Addressing the Mental Health Care Gap for Veterans & Their Families
The U.S. is home to more than 16 million veterans who comprise nearly 6% of the civilian workforce. Despite their resilience and skills, many veterans experience barriers to care that can impact their overall well-being. Chief among these barriers is the stigma surrounding mental health support, which begins during active duty and remains a formidable obstacle within the veteran community after returning home.
The unique behavioral health risks of veterans
Military service includes experiences that can leave lasting mental and emotional scars. This makes veterans uniquely vulnerable to:
- Suicide: Approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day in the U.S. In fact, suicide is the second leading cause of death among veterans under the age of 45, with rates remaining elevated even decades after discharge. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), chronic pain and the emotional toll of service are key contributors.
- Substance use disorder (SUD): Nearly 1 in 10 veterans have been diagnosed with SUD, a rate significantly higher than in the civilian population. Substance use often starts as a means to cope with pain or trauma but can escalate into chronic misuse. Many veterans also face co-occurring conditions, such as depression and anxiety.
- Domestic violence: Veterans experience elevated rates of both perpetrating and experiencing intimate partner violence. The psychological effects of trauma, chronic stress and PTSD can contribute to aggression and relationship difficulties, which, in turn, affect entire families.

“For veterans, coverage for PTSD, SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions is critical, as well as availability of clinical staff to navigate available in-network mental health treatment options.”
Leza Ogren, LICSW – VP of Clinical Operations
The ripple effect on families and employers
The mental health struggles of veterans don’t just impact the individuals themselves — their families also face significant challenges. Spouses and children may experience stress, financial strain and long-term emotional repercussions from exposure to behaviors like aggression or substance misuse. These struggles can translate into higher health care costs and absenteeism at work.
Overcoming barriers to care
As noted, one of the most significant hurdles for veterans seeking behavioral health support is stigma. Many veterans fear that admitting to mental health struggles will be seen as a sign of weakness, both professionally and personally. Employers and health plans can help dismantle this stigma by promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding, as well as:
- Offering Tailored Behavioral Health Benefits: Coverage for PTSD, SUD and co-occurring mental health conditions is critical, as well as availability of clinical staff to navigate available in-network mental health treatment options. Integrated care that addresses both physical and mental health is especially beneficial for veterans.
- Providing Access to Veteran-Specific Resources: Highlight community-based programs, nonprofit organizations and specialized therapy providers that cater to veterans. Not all veterans qualify for VA services or feel comfortable using them, so offering alternatives is crucial.
- Addressing Family Needs: Behavioral health programs should include support for families, recognizing the ripple effects of military service on spouses and children.
- Investing in Prevention and Early Intervention: Offering confidential screenings, Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and wellness initiatives can help identify and address behavioral health issues before they escalate.
Addressing veterans’ unique challenges doesn’t just support their well-being. It can also improve workplace productivity and reduce health care costs. The physical and mental toll that military service can take on an individual can be lifelong, and our support for their continued health once they return home is the least we can do to thank them.
Leza Ogren, LICSW is vice president of clinical operations at Lucet. Contributions from Crystal Servello, LMSW, utilization manager and Sarah Brown, supervisor of clinical support.