Talk to a mental health professional | Veterans Affairs Canada

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Main page <span class="expicon glyphicon glyphicon-chevron-right"></span></a> <p>Options available to you as a member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/disability-pension-programs-and-services">Disability pension programs and services</a> <p>Financial payments provided for a service-related illness or injury.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/medical-costs" title="Get help paying for healthcare services and expenses related to your health needs." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64964">Medical costs</a> <p>Get help paying for healthcare services and expenses related to your health needs.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/talk-professional-now" title="Financial payments provided for a service-related illness or injury." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/77971">Talk to a professional now</a> <p>Financial payments provided for a service-related illness or injury.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/talk-someone-who-can-relate" title="There are peer support networks for members or Veterans of the CAF or the RCMP living with an operational stress injury (OSI)." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/77972">Talk to someone who can relate</a> <p>There are peer support networks for members or Veterans of the CAF or the RCMP living with an operational stress injury (OSI).</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/you-and-your-family" title="Services for you and your family when you leave the RCMP." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64965">You and your family</a> <p>Services for you and your family when you leave the RCMP.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/royal-canadian-mounted-police-rcmp/you-and-your-family/transition-interview" title="Leaving the RCMP can be a big change for you and your family. Schedule a transition interview to learn how we can help." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/77970">Transition interview</a> <p>Leaving the RCMP can be a big change for you and your family. Schedule a transition interview to learn how we can help.</p> <li role="presentation" class="slflnk expanded level0 dropdown col-md-12"> <a href="/en" title="Options available to you as a member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">RCMP – More</a> <p>Options available to you as a member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> </ul> <li role="presentation" id="remembrance" class="slflnk expanded level0"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="remembrance" aria-expanded="false">Remembrance</a> <ul class="row" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical"> <li role="presentation" class="expanded dropdown col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/remembrance" class="menu-type menu-header h2">Remembrance - Main page <span class="expicon glyphicon glyphicon-chevron-right"></span></a> <p>Veterans want Canadians to understand the price of freedom. They are passing the torch to the people of Canada, so the memory of their sacrifices will continue, and the values they fought for will live on in all of us.</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/remembrance/wars-and-conflicts">Wars and conflicts</a> <p>A closer look at Canada's military history from the South African War to the present.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/remembrance/people-and-stories" title="Learn the stories of soldiers, Veterans, volunteers, and others who have served Canada." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/60183">People and stories</a> <p>Learn the stories of soldiers, Veterans, volunteers, and others who have served Canada.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/remembrance/classroom" title="Resources, lesson plans, and activities for the classroom." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/60171">Classroom materials</a> <p>Resources, lesson plans, and activities for the classroom.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/remembrance/commemorative-events" title="Upcoming events that commemorate the sacrifices of Canadian Veterans." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/79071">Commemorative events</a> <p>Upcoming events that commemorate the sacrifices of Canadian Veterans.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/remembrance/medals-and-decorations" title="Medals and other decorations that honour Canadians who have served. " role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/104027">Medals and decorations</a> <p>Medals and other decorations that honour Canadians who have served. </p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/remembrance/memorials" title="Memorials and war cemeteries in Canada and around the world that honour Canadians who have served." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/60159">Memorials</a> <p>Memorials and war cemeteries in Canada and around the world that honour Canadians who have served.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/remembrance/commemorative-events/commemorative-partnership" title="Funding for projects that recognize traditional and modern-day Canadian Veterans and those who died in service." