Depression Treatment for Veterans and Active Military

June 26, 2025

Authored by: Taylor Shaw, B.S.

Edited by: Angeleena Francis, LMHC

Veterans and active duty military service members often face mental health challenges upon return to civilian life. Veterans and military service members have an increased risk for self-harm, depression, traumatic brain injury, and flashbacks, which can make settling into the general population incredibly challenging. Service-connected trauma is a very particular, individual and isolating obstacle, and should be treated with care, compassion and understanding. 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

Searching for a mental health care provider who understands the specific struggles of veterans can be difficult. At AMFM Mental Health Treatment, we have over a decade of experience helping provide resources, coping skills, psychiatry, and therapeutic solutions to enable veterans to readjust to daily civilian life. Our qualified professional team is equipped to prescribe antidepressants, therapy and comprehensive treatment plans that address veteran mental health. For more information about our depression treatment for veterans and active military service members, contact us today by phone or online. You don’t have to walk through this recovery journey alone.

More On Veterans and Mental Health Disorders and Conditions

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, depression, 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.

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Veterans and Depression

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Clinical Depression is a mood disorder that is known for causing persistent sadness, a loss of interest in pleasurable activities, and a range of other emotional and physical symptoms. Veterans and active service duty members are at higher risk of depression, as well as suicidal ideation. Symptoms of depression can affect your daily routine, relationships, and overall quality of life, or the return to civilian life.Causes of depression can vary, including generics, experiences you’ve had in life, and a chemical imbalance within your brain. Depression therapy can help you in overcoming depression and may include the use of depression medications and holistic therapies.

What Are Different Types of Depressive Disorders?

Depression can present differently among those experiencing depressive symptoms. There are several types of depressive disorders, each of which have their own features and recommended treatments. While this is not an exhaustive list of mental health depression conditions, it does highlight some of the most common:

Bipolar Disorder (Bipolar Depression)
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Postpartum Depression
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
Psychotic Depression

Types of Therapy for Depression for Veterans

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.⁵ In the case of veterans and service members struggling with 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.⁶ 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.⁷

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 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.

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AMFM Types of Mental Health Treatment Programs for Veterans

AMFM Mental Health Treatment center offers specialized mental health treatment across multiple locations. Our California, Virginia, and Washington locations offer veterans mental health programming and mental health crisis services at the highest level of care. We provide comprehensive case management, a variety of therapies, behavioral health services, and a safe and supportive environment for wellness. We are strategically placed to provide accessible, high-quality care tailored to your needs. To find out more about our facilities, contact us today. Explore our locations below to find the one nearest to you.

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 programs, 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 outpatient programs for veterans, with both in-person and virtual treatment options to meet your unique needs.

Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP)

PHP is a type of mental health program 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 offers PHP for veterans, with both in-person and virtual treatment options to meet your unique needs.

Additional Mental Health Diagnoses and Conditions for Treatment

AMFM Mental Health Treatment has extensive experience treating a variety of mental health disorders beyond depression through evidence-based therapies, including but not limited to the following:

Anxiety Disorders
Eating Disorders
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
ADHD
Bipolar Disorder
Mood Disorders
Psychosis
Schizophrenia
Panic Attacks

Recovery can feel isolating; mental health programming can provide cohesive treatment plans to help you or your loved one as you move forward, overcoming your mental illness.

Health Insurance Coverage for Depression 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 depression 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. This is especially true if you’re looking for specific treatments, like postpartum depression treatments or persistent depressive disorder treatment options.

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What to expect

Insurance Verification:

Our team will verify if your insurance provider is in-network with an AMFM Healthcare Facility.

Contact From Admission Representative:

Expect a call within an hour from an admissions representative to discuss treatment options.

A Future of Lasting Wellness Awaits at AMFM

A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment was founded to bring mental health resources and recovery to those who need it, meeting you with empathy at every step of the way. From admissions to aftercare, our teams are trained to provide the highest level of care, combining compassion with evidence-based personalized treatment plans. Our goal is to encourage and enable long-term behavioral growth and mental well-being in our mental health treatment facilities, to set our clients up for success for the rest of their lives.

You don’t have to embark on this journey alone. Call us to speak confidentially with a member of our care team today.

Citations

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/

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

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

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

MA, Carlberg K. “Crisis Intervention – StatPearls.” NCBI, 24 April 2023, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559081/. Accessed 20 February 2025.