Anxiety Treatment for Veterans and Active Military

veteran anxiety

Mental Health Challenges Faced by Veterans

Research indicates that approximately 14% to 16% of the US service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq have been affected by PTSD or depression.1 Service-connected trauma is also a very particular, individual and isolating obstacle, and should be treated with care, compassion and understanding. Additionally, veteran suicide rates have reached their highest level in recorded history, with over 6000 veterans dying by suicide annually.2 AMFM Mental Health Treatment facilities provide compassionate care, suicide prevention strategies, and readjustment counseling to any active or inactive military personnel struggling with military sexual trauma, PTSD, anxiety, or other related mental health disorders. 

In 2020, approximately 5.2 million Veterans experienced a behavioral health condition.3 Beyond mental health problems and behavioral struggles, Veterans make up a significant percentage of the homeless and transient population. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimates that 40,056 veterans are homeless on any given night, and over the course of a year, approximately twice that many experience homelessness.4 The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers both medical benefits, VA health care, and housing assistance for veterans and their loved ones. You can learn more about your eligibility for coverage and assistance at https://www.va.gov/, or download the VA app here to find resources or a vet center near you.

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts, and physical changes like increased blood pressure; it’s considered a future-oriented, long-acting response broadly focused on a diffuse threat.5

Anxiety disorders can include but are not limited to:

  • Panic Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Agoraphobia
  • Specific Phobias
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (social phobia)
  • Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Separation Anxiety Disorder

Symptoms of Anxiety in Veterans

Anxiety symptoms can manifest in many physical ways throughout the body, depending upon the person, including: 

  • Hyperventilation
  • Hypervigilance
  • Shortness of Breath‌
  • Muscle Tension
  • Chest Tightness
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Increased Heart Rate
  • Intense Fear
  • Chronic Stress
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Excessive Worry
  • Panic Attacks

The primary difference in anxiety amongst veterans versus civilians is how symptoms present themselves.

Generally speaking, anxiety symptoms in civilians are anticipatory. Amongst veterans, however, symptoms are often conditioned, trauma-based, and neurologically reinforced by prolonged exposure to danger. 

Mental Health Treatment Options for Veterans with Anxiety

Inpatient/Residential Treatment

Residential mental health facilities are designed to offer mental health resources, structure, and treatment plans to those struggling with a variety of mental health conditions in a live-in environment. Because these are inpatient behavioral health programs, they offer a more holistic and hands-on, in-person treatment approach with 24/7 access to health care and personalized treatment plans. Our Residential Facilities have qualified clinicians on staff, to provide medication management, therapeutic programming, and the highest level of care.

Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP)

Intensive Outpatient Mental Health Treatment is a form of treatment designed to help those with mental health conditions through a combination of group and individual therapy. Qualified mental health professionals lead clients through behavioral health programming, providing personalized treatment plans, evidence-based treatment, and psychoeducation resources. IOP programs provide comprehensive mental health treatment and thorough access to health care, but at a more flexible schedule. AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers intensive outpatient programs with both in-person and virtual treatment options to meet your unique needs.

Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP)

PHP is a form of mental health treatment designed to help those struggling with mental health issues through a combination of group and individual therapy, to improve well-being. Qualified mental health professionals lead clients through behavioral health programming, providing personalized treatment plans, evidence-based programs, and psychoeducation resources. PHP programs provide comprehensive mental health treatment and thorough access to health care, but at a more flexible schedule. 


Unlike inpatient residential treatment, the partial hospitalization program option only takes place during the day, allowing clients to return home at night and on the weekends, with less disruption to daily life. This level of care may be helpful for those continuing studies or work in the evenings or on the weekends. AMFM Mental Health Treatment for veterans offers both in-person and virtual treatment options to meet your unique needs.

ARE YOU OR A LOVED ONE STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL HEALTH?

AMFM is here to help you or your loved one take the next steps towards an improved mental well-being.

Therapies Offered for Veterans with Anxiety

AMFM Mental Health Treatment for veterans combines holistic and evidence-based mental health services in order to help each person overcome their particular obstacles and mental health conditions with a fresh toolkit of skills. In the case of veterans, therapies and mental health resources are often geared toward recovery from post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma challenges.