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/79072">Funding Programs</a> <p>Funding for projects that recognize traditional and modern-day Canadian Veterans and those who died in service.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/remembrance/memorials/canadian-virtual-war-memorial" title="The Canadian Virtual War Memorial is a registry of Canadians who died in service to our country." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/79073">Search for family and friends who died in service</a> <p>The Canadian Virtual War Memorial is a registry of Canadians who died in service to our country.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/remembrance/people-and-stories/heroes-remember" title="Explore our collection of Heroes Remember interviews to hear personal stories from those who were there." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/79074">Video interviews</a> <p>Explore our collection of Heroes Remember interviews to hear personal stories from those who were there.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="https://library-archives.canada.ca/eng/services/public/access-information-privacy/Pages/access-information-privacy.aspx" title="Those who wish to access military service records must do so through Library and Archives Canada." role="menuitem">How to find service records</a> <p>Those who wish to access military service records must do so through Library and Archives Canada.</p> <li role="presentation" class="slflnk expanded level0 dropdown col-md-12"> <a href="/en" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Remembrance – More</a> <p></p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> </ul> <li role="presentation" id="veterans-rights" class="slflnk expanded level0"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="veterans-rights" aria-expanded="false">Veterans' rights</a> <ul class="row" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical"> <li role="presentation" class="expanded dropdown col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/veterans-rights" class="menu-type menu-header h2">Veterans' rights - Main page <span class="expicon glyphicon glyphicon-chevron-right"></span></a> <p></p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/veterans-rights/how-appeal">How to appeal</a> <p>Independent assistance if you are not satisfied with a decision made by the Department.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/veterans-rights/veterans-bill-rights" title="An expression of the rights Veterans have long identified as important." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/65037">Veterans Bill of Rights</a> <p>An expression of the rights Veterans have long identified as important.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/veterans-rights/access-information-and-privacy" title="Processes requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/65038">Access to Information and Privacy</a> <p>Processes requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/veterans-rights/ethical-issues-and-concerns" title="What to do if you believe that a public servant has violated the Values and Ethics Code." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/65039">Ethical issues and concerns</a> <p>What to do if you believe that a public servant has violated the Values and Ethics Code.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="https://www.ombudsman-veterans.gc.ca" title="Works toward ensuring that Canada's Veterans and their families are recognized and supported in a fair, accessible, and timely manne" role="menuitem">Veterans Ombudsman</a> <p>Works toward ensuring that Canada's Veterans and their families are recognized and supported in a fair, accessible, and timely manne</p> <li role="presentation" class="slflnk expanded level0 dropdown col-md-12"> <a href="/en" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Veterans' rights – More</a> <p></p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> </ul> <li role="presentation" class="level0"> <a href="/en/about-vac/resources/forms" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/60637">Forms</a> <li role="presentation" id="about-vac" class="slflnk expanded level0"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="about-vac" aria-expanded="false">About VAC</a> <ul class="row" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical"> <li role="presentation" class="expanded dropdown col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/about-vac" class="menu-type menu-header h2">About VAC - Main page <span class="expicon glyphicon glyphicon-chevron-right"></span></a> <p>What we do, who we are, news releases, legislation and research</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/about-vac/who-we-are">Who we are</a> <p>Departmental officials and the organizational structure.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/about-vac/our-values" title="A closer look at the core values that guide our business approach for the delivery of programs and services to our clients and stakeholders." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64971">Our values</a> <p>A closer look at the core values that guide our business approach for the delivery of programs and services to our clients and stakeholders.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/about-vac/public-engagement" title="To seek consultation on issues of importance to Veterans and their families." