8 Online Veteran Support Groups
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Veterans who are unable or unwilling to join an in-person support group can still reap similar benefits by joining an online support group. Here are 8 groups that we recommend for veterans at home:
1. Facebook Support Groups
Facebook groups offer an easy way to connect to like-minded individuals across the globe. You can connect, talk with, seek support from and give support to other veterans and family members right from your social media account. Make sure you understand what the privacy settings in the group are, though; some groups are closed, which means only people allowed by the moderator in the group can see what you post. Others are open, which means anyone can see what you share.
Some Facebook groups that might be of interest to veterans and their families include:
2. PTSD Coach App
The PTSD Coach mobile app is provided in part by the VA. It includes resources about PTSD, including articles on identifying and working through PTSD alongside professional medical and therapeutic providers. The app also includes a self-assessment that veterans can take to measure their PTSD; and, various links to resources to help veterans and family members find support. The app is available for download on:
3. Vet Friends
Vet Friends is an online search site that helps veterans reconnect with friends from their days in the military. Spouses or other family members can search for veterans who were close to their loved ones, and the site covers individuals in a variety of services, including military retirees, active duty, and ROTC. Around 1.8 million veterans have joined, but you do have to join if you want to be searchable within their database. You can join here. Basic membership is free, however, premium services are offered at a cost.
4. Coaching Into Care
Coaching Into Care is a program of the VA. It provides mentoring and guidance for family members and others who are seeking benefits, care, and other services for veterans. The coaching is provided free of charge to family members via 10- to 30-minute phone calls. Families can call Coaching Into Care from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on weekdays at (888) 823-7458.
5. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
This organization reaches out to and empowers younger Vvterans — specifically those who served post-9/11. IAVA membership is open to “all veterans, families and civilian allies,” and there are no dues. While membership is free, the advocacy organization relies on donations and fundraising efforts to support its work in helping vets unite in the community.
6. National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory is a website that specializes in providing veterans who are wounded or ill with links to organizations that might be able to serve them. The site is fairly comprehensive, thus, new visitors might want to start with the How To Use This Site page. Information on the site includes, but isn’t limited to, subjects such as:
7. Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a single point of contact that 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.
8. Veterans Resource Centers of America
Veterans Resource Centers offers a variety of programs to serve the unique needs of veterans and their families. They work with homeless veterans through re-housing programs, offer transitional housing for those returning from combat zones, and help veterans find employment, among many other things. Vets can visit their site for information about nutrition services, housing, behavioral health treatment, and other resources. The actual centers are located throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona.
1. Facebook Support Groups
Facebook groups offer an easy way to connect to like-minded individuals across the globe. You can connect, talk with, seek support from and give support to other veterans and family members right from your social media account. Make sure you understand what the privacy settings in the group are, though; some groups are closed, which means only people allowed by the moderator in the group can see what you post. Others are open, which means anyone can see what you share.
Some Facebook groups that might be of interest to veterans and their families include:
- PTSD Survivors of America
- The Caregiver Space
- The Women of Our Vietnam Vets — The Silent Warriors
- The Women Behind the Warriors
2. PTSD Coach App
The PTSD Coach mobile app is provided in part by the VA. It includes resources about PTSD, including articles on identifying and working through PTSD alongside professional medical and therapeutic providers. The app also includes a self-assessment that veterans can take to measure their PTSD; and, various links to resources to help veterans and family members find support. The app is available for download on:
3. Vet Friends
Vet Friends is an online search site that helps veterans reconnect with friends from their days in the military. Spouses or other family members can search for veterans who were close to their loved ones, and the site covers individuals in a variety of services, including military retirees, active duty, and ROTC. Around 1.8 million veterans have joined, but you do have to join if you want to be searchable within their database. You can join here. Basic membership is free, however, premium services are offered at a cost.
4. Coaching Into Care
Coaching Into Care is a program of the VA. It provides mentoring and guidance for family members and others who are seeking benefits, care, and other services for veterans. The coaching is provided free of charge to family members via 10- to 30-minute phone calls. Families can call Coaching Into Care from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST on weekdays at (888) 823-7458.
5. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America
This organization reaches out to and empowers younger Vvterans — specifically those who served post-9/11. IAVA membership is open to “all veterans, families and civilian allies,” and there are no dues. While membership is free, the advocacy organization relies on donations and fundraising efforts to support its work in helping vets unite in the community.
6. National Resource Directory
The National Resource Directory is a website that specializes in providing veterans who are wounded or ill with links to organizations that might be able to serve them. The site is fairly comprehensive, thus, new visitors might want to start with the How To Use This Site page. Information on the site includes, but isn’t limited to, subjects such as:
- Employment
- Benefits
- Family support
- Housing
- Military adaptive sports programs
- Transportation and travel
- Homeless assistance
7. Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a single point of contact that 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.
8. Veterans Resource Centers of America
Veterans Resource Centers offers a variety of programs to serve the unique needs of veterans and their families. They work with homeless veterans through re-housing programs, offer transitional housing for those returning from combat zones, and help veterans find employment, among many other things. Vets can visit their site for information about nutrition services, housing, behavioral health treatment, and other resources. The actual centers are located throughout California, Nevada, and Arizona.
To become a member and receive our services, please apply on our Liberty Medical Center of Texas Form and learn more about how we can help you today.
