that provides free legal services to low-income California veterans. They offer legal assistance with issues such as disability benefits, discharge upgrades, and family law. They also provide outreach and education to help veterans understand their legal rights and access the resources they need. https://www.vetslegal.com/

Resources for Combat Veterans

These California-specific resources and organizations provide services and resources to help combat veterans transition back into civilian life, access peer support, advocacy, and community-building opportunities, and receive housing, employment, and other supportive services.

1. California Transition Assistance Program: The California Transition Assistance Program (CalTAP) is a state program that provides information and resources to help combat veterans transition back into civilian life. They offer employment services, education and training opportunities, and assistance with accessing VA benefits. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/veteran-services-benefits/veteran-services/caltap
2. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services and resources for veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They offer peer support, advocacy, and community building opportunities, as well as employment and education resources. https://iava.org/
3. San Diego Veterans Village: San Diego Veterans Village is a nonprofit organization that provides transitional housing and supportive services for homeless veterans in San Diego County. They offer a range of services, including case management, mental health counseling, and employment assistance, to help veterans get back on their feet. https://sdvetsvillage.org/
4. Veterans Village of San Francisco: Veterans Village of San Francisco is a nonprofit organization that provides housing, employment, and other supportive services to homeless and at-risk veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. They offer a range of programs and services, including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, and legal assistance, to help veterans overcome the challenges they face. https://www.vvsf.org/

Resources For Disabled Veterans

The following California-specific resources and organizations provide a range of services and resources to help veterans with disabilities access benefits, vocational rehabilitation services, job placement assistance, and supportive services for housing stability and self-sufficiency.

1. Disabled American Veterans: Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services and resources for disabled veterans in California. They offer assistance with accessing VA benefits, as well as employment services, transportation assistance, and advocacy. https://www.dav.org/
2. California Department of Rehabilitation: The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) provides vocational rehabilitation services to Californians with disabilities, including disabled veterans. They offer a range of services, including job placement assistance, vocational training, and assistive technology. https://dor.ca.gov/
3. CalVet: CalVet provides a range of services and resources for disabled veterans in California, including health care, housing assistance, and vocational rehabilitation. They also offer benefits counseling and claims assistance to help veterans access the benefits they are entitled to. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Disability-Services.aspx
4. Supportive Services for Veteran Families: Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) is a program that provides temporary financial assistance and supportive services to very low-income veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. They offer a range of services, including case management, housing assistance, and employment services, to help veterans achieve housing stability and self-sufficiency. https://www.va.gov/homeless/ssvf/

Resources for Female Veterans

These California-specific resources and organizations provide a range of services and resources to female veterans, including health care, housing assistance, employment services, legal assistance, and peer support, to help them access benefits, achieve housing stability, and build community.

1. CalVet Women Veterans Division: The CalVet Women Veterans Division provides a range of services and resources to female veterans in California, including health care, housing assistance, employment services, and advocacy. They also offer benefits counseling and claims assistance to help female veterans access the benefits they are entitled to. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Women-Veterans.aspx
2. Women Veterans Alliance: Women Veterans Alliance is a nonprofit organization that provides support and resources to female veterans in California and across the country. They offer networking and community building opportunities, as well as resources on health and wellness, education, and career development. https://www.womenveteransalliance.org/
3. Swords to Plowshares Women’s Program: Swords to Plowshares is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services and resources to female veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. They offer employment services, legal assistance, housing assistance, and mental health counseling, as well as advocacy and community building opportunities. https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/our-services/womens-program/
4. Veterans Resource Center of America Women Veterans Program: The Veterans Resource Center of America Women Veterans Program provides a range of services and resources to female veterans in Northern California. They offer case management, employment services, housing assistance, and peer support, as well as resources on health and wellness and financial management. https://www.vetsresource.org/womens-program

Resources for Homeless Veterans

Here are four California-specific resources or organizations that can be helpful to homeless veterans:

1. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) provides a range of services and resources for homeless veterans in California, including health care, housing assistance, and employment services. They also offer outreach services to help veterans access these resources. https://www.va.gov/homeless/
2. California Department of Veterans Affairs: The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) provides a range of services and resources to homeless veterans in California, including health care, housing assistance, and employment services. They also offer case management and advocacy services to help veterans access the resources they need. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/Homeless-Services.aspx
3. Swords to Plowshares: Swords to Plowshares is a nonprofit organization that provides a range of services and resources to homeless veterans in the San Francisco Bay Area. They offer housing assistance, employment services, legal assistance, and mental health counseling, as well as advocacy and community building opportunities. https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/our-services/homeless-veterans-services/
4. Veterans Village of San Diego: Veterans Village of San Diego provides a range of services and resources to homeless veterans in San Diego, including housing assistance, employment services, and health care. They also offer case management and counseling services to help veterans address the root causes of homelessness and achieve long-term stability. https://vvsd.net/what-we-do/housing/

Resources for Older Veterans

These California-specific resources and organizations provide services and resources to help older veterans access health care, benefits, housing assistance, and social support, and to address the unique challenges they may face as they age.

1. California Department of Aging: The California Department of Aging provides a range of services and resources to help older veterans in California, including health care, nutrition assistance, and caregiver support. They also offer legal assistance and advocacy services to help veterans access benefits and services. https://www.aging.ca.gov/
2. California Association of County Veterans Service Officers: The California Association of County Veterans Service Officers provides a directory of county veterans service officers (CVSOs) who can assist veterans in accessing benefits and services in their local communities. CVSOs can help veterans apply for benefits, appeal benefit decisions, and access other resources. https://cacvso.org/
3. Veterans Home of California: The Veterans Home of California is a system of long-term care facilities for veterans in California. They offer a range of services, including skilled nursing care, rehabilitation services, and memory care, as well as social activities and community events for residents. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetHomes/Pages/default.aspx
4. Elder Veterans Legal Aid Project: The Elder Veterans Legal Aid Project provides free legal assistance to low-income veterans in California who are age 60 or older. They can help veterans access benefits, address housing issues, and address other legal concerns. https://www.legalaidatwork.org/elder-veterans-legal-aid-project/

Mental Health Resources for Veterans

These California-specific resources and organizations provide a range of services and resources to help veterans struggling with mental health issues, including counseling, therapy, medication management, peer support, and crisis intervention, to help them achieve mental wellness and improve their quality of life.

1. California Department of Veterans Affairs: The California Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of mental health services to veterans in California, including counseling, therapy, medication management, and peer support. They also offer crisis intervention services and a confidential helpline for veterans and their families. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/veteran-services-benefits/health-care/mental-health
2. The Soldiers Project: The Soldiers Project provides free, confidential mental health services to post-9/11 veterans and their families in California. They offer individual counseling, group therapy, and workshops on topics such as anger management and relationship building. https://www.thesoldiersproject.org/
3. Veterans Village of San Diego: The Veterans Village of San Diego offers a range of mental health services to veterans in California, including counseling, group therapy, and medication management. They also provide case management services to help veterans access housing, employment, and other resources. https://vvsd.net/
4. Swords to Plowshares: Swords to Plowshares provides a range of mental health services to veterans in California, including counseling, therapy, medication management, and peer support. They also offer job training and placement services to help veterans achieve economic stability. https://www.swords-to-plowshares.org/