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64976">Public engagement</a> <p>To seek consultation on issues of importance to Veterans and their families.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/about-vac/resources" title="Additional information and tools related to services and benefits from the Department." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64973">Resources</a> <p>Additional information and tools related to services and benefits from the Department.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/about-vac/research" title="Access to the Research directorate and information about funding." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64975">Research</a> <p>Access to the Research directorate and information about funding.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/about-vac/reports-policies-and-legislation" title="Find reports, legislation and policies for departmental programs and services." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64987">Reports, policies and legislation</a> <p>Find reports, legislation and policies for departmental programs and services.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/about-vac/jobs-veterans-affairs-canada" title="Join our mission to serve those who have served. Explore open jobs at Veterans Affairs Canada." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/65071">Jobs at Veterans Affairs Canada</a> <p>Join our mission to serve those who have served. Explore open jobs at Veterans Affairs Canada.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/about-vac/terms-and-conditions" title="Summarizes the privacy policy and practices used on the website." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/65070">Terms and conditions</a> <p>Summarizes the privacy policy and practices used on the website.</p> <li role="presentation" class="slflnk expanded level0 dropdown col-md-12"> <a href="/en" title="What we do, who we are, news releases, legislation and research" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">About VAC – More</a> <p>What we do, who we are, news releases, legislation and research</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> </ul> <li role="presentation" id="news-and-media" class="slflnk expanded level0"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="news-and-media" aria-expanded="false">News and media</a> <ul class="row" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical"> <li role="presentation" class="expanded dropdown col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/news-and-media" class="menu-type menu-header h2">News and media - Main page <span class="expicon glyphicon glyphicon-chevron-right"></span></a> <p>Media relations contact, news releases, articles, backgrounders, facts and figures.</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/news-and-media/public-notices">Public notices</a> <p>Information and alerts related to Veterans Affairs Canada programs or services, including service disruptions, litigation notices and other time-sensitive issues.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/news-and-media/services-and-benefits-videos" title="Rehabilitation services can improve your health and help you adjust to life at home, in your community or at work." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/79143">Services and Benefits videos</a> <p>Rehabilitation services can improve your health and help you adjust to life at home, in your community or at work.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/news-and-media/submit-access-information-and-privacy-atip-requests" title="Make requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/65072">Submit Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) requests</a> <p>Make requests under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/advanced-news-search/news-results.html?_=1497023592283&typ=newsreleases&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=" title="News Releases are used to give details about an announcement, event or key milestone." role="menuitem">News releases</a> <p>News Releases are used to give details about an announcement, event or key milestone.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/advanced-news-search/news-results.html?_=1497023539392&typ=backgrounders&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=" title="Backgrounders provide background or context information on a topic of interest." role="menuitem">Backgrounders</a> <p>Backgrounders provide background or context information on a topic of interest.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/advanced-news-search/news-results.html?_=1497023567687&typ=mediaadvisories&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=" title="Media Advisories are used to inform media of an upcoming event, giving details of who, what, when, where, and why." role="menuitem">Media advisories</a> <p>Media Advisories are used to inform media of an upcoming event, giving details of who, what, when, where, and why.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/news-and-media/media-kits" title="Information packages for media." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/60206">Media kits</a> <p>Information packages for media.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/advanced-news-search/news-results.html?