By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
There is a bit of good news today for military veterans residing in the Yellowhammer State.
Alabama military veterans will have access to 3,000 free telehealth therapy sessions through a new program funded by a $750,000 grant awarded to Centerstone by the Alabama Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee. These are therapy sessions you can receive from the comfort of your own home.
The program will provide behavioral health services at no cost to veterans regardless of their era of service or military discharge status. Services are available to veterans across Alabama through the new program.
Veterans will work with licensed behavioral health clinicians who are trained and experienced not only in mental health treatment, but also in military culture. Centerstone said initial appointments can be scheduled in less than 14 days after enrollment.
“We recognized the overwhelming need for mental health treatment for veterans and their families in Alabama, which has a high veteran population,” Centerstone Military Services CEO Anna Goletz said. “This was a great opportunity, and it aligned with our mission to remove barriers for care for our nation’s heroes when they are brave enough to reach out for help.”
Mental health is just as important as your physical health, and there should be no shame in reaching out to make sure you take care of yourself, both physically and mentally. Veterans served our country, but for too long, there has been a deficiency in services for military veterans and their mental health. That ended today.
A major goal of Centerstone Military Services is preventing and ending veteran suicide. According to data cited by the organization from the Face the Fight Coalition, suicide is the No. 2 cause of death among veterans younger than 45.
The funding for the therapy sessions comes from the National Opioid Settlement and is administered through the Alabama Department of Mental Health. A 2024 Alabama law set aside $3 million for veterans programs through a request-for-proposals process.
The Alabama Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee evaluates the behavioral health needs of the state’s veteran population and identifies gaps in available care. The funding is intended to expand access to mental health services for veterans who may otherwise face barriers to treatment.
Veterans participating in the program will also receive support from a dedicated clinical care coordinator who will assist them throughout the entire therapy process.
“Veterans are trained to be resilient, and that strength remains with them long after their service,” Goletz said. “At Centerstone Military Services, we want veterans to know that seeking support is part of that resilience. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself and those you care about.”
Alabama has approximately 300,000 veterans, representing about 7.5% of the state’s population. U.S. Census data indicates that approximately 102,000 Alabama veterans, or 34%, qualify for some form of disability status.
Centerstone Military Services Program Manager Danette Fessler said expanding telehealth access could be particularly important for veterans and military families in rural communities or for those facing transportation and other challenges.
“Whether someone lives in a rural community, has transportation challenges, or simply prefers the convenience of virtual care, access can be a barrier to getting help,” Fessler said. “Through telehealth, veterans, National Guard members and Reservists can connect with quality behavioral health services wherever they are.”
The program is available to Alabama veterans, as well as National Guard members and Reservists. Veterans interested in learning more can contact Centerstone Military Services at 1-866-726-4560 or [email protected].
Centerstone is a nonprofit behavioral health organization providing mental health, addiction, and social support services. The organization operates hundreds of locations nationwide and is also involved in operations for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
If you or someone you love is in crisis or struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 for immediate help from a qualified professional.