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SVWG Manual - Chapter 6: MENTAL HEALTH

Mental Health Rights and Resources

The following information is meant to assist servicemembers, veterans, and military families and survivors in finding the mental health resources available in the Middle District of Florida. We recognize that many organizations provide these services, so if you are aware of a helpful resource or organization not listed here, please contact us at USAFLM-SVWG@usdoj.gov. By listing these organizations, we are not endorsing them over competing organizations nor providing any mental health advice. Instead, we want to offer a starting point for those who are (1) facing a mental health crisis or looking for recovery support; (2) seeking mental health or substance abuse treatment or counseling; and (3) looking for ways to improve mental health and resilience. We have also listed (4) relevant laws and (5) legal resources.

  1. Crisis Hotlines:
    1. Call 988 or Text 838255
    2. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) National Military Survivor Helpline is available 24/7 at (800) 959-TAPS (8277). This Helpline is available for anyone who has been impacted by a military death.
  2. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration: VA has various mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more — all accessible to veterans, veterans’ supporters, and the general public.
  3. Military OneSource: your 24/7 connection to information, answers, and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges, and thrive. As a member of our military family, you can use this Defense Department-funded program anytime, anywhere.

 

  1. Wounded Warrior Project - offers an innovative, personal approach to veteran and family mental health and wellness that centers around you.
  2. Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration: VA has various mental health resources, information, treatment options, and more — all accessible to veterans, veterans’ supporters, and the general public.
  3. Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling): community-based centers that offer free, confidential counseling and outreach services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families.
  4. Military OneSource: your 24/7 connection to information, answers, and support to help you reach your goals, overcome challenges, and thrive. As a member of our military family, you can use this Defense Department-funded program anytime, anywhere.
  5. Make the Connection: watch, read, and listen to veterans and their family members share real stories of strength and recovery, find useful information and local mental health resources, and explore ways to show your support. Make the Connection also has resources for active-duty military.
  6. Mental Health America: MHA respects and appreciates current and former members of the military and provides information to help break down the stigma of mental health issues among soldiers, veterans, their families, and medical staff to ensure that a more significant number of military families receive the prompt and high-quality care they deserve.
  7. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): offers information, support, and education specifically for veterans, service members, and their families.
  8. Florida Specific
    1. Behavioral Health Centers
    2. Central Florida Veterans Mental Health Council
    3. FL State Dept. of Veterans Affairs MH and Substance Abuse Resources
    4. HD Counseling: TRICARE-approved mental health counseling private practice.
    5. Golf Yankee Six (GY6): TRICARE-approved mental health counseling referral resource.
    6. Cohen Veterans Network: serves post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members (with a TRICARE referral), including the National Guard and Reserves, and military family members through a nationwide system of mental health clinics. The Florida clinics are located in Jacksonville and Tampa. Virtual sessions are available for those living in other areas.
    7. Florida Army National Guard Psychological Wellness Program: call 1-855-910-5000 for 24/7 access to professional case management and consultation with a licensed behavioral health professional to address Post Traumatic Growth.

  1. TRICARE Mental Health Coverage: a resource for benefits (mental health, medical, dental, and more) provided through TRICARE insurances.
  2. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
    1. National Military Survivor Helpline is available 24/7 at (800) 959-TAPS (8277). This Helpline is available for anyone who has been impacted by a military death.
    2. TAPS Care Groups in Florida: local survivor support groups, also available across the country, that provide emotional support and camaraderie for military adult survivors. TAPS provides a variety of programs for all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community, including local groups in Tampa and Jacksonville, online workshops, survivor seminars, retreats, and expeditions.
  3. Oceans of Hope Foundation: anyone with a mobility or physical disability who has a passion for ocean sports can participate in adaptive ocean access events.
  4. Camaraderie Foundation: provides healing for the invisible wounds of war through no-cost transition assistance, counseling, emotional, and spiritual support for all military servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
  5. Gold Star Resources and Surviving Member Liaisons: provide support and address issues or concerns by spouses and other dependents of deceased servicemembers regarding casualty assistance or receipt of military survivor benefits authorized by law.
  6. Make the Connection: watch, read, and listen to veterans and their family members share real stories of strength and recovery, find useful information and local mental health resources, and explore ways to show your support. Make the Connection also has resources for active-duty military.
  7. VETSports: helps veterans achieve better physical, mental, and emotional health through sports, physical activity and service programs.
  8. Service and Emotional Support Animals:
    1. Service, Working, Therapy, and Emotional Support Dogs: What’s the Difference?

    2. The Americans with Disabilities Act: ADA Requirements: Service Animals and Frequently Asked Questions About Service Animals and the ADA

       

