Headquarters Counseling Center: Douglas County, KS Crisis Center

Counseling and Suicide Prevention Resources for Military Service People/Veterans and their Families

With the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan more Americans are living with the stress and trauma related to their, or a loved one's, participation in our armed forces. Participation in armed conflicts can lead to heightened stress and anxiety, suicidality, traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), domestic violence, relationship problems, and grief. Our caring and confidential counselors are trained and ready to talk Douglas County's military service people, and their families, about any issues creating concern in their lives, and to recommend local and national resources.

Some of these resources include:

Veteran's Hotline:

To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals at Vet Centers and VA Medical Centers, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hot line for veterans. Veterans can call the Lifeline number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), and press "1" to be routed to the Veterans Hotline.

Military OneSource:

Providing free help and information by phone, with a professionally trained consultant, on a wide range of issues that affect members of the military and their families.

Military OneSource can help with issues including, combat stress, depression, addiction and recovery, stress, grief and loss, relationships, or issues related to deployment. They also provide support for, financial issues, child care, spouse employment, "Smooth Moves" and translation services.

In addition, six free face-to-face counseling sessions for individuals, couples, families, and children, can be arranged in a caller's local community (in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico). Call 1-800-342-9647

Lawrence Community Based Outpatient Clinic (785) 841-2957

CBOC's provide readjustment counseling and VA outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. CBOC's also provide general counseling to veterans, including marriage counseling.

Services are also available for their family members, for military related issues. Veterans have earned these benefits through their service and all are provided at no cost to the veteran or family.

The PA (Nurse Practitioner). Can do blood draws and labs.
OIF (Operation Iraqi Freedom) counseling person is in attendance on Thurs & Fri's.

The clinic is open Monday through Friday (Except first Friday, third Monday and Tuesday)

Must be members of the area team. Newly returned veterans contact eligibility office in Topeka 1800-574-8387 ext. 54408 to get their team allocation.

Kansas Vet Centers

Vet Centers provide readjustment counseling and outreach services to all veterans who served in any combat zone. Services are also available for their family members for military related issues.

Vet Centers are under the VA, but not connected to the VA hospital system. They provide counseling to veterans, including marriage counseling. The military does not have access to their records. They are a great bunch and we have a good relationship with them. There are only three in this part of the world, one in Kansas City, one in Manhattan, and one in Wichita.

You can also call them to get numbers for any of the other Vet Centers anywhere in the country.

For Other general information and referral resources for military personnel, veterans, and their families CLICK HERE.

Other Mental Health Resources for Military Personnel, Families, or Veterans

If you are looking for a way to get a better grip on your mental health without having to talk with anyone then this self- assesment tool may be the resource for you. Remember when you want to talk we are here on either 1-800 SUICIDE for National callers or (785) 841-2345 in Douglas County.

Just click on the puzzle.

Our trained volunteer and paid staff improve the emotional well-being and safety of adults and children through readily available counseling, education, and information services. Headquarters provides services that are free, confidential, and availabe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.