_=1622657048512&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=" title="A statement replaces a news release if there will not be an event." role="menuitem">Statements</a> <p>A statement replaces a news release if there will not be an event.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/news-and-media/articles-veterans-and-families" title="Discover articles about Veterans and their journey from service to civilian life, and of the people or organizations who support them." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/535">Articles for Veterans and families</a> <p>Discover articles about Veterans and their journey from service to civilian life, and of the people or organizations who support them.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/news-and-media/salute" title="Salute! is now a monthly e-newsletter." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/60203">Salute!</a> <p>Salute! is now a monthly e-newsletter.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/news-and-media/facts-and-figures" title="Current and forecasted statistics about Veterans and other clients of Veterans Affairs Canada." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59340">Facts and Figures</a> <p>Current and forecasted statistics about Veterans and other clients of Veterans Affairs Canada.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/news-and-media/infographics" title="Visual representations presented in a straightforward and engaging manner." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/60169">Infographics</a> <p>Visual representations presented in a straightforward and engaging manner.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive-search/news-results.html?_=1497023342709&dprtmnt=veteransaffairscanada&start=&end=" title="Search for all archived news products from 2015 and earlier." role="menuitem">Search for archived news articles</a> <p>Search for all archived news products from 2015 and earlier.</p> <li role="presentation" class="slflnk expanded level0 dropdown col-md-12"> <a href="/en" title="Media relations contact, news releases, articles, backgrounders, facts and figures." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">News and media – More</a> <p>Media relations contact, news releases, articles, backgrounders, facts and figures.</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> </ul> <li role="presentation" id="contact-us" class="slflnk expanded active level0"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en" tabindex="-1" aria-haspopup="true" aria-controls="contact-us" aria-expanded="false">Contact us</a> <ul class="row" role="menu" aria-orientation="vertical"> <li role="presentation" class="expanded dropdown active col-md-12"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/contact-us" class="menu-type menu-header h2">Contact us - Main page <span class="expicon glyphicon glyphicon-chevron-right"></span></a> <p>Call toll-free 1-866-522-2122 - Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30, local time</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a role="menuitem" href="/en/contact-us/emergency">Is this an emergency?</a> <p>Mental health, financial, homeless, and family issues.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/contact-us/my-vac-account" title="A simple and secure way to do business online." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/60275">My VAC Account</a> <p>A simple and secure way to do business online.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/contact-us/talk-mental-health-professional" title="The VAC Assistance Service provides free and confidential psychological support that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59862" class="is-active">Talk to a mental health professional</a> <p>The VAC Assistance Service provides free and confidential psychological support that is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/contact-us#office" title="Area Offices, CAF Transition Centres, Bureau of Pensions Advocates and Service Canada Centres." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3068">Find a location nearest you</a> <p>Area Offices, CAF Transition Centres, Bureau of Pensions Advocates and Service Canada Centres.</p> </li> <li role="separator" class="col-md-12 clearfix"> <hr class="col-md-12"> </li> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/contact-us#other" title="Services and Benefits, ATIP, BPAs, Media relations, Learning resources, Outsite of Canada?" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3068">Other inquiries</a> <p>Services and Benefits, ATIP, BPAs, Media relations, Learning resources, Outsite of Canada?</p> <li role="presentation" class="col-sm-6 h3"> <a href="/en/contact-us/help" title="Our web site has been designed to provide you with different ways to find information on our programs and services." role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59863">Help</a> <p>Our web site has been designed to provide you with different ways to find information on our programs and services.