Transitioning to civilian life remains a primary challenge for many veterans, with mental health experts and support organizations reporting an urgent need for accessible care.
In 2024, the Department of Veterans Affairs recorded that nearly 6,500 veterans died by suicide, according to reporting by KMBC. In Kansas, 66 veterans died by suicide in 2024, as reported by KSN. Across the United States, more than 17 veterans die by suicide each day on average, according to the most recent data from 2024.
Warning signs of a difficult transition often include social withdrawal, increased substance use, and changes in personal hygiene, according to Misty Lester, chief of social work services at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center. Lester encourages veterans to contact the VA, noting that staff are trained to address service-related trauma.
“I do think that a lot of times people are afraid to ask the question: Are you feeling like harming yourself? And that is the most important question,” Lester told KSN.
The Battle Within, a Kansas City-based organization, provides free mental health services to veterans, active-duty military, and first responders. Executive Director Justin Hoover, a U.S. Army veteran and two-time Purple Heart recipient, founded the program after experiencing his own decade-long struggle to adjust after the Iraq War, KMBC reported. Since its inception, the nonprofit has helped thousands on their healing journey.
The organization’s Frontline Therapy Network saw a 140% increase in referrals over the past year, KCTV reported. The network matches individuals with therapists within an average of 10 days and funds the first 10 sessions to help build a therapeutic relationship, according to KCTV. Regarding the financial burden of care, “They shouldn’t have to pay it again financially,” Hoover said.
Hoover emphasized the importance of peer support, noting, “Now they’re able to reach out with empathy, understanding, and compassion to those who are in the fight they were just in and that makes it a safe place for them to have those conversations and express themselves and get themselves to the resources that they need.” Looking ahead, “That transition home is hard,” said Hoover, who expects to see more people taking advantage of their services.
Veterans seeking immediate assistance can visit the VA’s same-day access clinic, which operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. without an appointment. For 24/7 support, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to anyone via phone or text. KSN advises that listeners can tune in to its news broadcast every Wednesday for a “Veteran Salute” segment to help raise awareness.
Larry Burks Sr., a veteran who utilized VA services, credited counseling with helping him manage his transition. “I knew I had to seek counseling because I knew I could not continue to be like that,” Burks told KSN. “It helped me identify my issues.”
Warning signs include social withdrawal, increased alcohol or substance consumption, depression, and a decline in personal hygiene, according to Misty Lester of the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center.
Organizations like The Battle Within provide free therapy programs and referral networks for veterans and first responders, funded in part by corporate sponsorships.
The VA operates a same-day access clinic on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. where veterans can walk in without an appointment, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 support.
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