Military life is full of moments that shape us. Some are exciting, like arriving at a new duty station, welcoming a new family member, celebrating a promotion, or preparing for a new opportunity. Others can be more challenging, including deployments, financial stress, relationship changes, caregiving responsibilities, mental health struggles, or the transition from military to civilian life. No matter where you are in your journey, one thing remains: you do not have to navigate it alone.
The military community is supported by an extensive network of programs, services, and organizations dedicated to helping service members, veterans, spouses, caregivers, retirees, and military families thrive through every season of life. Whether you need immediate assistance, help navigating a challenge, professional guidance, or simply someone to talk to, support is available. We’ve gathered some of the most trusted resources in one place so you can quickly find the help you need, when you need it.
If You Need Immediate Help - When someone is experiencing a crisis, every minute matters.
Veterans Crisis Line - The Veterans Crisis Line provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Caring, qualified responders are available to help Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.
Call: 988, then Press 1
Text: 838255
Website: veteranscrisisline.net
You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect with support.
Emergency Services - If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harming themselves or others:
Call: 911
Visit: Your nearest emergency room
If there is an immediate threat to life or safety, do not wait to seek emergency assistance.
Support for Everyday Military Life Challenges - Military life comes with unique demands, and sometimes having the right support can make all the difference.
Military OneSource - Military OneSource is your 24/7 connection to trusted information, resources, and support designed specifically for the military community. Available at no cost to service members and their families, Military OneSource provides expert guidance through every stage of military life.
Services include:
Confidential non-medical counseling
Relationship and marriage support
Parenting resources
Financial counseling
Career coaching
Deployment support
Transition assistance
Elder care consultations
Education and relocation resources
Phone: 800-342-9647
Website: militaryonesource.mil
Military OneSource is available anytime, anywhere, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Military and Family Life Counseling (MFLC) - Military and Family Life Counselors provide free, confidential, non-medical counseling designed to help service members and families navigate everyday challenges associated with military life.
MFLC counselors can assist with:
Stress management
Anxiety and adjustment concerns
Grief and loss
Parenting challenges
Relationship issues
Deployment-related stress
Reintegration after deployment
Contact your installation’s Military and Family Support Center to learn about available MFLC services in your area.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health - Mental health is an important part of overall readiness and well-being. Military installations around the world offer behavioral health and mental health services that can include counseling, evaluations, treatment planning, crisis support, and specialty care.
If you’re unsure where to begin, contact your military treatment facility, primary care provider, chaplain, Military OneSource, or local Military and Family Support Center for guidance. Seeking support is a sign of strength, and early intervention can make a meaningful difference.
Resources for Veterans - Transitioning out of military service often brings new opportunities, responsibilities, and challenges. The Department of Veterans Affairs offers benefits and services designed to support Veterans throughout every stage of life.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - The VA provides access to a wide range of benefits and services.
Some of the available services:
Mental health care
PTSD treatment and support
Substance use treatment programs
Telehealth services
Women’s health services
Caregiver support programs
Disability benefits assistance
Health care enrollment support
Phone: 877-222-VETS (8387)
Website: va.gov
VA Homeless Programs - Veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability can access support through VA programs that provide housing resources, case management, employment assistance, and connections to local services.
Phone: 877-424-3838
No Veteran should have to face housing insecurity alone, and help is available.
Financial Assistance During Difficult Times - Unexpected expenses can impact any military family. Fortunately, several military relief organizations exist to provide emergency financial assistance when it is needed most.
Depending on eligibility and circumstances, assistance may be available for:
Emergency travel
Temporary housing needs
Utility expenses
Vehicle repairs
Essential living expenses
Disaster assistance
Emergency family support
Military Relief Organizations
Army Emergency Relief (AER)
Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS)
Air Force Aid Society (AFAS)
Each organization serves its respective military community and offers programs designed to help families remain financially stable during times of need.
Support for Military Families - Military life impacts the entire family, and several organizations are dedicated to supporting spouses, children, and caregivers.
Child Care Aware® of America - Child Care Aware® of America helps military families access high-quality child care and fee assistance programs that support family readiness and long-term success. Through military fee assistance programs, eligible families may be able to reduce out-of-pocket child care costs while accessing quality care options that meet their needs.
Website: childcareaware.org
MilitaryChildCare.com - MilitaryChildCare.com serves as the Department of War gateway for military families seeking military-operated and military-subsidized child care programs worldwide. Families can search for care, submit requests, and manage child care options through a single online platform.
Website: militarychildcare.com
Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP) - The Military Spouse Employment Partnership connects military spouses with hundreds of employer partners committed to recruiting, hiring, promoting, and retaining military spouse talent. Whether you’re searching for a new career opportunity, remote work, professional development resources, or employment support during a PCS move, MSEP can help connect you with employers who understand the realities of military life.
Website: myseco.militaryonesource.mil
You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone
Military life is built on resilience, but resilience does not mean carrying every challenge by yourself. Whether you’re preparing for deployment, adjusting to a PCS move, supporting a loved one, transitioning out of service, navigating financial hardship, or simply facing a difficult season, resources are available to help.
Save this guide. Bookmark it for future reference. Share it with a friend, family member, battle buddy, or fellow military spouse. You may not need every resource listed here today, but someone you know might.
One of the greatest strengths of the military community has always been its willingness to support one another. Knowing where to turn for help is often the first step toward moving forward. No matter what challenge you’re facing, remember this: support is available, and you do not have to face it alone.
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