Honouring Veterans: Accessing Mental Health Support Through VAC Funding 

Every year on Remembrance Day, we take time to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of the people who have served our country. But remembering our veterans shouldn’t end with a moment of silence. One of the best ways we can honour them is by making sure they have the mental health support they deserve, not just on November 11th, but every day of the year. 

For many veterans, life after service brings challenges not faced by most. Experiences from deployment can leave lasting emotional effects, including trauma, anxiety, depression, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Reaching out for help can feel difficult, but support is available — and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides funding to make counselling and therapy more accessible. 

What is Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Funding?

VAC funding helps cover the cost of mental health services for eligible veterans and their families. That means you can access individual counselling, trauma therapy, or PTSD support through approved providers, with support from Veterans Affairs Canada to make care more accessible.  

Through VAC, you can access: 

• Trauma counselling and PTSD therapy 

• Individual or family counselling 

• Support for anxiety, stress, and depression 

• Guidance from mental health professionals experienced in veterans’ care 

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, don’t worry. Our admin staff at OK Clinical can help guide you through the Veterans Affairs funding assistance process. 

Why Mental Health Support Matters for Veterans  

Transitioning to civilian life isn’t always easy. Many veterans describe feeling disconnected, restless, or weighed down by memories of their service. These feelings are completely valid and you’re not alone in them. 

Speaking to a counsellor can help you process those experiences, rebuild resilience, and find a sense of balance again. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, trauma, or everyday stress, there’s strength in seeking help. Healing doesn’t erase your story; it helps you live it fully. 

Many veterans share that one of the hardest parts of reaching out for help isn’t finding support, it’s taking that first step. Feelings of shame, guilt, or fear of being judged can make opening up about mental health struggles incredibly difficult. A research study has shown that these emotions, along with concerns about privacy or being misunderstood, often prevent veterans from accessing the care they need, (Trahair et al, 2025). By breaking down these barriers and normalizing conversations around mental health, we can help ensure no one feels alone in their healing journey.  

How to Get Started  

Here are some steps to help you in the right direction: 

1. Contact Veterans Affairs Canada 
   Visit the official Veterans Affairs Canada – Mental Health and Wellness page for information about eligibility and services. 

2. Reach Out to a Registered Provider 
   At OK Clinical Therapy Group, we offer veterans counselling and therapy covered through VAC. We can help you with the paperwork and get you started quickly. Just give our office a call at 250-718-9291 and our admin staff would be happy to help you.  

3. Need Immediate Help? 
   The VAC Assistance Service is available 24/7 for veterans and their families. You can call 1-800-268-7708 any time, day or night, to speak with a mental health professional. 

Honouring Service Through Healing   

This Remembrance Day, let’s not only remember our veterans, but also support them in healing from the invisible wounds of service. Accessing VAC-funded counselling can be the first step toward feeling grounded, supported, and heard. 

If you or someone you love is a Veteran looking for trauma counselling, PTSD support, or individual therapy, we’re here to help. Our team proudly offers veterans Affairs therapy and funding assistance to make care as simple and stress-free as possible. 

Contact us through phone: 250-718-9291 or send us an email: [email protected] to get started. 

Resources:

Trahair, C., Forchuk, C. A., Plouffe, R. A., Hansen, K. T., Richardson, J. D., & Nazarov, A. (2025). Barriers to mental health support among Canadian veterans: Complicating factors of confidentiality and moral injury. Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health, 11(3), 3–16. https://doi.org/10.3138/jmvfh-2024-0004 

Written by: Kassidy McMillan

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