MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews) — Alabama military veterans will soon have access to thousands of free telehealth therapy sessions, regardless of where they live in the state.
Centerstone has received a $750,000 grant from the Alabama Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee to provide 3,000 free telehealth therapy sessions to veterans across Alabama.
Veterans can receive care from licensed behavioral health clinicians who are trained to work with the military community. Services are available at no cost regardless of a veteran’s era of service or military discharge status.
According to Centerstone, initial appointments are available less than 14 days after enrollment.
“We recognized the overwhelming need for mental health treatment for veterans and their families in Alabama, which has a high veteran population,” Centerstone Military Services CEO Anna Goletz said. “This was a great opportunity and it aligned with our mission to remove barriers for care for our nation’s heroes when they are brave enough to reach out for help.”
One of Centerstone Military Services’ main goals is preventing veteran suicide. According to data from the Face the Fight Coalition, suicide is the No. 2 cause of death among veterans younger than 45.
Funding for the free therapy sessions comes from the National Opioid Settlement and is administered through the Alabama Department of Mental Health.
A law passed in 2024 set aside $3 million for veterans programs through a request-for-proposals process. The Veterans Mental Health Steering Committee works to identify behavioral health needs among Alabama veterans and gaps in available care.
Veterans participating in the program will also have a dedicated clinical care coordinator to provide support throughout the therapy process.
“Veterans are trained to be resilient, and that strength remains with them long after their service,” Goletz said. “At Centerstone Military Services, we want veterans to know that seeking support is part of that resilience. Taking care of your mental and emotional wellbeing is one of the most important investments you can make in yourself and those you care about.”
Alabama has approximately 300,000 veterans, representing about 7.5% of the state’s population. According to U.S. Census data provided by Centerstone, about 102,000 Alabama veterans, or 34%, qualify for some form of disability status.
Centerstone Military Services Program Manager Danette Fessler, the spouse of an active-duty service member, said telehealth can help remove barriers for veterans and military families who may otherwise have difficulty accessing care.
“Whether someone lives in a rural community, has transportation challenges, or simply prefers the convenience of virtual care, access can be a barrier to getting help,” Fessler said. “Through telehealth, veterans, National Guard members and Reservists can connect with quality behavioral health services wherever they are.”
Veterans interested in the program can call 1-866-726-4560 or email [email protected] for more information.
