Help is available
Speak with someone today.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Dial or Text “988”
Languages: English, Spanish.
Available 24 hours a day.
And for contacts for non emergency programs that help veterans overcome physical and emotional obstacles, see the list below…
- Columbia, SC Vet Center: Offers confidential, no-cost counseling for veterans, service members, and their families in a non-clinical setting, including support for PTSD and military sexual trauma. SC VET Center
- Barnabas Horse Foundation: This foundation’s mission is to provide equine-assisted services for survivors of crime, veterans, and first responders to improve their quality of life and relationships through horse and human interaction. Myrtle Beach, SC Barnabas horse Foundation
- Black Bear Lodge: Veteran & Military Addiction Treatment in Sautee Nacoochee, GA Black Bear Lodge
- The Big Red Barn Retreat: Located in Blythewood, SC, this center provides programs and services for active-duty military members, veterans, and first responders, including Post-Traumatic Growth training, meditative yoga, healing art, equine assisted therapy, and a healing garden. The Big Red Barn Retreat
- Emory Healthcare Veterans Program: Post 9/11 Veterans in South Carolina are eligible for mental health resources through the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, which offers both traditional outpatient treatment and a two-week Intensive Outpatient Program. Emory Healthcare Veterans Program
- Guiding Reins: This non-profit organization utilizes equine-assisted wellness to promote self-awareness and well-being in veterans, military personnel, and first responders affected by mental, physical, or emotional trauma. They offer groundwork with horses in individual and group sessions, with certified instructors leading the sessions. Guiding Reins
- Heroes on Horseback: This program is known as the largest therapeutic riding program in South Carolina. Heroes on Horseback
- Hoofprints in the Sand: This program, located in Charleston, offers 16 weeks of certified and licensed nurse-psychotherapeutic guided therapy incorporating equines, along with outdoor activities and rehabilitative programs, specifically for veterans, those with traumatic brain injuries, and their families. Hoofprints in the Sand
- Mission 22: Mission 22 provides support to Veterans and their families when they need it most: right now. Through a comprehensive approach of outreach, events, and programs, we’re promoting long-term wellness and sustainable growth. Mission 22
- REBOOT Recovery: At REBOOT Recovery, we help people overcome trauma. Our faith-based trauma healing courses, training, and online community are open to anyone looking to move forward from trauma and tragedy into a better future. If the same old therapies or medications have left you feeling hopeless, you’ve come to the right place. Located at numerous churches across South Carolina and America. Find a group near you. REBOOT Recovery
- Tranquility Point Veterans Retreat: Tranquility Point is a respite facility dedicated to helping struggling members of our community find a more solid footing spiritually, emotionally and physically. Located in Cross Hill, SC. Tranquility Point Retreat
- Travis Mills Foundation: The Travis Mills Foundation supports post-9/11 recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation. We support these veterans through our nationally recognized retreat located in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine. Travis Mills Foundation
- Tunnels to Towers Foundation: Since 9/11, we have been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children and by building specially-adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders. We are also committed to eradicating veteran homelessness and helping America to Never Forget September 11, 2001. t2t
- VA Columbia Health Care System: Operates a comprehensive behavioral health program, offering both inpatient and outpatient services, including telehealth appointments, and specializing in veteran-focused mental health care. VA Columbia Health Care System
- Veterans Guide: Our mission is to assist veterans with the array of issues they may face, including obtaining proper disability compensation, financial and health assistance, information on the GI bill, and more. Veterans Guide
- Veterans Treatment Mentor Court Program: This program, created in November 2011, assists veterans who have pending charges in Richland or Kershaw counties by diverting them from the traditional criminal justice system and providing them with the tools they need to lead productive lives. Veterans Treatment Mentor Court Program
- Warrior Care Network: This program, a partnership between the Wounded Warrior Project and four academic medical centers, provides veterans and service members with a path to long-term wellness, focusing on PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), and other related conditions. Warrior Care Network
- Wild Hearts Equine Therapeutic Center: Located in Oconee County, this organization blends world-recognized equine-assisted therapies with its own innovative approaches to help people with physical, intellectual, and emotional challenges, including veterans. Wild Hearts Equine Therapeutic Center
- Wounded Warrior Project Resource Center: If you think you or a loved one has PTSD, you can contact the Wounded Warrior Project Resource Center at 888.997.2586 or resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org. Wounded Warrior Project
There are so many places to get help from. Many not listed. Please reach out to someone for help. If not for you, for your family. We are all in this together…
“I have lost Soldiers that I have led, friends that I served with, and leaders that I have served under. Its hard living with some of the events in our lives. Especially wearing any uniform in service to other people. Don’t let pride take your life or family from you. Don’t let the demons take you from us. We as a country are all proud of your service. Now its time to live for yourself and your family. Don’t give up! Never Quit! You lived by that while serving, now live by that for you! Don’t let a temporary painful situation cause you to make a permanent decision. We lose 22 veterans a day to veteran related suicide. Don’t become a statistic. Don’t let them win. Please, find someone to talk to. You are important to this community and our nation. You are still needed. God Bless and thank you for your service!”
Brian C. Richards – Woodruff Veterans Memorial Vice Chair and 2 time combat veteran.