</p> <li role="presentation" class="slflnk expanded active level0 dropdown col-md-12"> <a href="/en" title="Call toll-free 1-866-522-2122 - Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30, local time" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="<front>">Contact us – More</a> <p>Call toll-free 1-866-522-2122 - Monday to Friday 8:30 to 4:30, local time</p> <hr style="margin-top: 12px !important;" class="col-md-12"> </ul> </ul> </div> </nav> <div class="region region-breadcrumb"> <nav id="wb-bc" property="breadcrumb" aria-labelledby="breadcrumbTitle"> <h2 id="breadcrumbTitle">You are here</h2> <div class="container"> <ol class="breadcrumb"> <li > <a href="/en">Home</a> </li> <li > <a href="/en/contact-us">Contact us</a> </li> <li > Talk to a mental health professional </li> </ol> </div> </nav> </div> </header> <div class="container"> <div class="row"> <div class="highlighted"> <div class="region region-highlighted"> <div data-drupal-messages-fallback class="hidden"></div> </div> </div> <main property="mainContentOfPage" class="col-md-12 main-container container js-quickedit-main-content"> <section> <a id="main-content"></a> <div class="region region-content"> <h1 id="wb-cont">Talk to a mental health professional</h1> <div class="views-element-container block block-views block-views-blockonline-archive-view-block-block-1 clearfix" id="block-views-block-online-archive-view-block-block-1" data-block-plugin-id="views_block:online_archive_view_block-block_1"> <div class="form-group"><div class="view view-online-archive-view-block view-id-online_archive_view_block view-display-id-block_1 js-view-dom-id-94a7cc5dd3a33a37447599f8232ed1b2ef5c6789b5542fbfc52509584727b4c0"> </div> </div> </div> <article data-history-node-id="59862" class="program-page full clearfix"> <div class="content"> <div class="layout layout--onecol"> <div class="layout__region layout__region--content"> <div data-block-plugin-id="extra_field_block:node:program_page:links" class="block block-layout-builder block-extra-field-blocknodeprogram-pagelinks clearfix"> </div> <div data-block-plugin-id="field_block:node:program_page:body" class="block block-layout-builder block-field-blocknodeprogram-pagebody clearfix"> <div class="field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field--item"><div class="article-panel"> <div class="row mrgn-tp-lg mrgn-bttm-lg program-panel"> <nav class="col-sm-4 col-xs-12"><h2 class="mrgn-lft-md mrgn-tp-md">Quick links</h2> <ol class="mrgn-lft-md list-unstyled lst-spcd colcount-sm-1 mrgn-tp-md "><li><a href="#01" id="about">About this program</a></li> <li><a href="#02" id="qualify">Do you qualify?</a></li> <li><a href="#03" id="apply">How to access the service</a></li> <li><a href="#04" id="additional_inf0">Additional information</a></li> <li><a href="#05" id="faq">Frequently asked questions</a></li> </ol></nav><div class="col-sm-8 col-xs-12 "> <blockquote class="lead text-info">Call <a href="tel:18002687708">1-800-268-7708</a> to speak to a mental health professional right now, or use the <a href="https://health.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/employee-assistance-services/contact-us/chat-step-1-3.html">online chat</a> to set up an appointment. A confidential and free service available 24/7 to Veterans, former RCMP members, their family members, and caregivers.</blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="row mrgn-tp-xl mrgn-bttm-xl"> <div class="col-sm-4 col-xs-12"> <h2 class="mrgn-tp-0" id="01">About this program</h2> </div> <div class="col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <h3 class="mrgn-tp-0">Support for your mental health</h3> <p>The VAC Assistance Service provides free, short-term psychological support with a mental health professional.</p> <p>When you contact the VAC Assistance Service, you will speak to a mental health professional. They will help identify your needs and make an appropriate referral to a local mental health professional. You can usually receive an appointment within five working days.</p> <p>You can receive between one and up to 20 hours of confidential support through this service. The number of hours will depend on the nature, severity and urgency of the issue.</p> <p>For immediate support, call <a href="tel:18002687708">1-800-268-7708</a> to speak to a mental health professional right now.</p> <h3>Many kinds of help</h3> <p>The VAC Assistance Service provides support for issues that affect your well-being. These could include:</p> <ul><li>Work-related issues</li> <li>Health concerns</li> <li>Family and marital problems</li> <li>Psychological difficulties</li> <li>Bereavement</li> <li>Other problems that affect your well-being</li> </ul><h3>Scenarios</h3> <p>Here are some scenarios that describe what could happen, who might be affected, and how problems could be addressed through support services.</p> <p><span class="bold">A family of five, where one parent is a Veteran:</span> The Veteran is experiencing marital difficulties, work-related issues, and problems with one of their school-aged children. The Veteran, their spouse and child can each attend their own sessions with a professional. They can each receive between one and up to 20 hours of psychological support for each issue. For example, the spouse may require 15 hours of support while the Veteran and child may only require five and eight hours of support, respectively.</p> <p><span class="bold">A single, former RCMP member who lives with a 28-year-old extended family member:</span> The former RCMP member was seriously ill and recently hospitalized. His 28-year-old niece takes care of him and supported him during his hospitalization and during his recovery. The former RCMP member and his niece, as caregiver, can both receive support. Each person can receive between one and up to 20 hours of psychological support for their issues.