Veterans Empower Change in Mental Health Care

Veterans have served our country in ways few understand ― now they’re stepping up to help shape a better future for everyone to achieve their American Dream.

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Concerned Veterans for America ― the leading veteran voice for a better American future ― is keeping the momentum going by urging Congress to pass the Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025.

This isn’t just about access to veterans’ mental health care ― it’s about saving American lives.

By empowering veterans with more choice and control, the Veterans’ ACCESS Act provides a model for fixing health care across the country. A system that works better for veterans can work better for all Americans.

The invisible wounds of service

For many veterans, mental health challenges stem from service itself. While marked by strength and duty, military life often exposes veterans to intense stress, trauma, and isolation ― wounds that may not be visible, but are deeply real and lasting.

And many veterans return home from their service feeling disconnected and underutilized ― only to face a broken Department of Veterans Affairs system that too often adds to their struggle instead of delivering timely help.

This was the experience of veterans like Logan Locklear, whose story you can read here.

Veterans’ mental health struggles also deeply affect their spouses, children, and caregivers. It’s an issue that echoes across generations ― from children growing up witnessing the effects of untreated trauma, to the public institutions that future Americans will inherit.

What veterans can do for America

CVA is working to empower veterans with better access and faster mental health care options. The Veterans’ ACCESS Act can be a critical tool in addressing the ongoing crisis of veteran suicide ― providing not just quality care, but timely, life-saving care.

“Veterans deserve a system that works for them ― one that’s efficient, effective, and centered on their needs,” said CVA Executive Director John Vick.

And by elevating veterans’ unique perspectives and trusted leadership, CVA is building engaged communities equipped to inspire action, amplify concerned voices, and help improve American lives.

Mental health reforms in the Veterans’ ACCESS Act

The 2025 Veterans’ ACCESS Act builds directly on the challenges raised by veterans ― offering concrete solutions to break through red tape at the VA and restore trust in the system.

Key mental health provisions would include:

• Protecting access to all care: The bill would write current standards for accessing community care treatment into law, so that veterans can rely on their ability to use their health benefits at the VA or with local providers without administrative roadblocks.
• Experimenting with “full choice”: The bill would launch a pilot program letting veterans go straight to local mental health or substance abuse treatment providers when they need help, instead of only when appointments at the VA are too far away or have a long wait.
• Clear information, no confusion: The VA would be required to proactively inform veterans of their community care eligibility and provide clear explanations when referrals are denied.
• Empowering openness, enabling action: The bill would support the development of digital tools that allow veterans to schedule their own appointments and seek help on their own terms ― quickly, privately, and without red tape.

These reforms are more than administrative changes ― they could save lives. For veterans in crisis, quick and easy access to mental health care can be the difference between hope and tragedy.

And while May draws needed attention to these issues, mental health isn’t a one-month concern for veterans ― it demands year-round action, awareness, and accountability for all Americans facing mental health challenges.

Take Action: Support Smarter Veterans’ Mental Health Care

Health care delays and systemic confusion don’t just hurt veterans ― they hold our country back. And in the most tragic cases, they can mean the difference between life and loss.

Sign CVA’s letter to Congress and urge lawmakers to pass the Veterans’ ACCESS Act of 2025. Let’s give veterans, their families, and America a health care system that truly works.