Student Veterans of America

Student Veterans of America (SVA) provides military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. In response to COVID-19, SVA is working diligently with Congress to ensure existing GI Bill benefits and housing allowances are not negatively impacted. At present, they are confident a legislative solution will be signed into law before any students see changes to their benefit or housing allowance.

The Kaufman Fund Veteran Mental Health Collaborative

The Kaufman Fund’s Veteran Mental Health Collaborative works with the St. Louis VA and community-based mental health service organizations to provide help to veterans of all ages by improving access to clinical services and mental health needs for veterans and their families. Agencies accept insurance, Tricare and VA community care (through the MISSION Act) and also offer sliding scale fees and provide pro bono counseling in limited cases. https://www.thekaufmanfund.org/mental-health-collaborative/

Military OneSource

Military OneSource is a 24/7 connection to information, answers and support to help military service members and their families reach their goals, overcome challenges and thrive. Military OneSource offers a range of services and support, including free confidential non-medical counseling. Members of the military community are eligible to use this Department of Defense-funded program anytime, anywhere. https://www.militaryonesource.mil/

VA Vet Centers

Vet Centers across the country provide a broad range of counseling, outreach, and referral services to combat Veterans and their families. Vet Centers guide Veterans and their families through many of the major adjustments in lifestyle that often occur after a veteran returns from combat. Services for a veteran may include individual and group counseling in areas such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), alcohol and drug assessment, and suicide prevention referrals. All services are free of cost and are strictly confidential. There are two Vet Centers in the region: the St. Louis Vet Center and the East St. Louis Vet Center. https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/

VA Whole Health

Whole Health is patient-centered care that affirms the importance of the relationship and partnership between patients and their community of providers. It is an approach to health care that empowers and equips people to take charge of their health and well-being and to live their life to the fullest. VA facilities have been exploring what it takes to shift from a system designed around points of medical care primarily focused on disease management, to one that is based in a partnership across time focused on whole health. They have learned that clinical encounters are only one part of this equation. We need a health system focused not only on treatment but also on self-empowerment, self-healing, and self-care. (314) 289-6583, http://www.wellvets.com/

Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs)

There are many VSOs in the St. Louis community that are available to support our student veterans and their family members. These organizations include but are not limited to the American Legion, American Veterans, DAV, Focus Marines Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Team RWB, Team Rubicon, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Vietnam Veterans of America, and Wounded Warrior Project. These VSOs can often provide resources that may not otherwise be available on campus or in the community. The VA maintains a Directory of Veteran Service Organizations that serves as an additional resource of the various VSOs that exist.

Veterans Crisis Line

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available. https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/