</p> <p><span class="bold">After receiving support for one issue, another issue arises:</span> A Veteran and their family previously used the VAC Assistance Service for family issues and now need support for health concerns. The Veteran and family members can each receive between one and up to 20 hours of psychological support services for the health concern. In this example, the Veteran may need 17 hours of support to resolve the issue, and a family member may need 10 hours of support.</p> <p><span class="bold">A former RCMP member living in an isolated region</span>: The former RCMP member cannot regularly get to an urban area to see a mental health professional in person. The VAC Assistance Service can provide telephone psychological support to them and each of their family members.</p> </div> </div> <hr class="brdr-tp-drk" /><div class="row mrgn-tp-xl mrgn-bttm-xl"> <div class="col-sm-4 col-xs-12"> <h2 class="mrgn-tp-0" id="02">Do you qualify?</h2> </div> <div class="col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <p>The service is for:</p> <ul><li>Canadian Armed Forces Veterans</li> <li>Former members of the RCMP</li> <li>their families<strong>*</strong>, and</li> <li>their caregivers</li> </ul><p>You do not need to be receiving other services from Veterans Affairs Canada to receive this service.</p> <p><strong>*</strong>This service is available to children up to 21 years old (or up to age 25, if they are full-time students).</p> </div> </div> <hr class="brdr-tp-drk" /><div class="row mrgn-tp-xl mrgn-bttm-xl"> <div class="col-sm-4 col-xs-12"> <h2 class="mrgn-tp-0" id="03">How to access the service</h2> </div> <div class="col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <p class="bold">You have free, confidential access to this service, without the need to apply.</p> <p>Contact the VAC Assistance Service by phone or use the online chat to set up an appointment.</p> <p class="bold">Call for immediate support:</p> <ul><li><a href="tel:18002687708">1-800-268-7708</a></li> <li>For hearing-impaired persons, TTY: <a href="tel:18005675803">1-800-567-5803</a></li> <li>Available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year</li> </ul><p class="bold">Use the online chat to make an appointment with a mental health professional:</p> <ul><li>Available Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), excluding statutory holidays.</li> <li>To <a href="https://health.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/environmental-workplace-health/occupational-health-safety/employee-assistance-services/contact-us/chat-step-1-3.html">access the Online Chat</a>: <ul><li><b>Select the option that applies to you:</b> in the drop-down menu select I am an employee, or current or former RCMP/CAF member</li> <li><b>Select an organization:</b> in the drop-down menu scroll down and select Veterans Affairs Canada – Former RCMP and CAF members</li> <li><b>Enter the password:</b> canada (all lowercase)</li> </ul></li> </ul></div> </div> <hr class="brdr-tp-drk" /><div class="row mrgn-tp-xl mrgn-bttm-xl"> <div class="col-sm-4 col-xs-12"> <h2 class="mrgn-tp-0" id="04">Additional information</h2> </div> <div class="col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <h3 class="mrgn-tp-0">Bereavement</h3> <p>The service can also assist family members who need support following the service-related death of a Veteran or member of the CAF or RCMP.</p> <h3><a href="/eng/health-support/mental-health-and-wellness/counselling-services/speak-to-a-chaplain">Pastoral outreach</a></h3> <p>You and your immediate family can get spiritual support when the need arises through VAC’s pastoral outreach service.</p> <h3><a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="97e5b4bd-661e-497a-b964-763c020ba9f9" href="/en/mental-and-physical-health/mental-health-and-wellness/understanding-mental-health/lifespeak" title="LifeSpeak for Veterans, former RCMP and their families">LifeSpeak for Veterans, former RCMP their families and caregivers</a></h3> <p>A self-help website with videos and information about mental health, nutrition and other issues that matter to you.</p> <h3>Related programs</h3> <p><a href="/eng/health-support/mental-health-and-wellness/counselling-services/someone-who-can-relate">Talk to someone who can relate</a> - Operational Stress Injury Social Support (OSISS) is a peer support network for CAF members, Veterans, their families and caregivers experiencing an operational stress injury (OSI).</p> </div> </div> <hr class="brdr-tp-drk" /><div class="row mrgn-tp-xl mrgn-bttm-xl"> <div class="col-sm-4 col-xs-12"> <h2 class="mrgn-tp-0" id="05">Frequently asked questions</h2> </div> <div class="col-sm-8 col-xs-12"> <h3 class="mrgn-tp-0 h4">Who answers your call?</h3> <p>A Canadian mental health professional is always ready to respond to a call. They are bilingual with at least a master’s degree in a psychosocial field and they are trained in crisis and suicide intervention. If they determine that it is an urgent situation, they will provide you immediate support over the phone. They will make recommendations for further support and refer you to a mental health professional in your region for face-to-face psychological support. If you live in a remote area where access to in-person services is limited, psychological support can be provided by telephone.