This Veterans Day, the New York State Office of Mental Health honors the service and sacrifice of all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces and New York State Militia. Veterans Day is honored every Nov. 11 to commemorate the end of World War I in 1918 at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. First named Armistice Day, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all veterans, their unwavering commitment, and their willingness to offer their lives for the common good.
As we honor the patriotism of all who served, let us be reminded of the post-service mental health support veterans may need in their healing and recovery. We recognize that these struggles deserve social support and awareness not only on Veterans Day, but year-round.
The high-risk nature of service time for veterans can lead to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression, and substance abuse. According to North America Behavioral Health Services, although 41% of veterans are estimated to need mental health care each year, less than half are enrolled in VA healthcare programs due to several barriers. These barriers include social stigma, a lack of access to services in remote or underserved areas, and systemic gaps in the mental and public healthcare system. Being part of a community can aid in early intervention. Communities provide safety, support and resources, connections to others, and create a sense of belonging. We encourage veterans to connect with organizations in their local community, such as Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the American Legion.
We can all help support our veterans by understanding some of their unique mental health experiences. One way in which to increase your knowledge is to explore the mental health resources provided by the New York State Department of Veterans’ Services. Another way is to take a training to better understand and support a servicemember who has transitioned back into civilian life and learn about veterans identities. The agency would like to spotlight the following free webinars:
- VA S.A.V.E. Training
- Date: November 10, 2026
- Time: 12-1 p.m.
- Facilitator: Christopher Ramnauth, LCSW and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Western New York Community Engagement and Partnership Program
- Partner Organization: Veterans Crisis Line
- Registration Link: Click to Register
- Veteran Identity and Military Culture
- Date: November 12, 2026
- Time: 12-1 p.m.
- Facilitator: Sara Hults, LCSW and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Western New York Community Engagement and Partnership Program
- Partner Organization: New York State Area Health Education Center System
- Registration Link: Click to Register
- Veterans Mean Business: A Primer for Real Estate Professionals, Veterans, Service Members & Military Families
- Date: November 17, 2026
- Time: 1-2 p.m.
- Facilitator: Dr. Lessie Branch and the NYS Department of Veterans’ Services
- Registration Link: Click to Register
The Office of Mental Health expresses its deep gratitude to all veterans. This is a day to reflect on the extraordinary courage and sacrifice that it takes to serve our country, the generational legacy, and the fierce patriotism demonstrated by each of our veterans. It is also a time to highlight the unique mental health barriers faced by the veteran community. A collective effort is necessary to help veterans in their journey of well-being by supporting their mental health needs, promoting awareness, and improving outcomes. The agency is committed to ensuring New York veterans have the resources to heal, thrive, and live a purpose-driven life.
Resources
- OMH | Information for Military Personnel & Their Families– General resources, resources for families and providers, New York State resources and services.
- NYS Department of Civil Service | Governor’s Program to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities – The Governor’s Programs to Hire Individuals and Veterans with Disabilities consist of two specialized programs: the 55-b and the 55-c Program. These programs are coordinated efforts to place individuals with disabilities in entry-level state jobs.
- NYS Department of Labor | Services for Veterans – A program withspecialized staff who are dedicated to helping veterans and eligible people gain a competitive edge in today’s labor market.
- NYS Department of Veterans’ Services –Helping veterans in New York get the benefits they earned through military service, free help for veterans, spouses, children, and parents. For a list of events throughout New York, please check out the Veterans Outreach Events and Veteran Mobile Unit site. Please see the attached PDF documents for additional resources.
- NYS Division of Military and Naval Affairs
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | Mental Health -Understanding your mental health, ways to get treatment, and connect to care.
- Black Veterans Project – A project to build the collective power of Black veterans, military families, and their allies to demand federal repair, advance racial equity, and protect our nation’s multiracial democracy.
- Modern Military Association of America–Advocacy, community, and education for LGBTQ+ servicemembers, veterans, and their families.
- Youturn Health | Empowering BIPOC Veterans with PTSD: A Guide to Accessing Support – A blog addressing the specific needs of BIPOC veterans with PTSD to ensure access to appropriate support for wellbeing.
- Worried About a Veteran – An initiative that empowers loved ones to prevent veteran gun suicide.
- Wounded Warrior Project -Offers an innovative, personal approach to veteran mental health and wellness centered around veterans.
In Crisis?
- Veterans Crisis Line – If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veterans Crisis Line to receive 24/7, confidential support. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.