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 Louisiana

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 Louisiana

Louisiana is the only US state based on civil law (Napoleonic Code) rather than common law. Family matters are heard in district courts, with most parishes having dedicated family sections. The Department of Children and Family Services Child Support Enforcement Services handles enforcement. New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport, and Lafayette are the major cities. Southeast Louisiana Legal Services and Acadiana Legal Service Corporation provide civil legal aid.

11 Resources

1. Overton Brooks VA Medical Center – Shreveport — Free

Full-service VA medical center offering primary, specialty, mental health, and inpatient care for veterans in northwest Louisiana including fathers and their eligible dependents. Call 318-221-8411 or visit 510 E Stoner Avenue weekdays. Bring DD-214, VA ID or ID card, and insurance information for enrollment or appointments. Useful hub for fathers needing VA healthcare, benefits navigation, and coordinated specialty services.

318-221-8411 · 510 E Stoner Ave, Shreveport, LA 71101 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs — Free

State agency administering benefits, veterans homes, burial assistance, and advocacy services for Louisiana veterans including fathers. Helps with VA claims, state benefits, and employment programs. Call 225-219-5000 or visit 602 N 5th Street in Baton Rouge weekdays. Bring DD-214 and photo ID to meet with a veterans service officer. Parish-level offices across Louisiana; useful entry point for navigating state and federal benefits.

225-219-5000 · 602 N 5th St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Veterans Crisis Line – Louisiana — Free

Free 24/7 confidential crisis line for Louisiana veterans, active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and their family members. Trained responders including veterans themselves provide immediate support and local referrals. Dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Available regardless of VA enrollment status or discharge character. Useful urgent resource for fathers in emotional distress or supporting a veteran.

988 (press 1) · 24/7 · Visit Website

4. American Legion – Louisiana Department — Free

Veterans service organization with posts throughout Louisiana offering VA benefits claims assistance, community, and advocacy for veteran fathers and families. Accredited service officers help file claims and appeals at no cost. Call 225-926-3389 or visit 4720 N Foster Drive in Baton Rouge weekdays. Bring DD-214 and relevant medical or service records. Local post networks support community events and emergency aid for members.

225-926-3389 · 4720 N Foster Dr, Baton Rouge, LA 70805 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Baton Rouge VA Outpatient Clinic — Free

VA outpatient clinic offering primary care, specialty referrals, and mental health services for veterans in the capital area including fathers and eligible dependents. Call 225-761-3400 or visit 7968 Essen Park Avenue weekdays. Bring DD-214, VA ID, and insurance information for enrollment or appointments. Useful local access point for Baton Rouge area veterans receiving care through the Southeast Louisiana VA healthcare system.

225-761-3400 · 7968 Essen Park Ave, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. VFW – Louisiana — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars state department and local posts providing benefits claims assistance, community, and advocacy for Louisiana veteran fathers. Accredited service officers help file VA claims and appeals at no cost. Call 225-925-2667 or visit vfwla.org to find a local post. Bring DD-214 and relevant service and medical records. Useful resource for combat veteran fathers seeking benefits support and peer community.

225-925-2667 · PO Box 2507, Baton Rouge, LA 70821 · Varies by post · Visit Website

7. Lake Charles VA Outpatient Clinic — Free

VA outpatient clinic offering primary care, mental health, and specialty referrals for veterans in southwest Louisiana including fathers and eligible dependents. Call 337-433-1841 or visit 3500 Village Lane weekdays. Bring DD-214, VA ID, and insurance information for enrollment or appointments. Useful local access point for Lake Charles area veterans receiving care through the Alexandria VA healthcare system network and associated clinics.

337-433-1841 · 3500 Village Ln, Lake Charles, LA 70605 · Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Disabled American Veterans – Louisiana — Free

DAV chapters statewide offering free VA benefits claims assistance, transportation to VA appointments, and advocacy for disabled veteran fathers and their families. Accredited service officers help file claims and appeals. Call 225-293-2498 weekdays for Baton Rouge office and local chapter contacts. Bring DD-214 and relevant medical and service records. Useful resource for service-connected disability claims, rating increases, and appeals.

225-293-2498 · Baton Rouge, LA 70802 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

9. Vietnam Veterans of America – Louisiana — Free

National veterans service organization advocating for Vietnam-era and all-era veterans and their families, including Louisiana fathers. Accredited service officers assist with VA benefits claims including Agent Orange and PTSD-related conditions. Call 800-882-1316 weekdays or visit vva.org for local chapter information. Useful resource for Vietnam-era fathers and veterans of subsequent conflicts seeking benefits support and peer community statewide.

800-882-1316 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Volunteers of America – Veterans Services LA — Free

Supportive housing, employment services, and case management for Louisiana veterans facing homelessness or housing instability, including fathers and their families. Works with VA's SSVF program. Call 504-309-0700 or visit 4152 Canal Street in New Orleans weekdays. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and income documentation for intake. Useful for low-income veteran fathers needing rapid re-housing and stabilization services.

504-309-0700 · 4152 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70119 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

11. SSVF – Supportive Services for Veteran Families – LA — Free

VA-funded rapid re-housing and homelessness prevention program for very low-income Louisiana veteran families including fathers with children. Provides temporary financial assistance, case management, and stabilization support. Call 504-309-0700 or visit va.gov/homeless/ssvf to find local providers. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and income documentation for intake. Useful emergency resource for veteran fathers at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

504-309-0700 · New Orleans, LA 70119 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · 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.