What do I do in a crisis?

Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.

I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?

Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.

Can the VA help with custody cases?

The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.

A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.

Veterans in Alabama

11 verified resources.

About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Alabama

Alabama family law runs through circuit courts in each of its 67 counties, with the Alabama Department of Human Resources handling child support enforcement. Major population centers include Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile, and Huntsville. Fathers can access free family court help through the Alabama Access to Justice Commission and Legal Services Alabama.

11 Resources

1. Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System — Free

VA medical facilities serving veteran fathers in the Montgomery area at the Perry Hill Road campus, offering primary care, mental health, specialty services, and benefits navigation. Enrolled veterans can schedule appointments by phone or through the MyHealtheVet portal. Bring VA ID card, DD-214, insurance, and medication list. Office open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm; urgent care and crisis services available through VA telephone support.

334-272-4670 · 215 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center — Free

VA healthcare services for veteran fathers in west Alabama at the Loop Road East Tuscaloosa campus, including primary care, psychiatric services, residential programs, and specialty care. Enrolled veterans can schedule appointments by phone or MyHealtheVet. Bring VA ID card, DD-214, insurance, and medication list. Office open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm; emergency and urgent care available around the clock via VA support lines.

205-554-2000 · 3701 Loop Rd E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Gulf Coast Veterans HCS – Biloxi/Mobile — Free

VA healthcare serving the Gulf Coast region including southwest Alabama veteran fathers, with primary care, mental health, and specialty services at the Biloxi, Mississippi main campus and Mobile outpatient clinics. Enrolled veterans can schedule appointments by phone or MyHealtheVet. Bring VA ID card, DD-214, insurance, and medication list. Office open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm with urgent care via VA support lines.

228-523-5000 · 400 Veterans Ave, Biloxi, MS 39531 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Veterans Crisis Line – Alabama — Free

Free 24/7 crisis support line for Alabama veteran fathers and their families experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health crises. Call 988 and press 1 or chat online for immediate confidential support from trained VA responders. Services are free and available to all veterans regardless of VA enrollment. Interpreters available; text support at 838255. No ID or enrollment required to access crisis help anytime.

988 (press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

5. American Legion – AL Department — Free

Veterans service organization providing free benefits assistance, advocacy, and community programs for Alabama veteran fathers at the Jackson Street Montgomery office. Accredited service officers help with VA claims, appeals, and benefits questions. Dads can call or visit during office hours; bring DD-214, VA documents, and any relevant medical records. Services are free for veterans. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm for appointments.

334-262-6651 · 120 N Jackson St, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm

6. VFW – Alabama Department — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars department providing benefits assistance, advocacy, and community support for Alabama veteran fathers at the McDonough Street Montgomery office. Accredited service officers help with VA claims, appeals, and benefits questions at no cost. Dads can call or visit during office hours; bring DD-214, VA documents, and any relevant medical records. Services are free for veterans. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-4pm for appointments.

334-263-1594 · 720 S McDonough St, Montgomery, AL 36104 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

7. Disabled American Veterans – Alabama — Free

Benefits advocacy and transportation services for disabled Alabama veterans and fathers at the Perry Hill Road Montgomery office. Services include free VA claims assistance, appeals, and rides to VA medical appointments through the DAV transportation network. Dads can call to schedule; bring DD-214, VA documents, and medical records. Services are free for veterans. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm for appointments.

334-213-3438 · 215 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL 36109 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Alabama Veterans Memorial Foundation — Free

Support services and memorial programs honoring Alabama veterans at the Civic Lane Hoover campus. The foundation maintains a veterans memorial and supports community programs for veteran fathers and families. Dads can call for program information, memorial inquiries, and event schedules. Services are typically free. The foundation office is open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm for visitors, inquiries, and coordination of community veterans' events.

205-988-5478 · 4000 Civic Ln, Hoover, AL 35226 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Operation Stand Down Alabama — Free

Housing, employment, and support services for at-risk veteran fathers at the 5th Avenue South Birmingham office. Services include emergency assistance, job readiness, housing referrals, and benefits navigation for homeless or at-risk veterans. Dads can call or walk in during business hours; bring DD-214, photo ID, and any VA or benefits documentation. Services are free for qualifying veterans. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

205-403-5780 · 3416 5th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

10. Alabama National Guard – Family Support — Free

Support programs for Alabama National Guard families and soldier-fathers, including deployment assistance, financial counseling, and family readiness programs through the Dickinson Drive Montgomery headquarters. Services are typically free for Guard families. Dads can call for program information and local Family Assistance Center referrals. Bring military ID and any relevant orders. Office open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm for inquiries and support.

334-271-7400 · 1720 Cong W L Dickinson Dr, Montgomery, AL 36109 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. Decatur VA Outpatient Clinic — Free

VA primary care and mental health services for veteran fathers in Morgan County at the Beltline Road SW Decatur location, operated as part of the Birmingham VA health system. Enrolled veterans can schedule appointments by phone or MyHealtheVet. Bring VA ID card, DD-214, insurance, and medication list. Clinic open Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm; urgent care and after-hours support available through VA telephone advice lines.

256-552-4810 · 304 Beltline Rd SW, Decatur, AL 35601 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?: Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?: Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?: The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?: A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.