  1. The PACT Act is a law that expands VA health care and benefits for Veterans exposed to burn pits, Agent Orange, and other toxic substances. This law helps us provide generations of Veterans—and their survivors—with the care and benefits they’ve earned and deserve. The full name of the law is The Sergeant First Class (SFC) Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act.
  2. The Americans with Disabilities Act protects individuals with disabilities, including mental health disabilities, from discrimination because of their disability. The U.S. Department of Justice offers guidance and resources for individuals with mental health and other disabilities, including:
    1. ADA: Know Your Rights - Returning Service Members with Disabilities
    2. Guide to Disability Rights Laws
    3. A Guide for People with Disabilities Seeking Employment
    4. Service Animals: ADA Requirements: Service Animals and Frequently Asked Questions About Service Animals and the ADA
    5. Guidance on Nondiscrimination in Telehealth - Federal Protections to Ensure Accessibility to People with Disabilities and Limited English Proficient Persons
    6. The ADA and Opioid Use Disorder: Combating Discrimination Against People in Treatment or Recovery
  3. Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against individuals with disabilities, including failing to provide a reasonable accommodation to a qualified employee or applicant. It also requires employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain these individuals.
  4. The Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA) prohibits discrimination based on genetic information, which includes family medical history.
  5. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination by direct providers of housing, such as landlords and real estate companies as well as other entities, such as municipalities, banks or other lending institutions and homeowners insurance companies whose discriminatory practices make housing unavailable to persons because of: (1) race or color; (2) religion; (3) sex; (4) national origin; (5) familial status; or (6) disability.
    1. For more information regarding fair housing and housing rights, please visit the Housing Chapter.
  6. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides for the temporary suspension of judicial and administrative proceedings and civil protections in areas such as housing, credit and taxes for military personnel while they are on active duty.
  7. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA): makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against someone because of their past, current or future military status, service, or obligation. For more information, please consult this resource guide authored by several federal agencies.
  8. The Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974 (VEVRAA) prohibits federal contractors and subcontractors from discriminating in employment against protected veterans and requires employers to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, promote, and retain these individuals. This protection against discrimination extends not only to spouses, but also to other individuals that the contractor knows have a relationship or association with a protected veteran. Among the “protected veterans” covered by VEVRAA are disabled veterans: those who are “entitled to compensation…under laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs” or “those who were released from active duty because of a service-connected disability.” For more information regarding how VEVRAA protects veterans with disabilities, please click here.
  9. Florida Mental Health Care Act (“Baker Act”) allows for the involuntary temporary detention and mental health evaluation of individuals deemed to be a threat to themselves or others, and can only be initiated by families, healthcare providers, law enforcement officers, or other professionals to seek emergency mental health services.
    1. If you feel you are in an emergency situation of this nature, call 911.
    2. If you are a servicemember who has been involuntarily detained under this law, seek guidance from your chaplain or personnel resources (S1). You can also find legal resources in Section V of this chapter.
  10. Definition of a “Veteran”: The definition of “veteran” differs in different contexts. Compare Fla. Stat. § 1.01(14) (defining “veteran” as “a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions, notwithstanding any action by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs on individuals discharged or released with other than honorable discharges”) with 38 U.S.C. § 101(2) (defining “veteran” as “a person who served in the active military, naval, air, or space service, and who was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable”) and Fla. Stat. § 394.47891(d) (for purposes of Florida’s veteran's treatment court programs, defining “veteran” as “a person who has served in the military”).

  1. As part of its Servicemembers and Veterans Initiative, DOJ provides a comprehensive list of resources for servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
  2. Florida Legal Resources:
    1. Bay Area Legal Services operates the Florida Veterans Legal Helpline (866-486-6161), available to eligible veterans living in Florida or with a pending legal issue in Florida.
    2. The Florida Bar Consumer Pamphlet: Legal Aid in Florida provides a comprehensive list of legal aid organizations in Florida, organized by county.
    3. Disability Rights Florida is a nonprofit organization that provides legal advocacy and rights protection for adults and children with a wide range of disabilities, specifically addressing civil rights violations, abuse and neglect, and discrimination.
    4. Southern Legal Counsel works to ensure that adequate mental health services are available to children and adults living in poverty and provided in a non-discriminatory manner.
    5. Florida Justice Institute uses impact litigation and advocacy to improve the lives of Florida’s poor and disenfranchised residents while focusing on criminal justice reform, homelessness, and disability access.
    6. Veterans’ Treatment Court Program: Florida law establishes a court to address the substance abuse and mental health needs of veterans within Florida’s criminal justice system. For more information, please consult this resource guide.
  3. National Legal Aid Services and Other Resources:
    1. Legal Services Corporation can help you locate local legal aid organizations.
    2. The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act website.
    3. U.S. Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program.
    4. File a Service Connection Claim with the VA
  4. File a Veterans Affairs (VA) Claim
    1. How to File a VA Disability Claim: find out how to file a claim for disability compensation or increased disability compensation.
      1. Application for Disability Compensation and Related Compensation Benefits
    2. Find a VA Accredited Representative or Veterans Service Organization (VSO): an accredited attorney, claims agent, or VSO representative can help you file a claim or request a decision review.
    3. Apply for VA Health Care: VA health care covers care for your physical and mental health. This includes a range of services from checkups to surgeries to home health care. It also includes prescriptions and medical equipment.
  5. File a Civil Rights Complaint:
    1. U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida, Civil Rights Unit, Civil Division accepts complaints by phone (813-274-6095), email (USAFLM.Civil.Rights@usdoj.gov), or you can fill out our civil rights complaint form and email or mail it to our Unit in Tampa.
    2. The U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division enforces civil rights laws that protect servicemembers, including the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). To file a complaint, you can submit a report online, call, or submit a complaint by mail. For contact information, please click here.
    3. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights (OCR) enforce laws against discrimination based on race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, and religion by certain health care and human services providers and health insurance plans. You can file a complaint on the OCR Complaint Portal, by mail, or by emailing OCRComplaint@hhs.gov. For further information on how to file a complaint, please click here. 

[1] The National Defense Authorization Act 2014, Section 633, requires each secretary of a military department to designate a specific member to assist spouses and other dependents of service members, including Reserve Components, who die on active duty.

 

SVWG Manual - Table of Contents

Updated April 11, 2025