Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

Women Veterans Health Care

Menu
Menu
Quick Links
Veterans Crisis Line Badge
My healthevet badge
 

Depression

Depression can affect anyone. It can cause strong feelings of sadness or hopelessness. You may also find you have less interest in activities you used to enjoy. Depression is the most common mental health diagnosis among women Veterans.

The signs and symptoms of depression may be hard to notice at first. Depression is a serious condition, but even severe depression is treatable. Treatments often work quickly, sometimes within a few weeks or months, depending on the nature or severity of your symptoms.

We provide special trainings for our mental health care providers, more than half of whom are women, so you receive the best possible care. We also have Women's Mental Health Champions at every VA medical center. They are mental health clinicians with specific training, interest, and expertise in women Veterans' mental health. Women's Mental Health Champions can help connect you with local resources and support.

What services does VA provide for depression?

To find options for treatment, your primary care provider is a good place to start. They may be able to prescribe medication to relieve depression symptoms including anxiety, sleep issues, and other related problems. They can also refer you to a mental health professional for therapy. Examples of effective therapies for depression include:

We can also refer you to a Peer Specialist. Peer specialists are Veterans who have experienced and recovered from a mental health condition. As members of your treatment team, their role is to help you design your own recovery plan, using tools such as personal goal setting and targeted coping skills training. They can also connect you with VA and local resources to help you find meaningful roles and activities in your community. You can request a referral from your VA health care provider to work with a peer specialist.

How do I access services for depression at VA?

All former service members and Veterans are eligible for one year of free mental health care services, regardless of discharge status. Even if you are not eligible to receive other VA health care, you may still be able to get certain health care services, like care related to military sexual trauma (MST) (that is, experiences of sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service).

If you do not have VA health care benefits but you've served in a combat zone, get counseling, alcohol and drug assessment, and other support at one of our 300 community Vet Centers. MST-related care is also available at Vet Centers, and you don't have to have combat service. Contact a Vet Center and ask to speak with someone about getting help for depression.

If you already have a VA health care provider, talk with them about your symptoms and treatment preferences. They can also help you make an appointment with a VA mental health clinician. You can receive care for depression at a VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics, or Vet Centers. You may also receive depression care through telehealth, where you connect with a VA mental health clinician through a computer or mobile device. To set up telephone or video appointments, you can send your health care team a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting www.myhealth.va.gov.

If you don't already use VA health care, you may want to use the following online tools:

Find out if you are eligible for VA health care

Enroll in VA health care if you haven't already

Find your local VA and make an appointment

Can I get disability compensation (monthly payments) or other benefits from VA related to depression?

Veterans may be able to receive compensation for conditions that started or got worse in the line of duty. This may include depression. Explore disability eligibility here. If you have questions, a Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) representative at your nearest regional office can explain more. Find your nearest regional office.

Where can I find more information, help and resources on depression?

Women Veterans Health Care Videos

Watch videos for and about Women Veterans.
Examples of Women's Health Outreach Posters

Women Veterans Health Care Outreach Posters

View our Outreach Posters.
Examples of Women's Health Outreach Posters
Women Veterans Call Center logo

The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:

  • Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
  • Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
  • Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
  • Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

* By clicking on these links, you will leave the Department of Veterans Affairs website.
† VA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of the linked website.

The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to VA. The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to VA.
We are open

Weekdays: 8:00 am–10:00 pm ET

Saturday: 8:00 am–6:30 pm ET