The Veterans Crisis Line is a single point of contact vets or families can call during a moment of crisis. Veterans in need or family members can call 1 (800) 273-8255 and press 1 to talk to someone, but they can also send a text message to 838255 or chat online with someone. Trained reps at the Veterans Crisis Line help those in need connect with the right resources and services.
Care Giver Support
A caregiver can be a parent, spouse, child, step-family member, extended family member, or an individual who lives with the veteran, but is not a family member who provides support to the veteran. Below you will find connections to support veteran caregiving
Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC)
What services does this program offer?
Veterans can designate one (1) Primary Family Caregiver and up to two (2) Secondary Family Caregivers on the application. Secondary Family Caregivers serve as a backup support to the Primary Family Caregiver when needed. Services will depend on whether you are the Primary Family Caregiver or a Secondary Family Caregiver.
If you are the primary caregiver, you may receive:
A monthly stipend (paid directly to you as the caregiver.)
Access to health care insurance through Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA), if you do not already have health insurance.
Mental health counseling.
Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments. For specific details, please contact your CSP Team.
At least 30 days of respite care per year, for the Veteran. Respite is short term relief for someone else to care for the Veteran while you take a break.
If you are the secondary caregiver, you may receive:
Mental health counseling.
Certain beneficiary travel benefits when traveling with the Veteran to appointments. For specific details, please contact your local CSP Team.
Be sure to check www.caregiver.va.gov for updates or subscribe to receive email updates and information about VA Caregiver Support Program services.
Caregivers Support Line (CSL)
VA's National Caregiver Support Line is a toll-free number for caregivers, family members, friends, Veterans, and community partners to contact for information related to caregiving and available supports and services.
Call VA’s Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 to learn more about the support that is available to you and for assistance connecting with the Caregiver Support Team at your local VA Medical Center.
PsychArmor Care Giver Support
PsychArmor is dedicated to providing education, resources, and strategies for those who provide care for our nation’s wounded, ill and injured military service members and Veterans. The caregiving journey can be challenging — we’re here to provide support. Thanks to the generosity of The USAA Foundation, and in collaboration with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, we are pleased to offer the newly digitized Military Caregiver Recognition Award Program. Upon completion of the four PsychArmor courses included in this program and registration for the Elizabeth Dole Foundation's Hidden Heroes Caregiver Community, you will receive the Military Caregiver Recognition Award and Badge.
Hidden Heroes - Caregiver Support
Our mission:
Hidden Heroes brings vital attention to the untold stories of military caregivers and seeks solutions for the tremendous challenges and long-term needs they face.
Our goals:
Raise awareness of the issues military caregivers confront every day
Inspire individuals, businesses, communities, and civic, faith and government leaders to take action in supporting military caregivers in their communities
Establish a national registry, encouraging military caregivers to register at HiddenHeroes.org to better connect them to helpful resources and support
The CRD is designed to help empower military caregivers with information about national and local resources and programs specifically for them. Topics include: helplines, advocacy and benefit information, career transitions and employment, military caregiver support, children’s needs, education and training, financial support, rest and relaxation, and others. The CRD is now completely digital.
Access and download your own copy of the E-CRD by clicking here. For additional questions, please email: infonrd.osd@mail.mil.
Military & Veteran Caregiver Experience Map
Military and veteran caregivers provide invaluable service to this country, but their unique journeys are not always well understood.
Caregivers must often cope with significant physical, psychological, financial, and social challenges without the help they need.
Community Mental Health Affiliates
Community Mental Health Affiliates, Inc., (CMHA) is a leading provider of an integrated health and behavioral health care system for children, families, and adults.
CMHA, headquartered in New Britain with locations throughout northwest and central Connecticut, has more than 45 years' experience as one of the largest behavioral health care providers in the state. Dedicated to improving the quality of life for Connecticut’s residents, CMHA offers a continuum of programs that change the lives of 7,300 children and adults annually. CMHA is the state’s first fully Joint Commission accredited Behavioral Health Home and a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
Advanced Behavioral Health INC. - Connecticut
MILITARY SUPPORT PROGRAM (MSP)
The Military Support Program was created to address the behavioral health needs of National Guard and Reserve personnel affected by deployment in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq) and Operation New Dawn (Iraq). In 2011 the State of Connecticut expanded MSP to include all who served in the Military after 9/11 and their family members.
The Military Support Program offers specialized support services statewide for troops and their families when care is unavailable, difficult to access, or not covered by insurance. Services include information and referral, case management and counseling for post-deployment stress issues, family counseling, and embedded clinician services.
Beginning in 2007, the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services established the Military Support Program and contracted with ABH to provide administrative services for the program including credentialing of a statewide network of clinicians, referrals, claims inquiries, and claims processing for the Military Support Program.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Call the Call Center
Toll-Free Line: 866.251.2913
EMAIL: MSP@abhct.com
The Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA)
The Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging (SWCAA) is where you turn when you need unbiased, accurate information to help meet the challenges of aging and disability in the community. Federal and State funding supports SWCAA’s information specialists which in turn allows staff to refer based on what you need rather than who will profit.
Veterans Advocacy & Assistance: Provides information and assistance to the state’s veterans and their dependents in obtaining rights, benefits and privileges to which they may be entitled to under law.