EMDR Therapy

EMDR Therapy is a renowned method of reprocessing most often used in trauma therapy. By activating the prefrontal cortex through a series of bilateral stimulation, qualified professionals can lead you through traumatic experiences, helping you to alleviate the distress symptomized by trauma.7 In the case of veterans and service members struggling with high-stress environments, common stressors and traumatic events, EMDR therapy is highly recommended for effective treatment.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that’s focused on restructuring and reprogramming maladaptive and negative thought processes.8 Psychologists are trained to help you change your cognitive and emotional processes in order to outgrow coping mechanisms that may no longer be serving you. CBT has been proven to help with increasing mindfulness and emotional well-being for long-term recovery.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT, or “talk therapy,” helps process emotions by talking through situations with a qualified individual, in order to move forward with healthier ways of navigating interpersonal relationships, minimizing physical and emotional stress.

Group Therapy

Group therapy sessions can be used to provide structured times to help you understand that you are not alone in your struggles, encouraging peer support through these challenges, while also providing guidance, suggestions and communications from psychologists with specialized backgrounds.9 

Individual Therapy

Our individual therapy sessions for men provide a safe, one-on-one space to explore personal challenges and develop effective coping strategies, utilizing evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). These tailored sessions focus on addressing root causes of mental health concerns and fostering long-term resilience.

Holistic Therapies

Our inpatient program integrates holistic therapies into our treatment plans to address the mind-body connection, using mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and nutritional guidance. These practices enhance overall well-being and complement evidence-based therapies for comprehensive healing.

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

ECT is a form of “Shock Therapy,” designed for brain stimulation, and only utilized in cases of severe depression. While ECT has historically gotten a bad reputation, when properly administered it can be a useful tool for those who cannot accept psychiatric assistance.

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

TMS is a type of therapy that uses magnetic pulses to treat anxiety and depression by stimulating certain areas of the brain. This is a noninvasive method of treatment that some mental health programs offer. 

Family Therapy

AMFM Mental Health Treatment offers family therapy through virtual family support groups that provide a dedicated time for families to engage in supportive and constructive interactions, fostering stronger relationships, and enhancing the overall treatment experience. Recovery takes a village, and it’s often helpful for family members to be involved in behavioral growth.

Veterans Crisis Line

Dial 988, then press 1 to be connected to the Veterans’ Crisis Line–a 24/7 confidential hotline for Vets and their loved ones. You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.

Does Insurance Cover Anxiety Treatment for Veterans?

The VA offers health insurance and resources to veterans. If you’re looking to enroll in VA services, you can look into Tricare Health Alliance or others through the Veterans Health Administration. Most VA-related health insurance companies provide some form of coverage for anxiety treatment. This often includes both inpatient and outpatient care, depending on your symptoms. Coverage generally applies to therapy, counseling, and medication management services. Your plan may have limitations, exclusions, or required authorizations.

We encourage you to verify your coverage with AMFM Mental Health Treatment to understand the full scope of your insurance plan’s in-network benefits. Veterans can also obtain a VA disability rating for anxiety disorders, giving them access to monthly compensation.10 If you want to learn more about your disability compensation, VA disability benefits, your VA disability rating for anxiety treatment, or VA claims, you can learn more here, or fill out our insurance verification form below, to see how AMFM Mental Health Treatment coverage may fit for you.

See If Treatment Is Covered

Insurance can be complicated but we are here to help. AMFM has over a decade of experience in the mental health field and is in-network with many large insurance providers.

By using our form, we can quickly determine if you are in-network at one of our facilities. Insurance benefits vary greatly depending on the policy you have, so we obtain a detailed quote of your coverage.

It usually takes between sixty to ninety minutes depending on the time of day.

Our team will check insurance coverage and determine the benefits available to you for mental health services.

We also have private pay options available.