</p> <h3 class="h4">How many sessions are provided?</h3> <p>You can receive between 1 and up to 20 hours of psychological support per issue. The actual number of hours will vary depending on the nature, severity, and urgency of the problem. If the issue requires longer term support than the program can offer, you will be referred to external resources and supported until those specialized services are available.</p> <h3 class="h4">Are there services for Veterans in isolated areas or outside of Canada?</h3> <p>If you are living in a remote area or outside of Canada, you can call or use the online chat to receive psychological support with a mental health professional. If you are located outside of Canada, you can make a collect call by dialing <a href="tel:16139415842">613-941-5842</a>.</p> <h3 class="h4">What to do if I haven’t received a call from a counsellor within 2 business days?</h3> <p>If you do not receive a call from a counsellor within 48 hours, please call <a href="tel:18002687708">1-800-268-7708</a>. We will follow-up with your mental health professional and ensure all the contact information is correct.</p> </div> </div> <div class="clearfix"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> </div> <div class="pagedetails region region-content-footer"> <div class="row"> <div id="block-vac-sharewidgetblock" class="pddg-bttm-md hidden block block-wxt-library block-share-widget-block clearfix" data-block-plugin-id="share_widget_block"> <div class="wb-share mrgn-bttm-sm pull-right" data-wb-share='{"filter":["facebook","gmail","twitter"],"pnlId":"pnl1","lnkClass":"btn btn-default"}'></div> </div> <div id="block-vac-datemodifiedblock" class="col-md-12 block block-wxt-library block-date-modified-block clearfix" data-block-plugin-id="date_modified_block"> <dl id="wb-dtmd"> <dt>Date modified:</dt> <dd><time property="dateModified">2024-10-24</time></dd></dl> </div> </div> </div> </section> </main> </div> </div> <footer id="wb-info"> <div class="landscape"> <div class="container"> <div class="region region-footer"> <div id="tp-pg-flt-btn" class="tp-pg-flt" style="display:none;"> <a title="Top of page" href="#wb-bnr"><span class="fa fa-chevron-up" aria-hidden="true"></span> Top of page</a> <div> </div> </div> <div class="container mrgn-bttm-xl pddg-lft-0 pddg-rght-0 footer-links"> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-4"> <nav id="block-vac-footer" data-block-plugin-id="system_menu_block:footer" class="visible-sm visible-md visible-lg wb-navcurr"> <h2>About this site</h2> <section class="col-sm-3"> <h3>About VAC</h3> <ul role="menu" class="list-unstyled"> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/about-vac/our-values/accessibility-veterans-affairs-canada" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64983">Accessibility</a> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/about-vac/who-we-are" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64986">Who we are</a> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/about-vac/our-values" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64971">What we do</a> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/about-vac/research" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64975">Research</a> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/about-vac/resources" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/64973">Resources</a> </li> </ul> </section> <section class="col-sm-3"> <h3>Contact Us</h3> <ul role="menu" class="list-unstyled"> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/contact-us" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/3068">Inquiries</a> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/contact#outside-canada" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="contact">Outside Canada</a> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/contact#office" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="contact">Locations</a> </li> <li role="presentation"> <a href="/en/about-vac/resources/stay-connected" role="menuitem" data-drupal-link-system-path="node/59910">Stay connected</a> </li> </ul> </section> </nav> <div class="row"> <div class="col-xs-12"> <section class="col-sm-12 pddg-lft-0 pddg-rght-0 pddg-tp-md"> <a href="/en/node/78200" class="btn btn-default">Follow Us <svg class="svg-inline--fa fa-share-alt fa-w-14 mrgn-lft-sm" aria-hidden="true" aria-labelledby="svg-inline--fa-title-bIkSVaDTe7Zf" data-prefix="fas" data-icon="share-alt" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewbox="0 0 448 512" data-fa-i2svg=""> <title id="svg-inline--fa-title-bIkSVaDTe7Zf">Follow Us</title> <path fill="currentColor" d="M352 320c-22.608 0-43.387 7.819-59.79 20.895l-102.486-64.054a96.551 96.551 0 0 0 0-41.683l102.486-64.054C308.613 184.181 329.392 192 352 192c53.019 0 96-42.981 96-96S405.019 0 352 0s-96 42.981-96 96c0 7.158.79 14.13 2.276 20.841L155.79 180.895C139.387 167.819 118.608 160 96 160c-53.019 0-96 42.981-96 96s42.981 96 96 96c22.608 0 43.387-7.819 59.79-20.895l102.486 64.054A96.301 96.301 0 0 0 256 416c0 53.019 42.981 96 96 96s96-42.981 96-96-42.981-96-96-96z"></path> </svg><span class="sr-only">Follow Us</span> </a> </section> </div> </div> </div> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-8"> <div class="row mrgn-tp-lg"> <div class="col-xs-12 col-sm-6 mrgn-bttm-lg"> <h3>Questions? 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