100% Confidential

No Commitment

Anxiety Treatment Programs for Veterans Near Me

AMFM Mental Health Treatment in San Diego is established in the mental health industry, with over a decade of experience in helping people return to their daily lives with adjusted and healthy coping mechanisms, strong foundations in lasting recovery, and tools for cognitive and behavioral health. 

Mental health treatment plans are highly personalized and evidence-based, to encourage lasting well-being and a strong, foundational recovery process. At AMFM Mental Health Treatment, the quality of care is held to the highest standard, and if, upon assessment and intake, the team finds that they cannot provide the specific care you’re interested in, they will help guide you in the direction of other additional resources. It is our goal to meet you with trust, care, compassion and understanding at every touchstone in your mental health recovery journey.

Reaching out for help in your mental health journey can be difficult, emotional and overwhelming. With AMFM Mental Health Treatment, we’re with you every step of the way, offering compassion, guidance, resources, and understanding the whole way. If you are interested, confused, or need help, give us a call. You or your loved one don’t have to walk through this alone. 

Find Anxiety Treatment Programs

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides treatment for adults experiencing various conditions. Anxiety support is a phone call away – call 866-478-4383 to learn about our current treatment options.

See our residences in Southern California’s Orange County & San Diego County.

Take a look at our homes on the east side of the Metro area in Washington County.

View our facilities in Fairfax County, VA within the DC metro area.

How to Start Treatment for Anxiety at AMFM

Understanding the admission process at AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers can decrease some of the stress that often occurs with this transition. While there may be some variations in the admission process among our different facilities, the key components of this process are consistent. We have crafted our admission process to be efficient and direct, including the following steps:

When you first contact AMFM, our admission counselors will gather your contact information and ask for a basic overview of your symptoms and treatment goals.

We will then schedule you for an assessment which includes a mental health history, exploration of your symptoms, and a discussion of your expectations for treatment.

Our admission counselors will then contact your insurance company to better understand the scope of your coverage.

Using the information learned during your assessment, our clinical team will develop a personalized treatment plan. This will guide your treatment throughout the duration of your treatment.

Once the necessary steps are completed, we will coordinate your admission. Depending on your needs, we may be able to assist you in your travels.

When you arrive at our facility, we will provide you with a brief tour and introduction to our staff. This can help you feel at home in our residential treatment facility.

Once you’re settled, you can begin attending treatment as scheduled.

Our clinical team will continually monitor your symptoms and progress. When needed, they will make adjustments to your treatment plan.

Interested in Learning More?

Request a Call from Our Admission Team

Complete the form to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% confidential.

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Moore MJ, Shawler E, Jordan CH, Jackson CA. Veteran and Military Mental Health Issues. 2023 Aug 17. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan–. PMID: 34283458.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283458/ 

Owens, Stacey. “Supporting the Behavioral Health Needs of Our Nation’s Veterans.” Www.samhsa.gov, 8 Nov. 2022, https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/supporting-behavioral-health-needs-our-nations-veterans 

Veteran homelessness. National Coalition for Homeless Veterans. (2025b, February 26).  https://nchv.org/veteran-homelessness/ 

“Anxiety.” American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety. Accessed 8 April 2025. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety#:~:text=Anxiety%20is%20an%20emotion%20characterized,the%20APA%20Dictionary%20of%20Psychology 

“Any Anxiety Disorder – National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).” National Institute of Mental Health, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder. Accessed 8 April 2025.https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder 

 “What is EMDR?” EMDR Institute, https://www.emdr.com/what-is-emdr/. Accessed 20 February 2025

“APA Dictionary of Psychology.” APA Dictionary of Psychology, https://dictionary.apa.org/cognitive-behavior-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

“Psychotherapy: Understanding group therapy.” American Psychological Association, 31 October 2019, https://www.apa.org/topics/psychotherapy/group-therapy. Accessed 20 February 2025.

Veterans Disability Info. (2025, March 3). Veterans’ qualifications for anxiety claims and the VA rating. https://www.veteransdisabilityinfo.com/blog/what-qualifies-a-veteran-for-an-anxiety-claim-and-how-is-the-anxiety-va-rating-involved/