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 Pennsylvania

17 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania's Courts of Common Pleas handle family matters in each of its 60 judicial districts. The Pennsylvania Child Support Program operates through county domestic relations sections. Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, and Reading are the major metros. Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Neighborhood Legal Services (Pittsburgh), and MidPenn Legal Services cover most of the state.

17 Resources

1. Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center (Philadelphia) — Free

Full-service VA medical center in Philadelphia providing comprehensive healthcare including primary care, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and specialized PTSD programs. Located in West Philadelphia, it is the primary VA medical facility for Philadelphia-area veterans. Father veterans can call 215-823-5800 to enroll in VA care and schedule appointments. Bring your DD-214 and a government-issued ID to enroll for the first time.

215-823-5800 · 3900 Woodland Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

2. VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System — Free

Multi-campus VA healthcare system serving western Pennsylvania at the University Drive and H.J. Heinz campuses with comprehensive medical, surgical, mental health, and long-term care services. Father veterans in western PA can call 866-482-7488 to enroll and schedule care. Bring your DD-214 to the enrollment office. VA Pittsburgh provides specialty care, mental health, substance abuse treatment, and veterans service officer assistance.

412-688-6000 · University Drive C, Pittsburgh, PA 15240 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

3. Lebanon VA Medical Center — Free

VA medical center serving central Pennsylvania and the Harrisburg-Lebanon area with primary care, mental health, substance abuse treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Father veterans in central PA can call 717-272-6621 to enroll for VA healthcare. Bring your DD-214 for enrollment. Offers outpatient clinics at community-based locations across central PA for veterans who live far from the main hospital campus.

717-272-6621 · 1700 S Lincoln Ave, Lebanon, PA 17042 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

4. Wilkes-Barre VA Medical Center — Free

Comprehensive healthcare for veterans in northeastern Pennsylvania including inpatient, outpatient, mental health, surgery, and community living center long-term care. Located in Wilkes-Barre serving the northeastern PA region. Father veterans can call 570-824-3521 to enroll and schedule appointments. The facility offers telehealth and community-based outpatient clinics to serve veterans across the region more conveniently.

570-824-3521 · 1111 E End Blvd, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18711 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

5. PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) — Free

State agency serving nearly 800,000 Pennsylvania veterans, operating six state veterans homes and administering state benefits including property tax exemptions, educational assistance, and burial benefits. Father veterans can contact DMVA to learn about PA-specific benefits beyond federal VA programs. Call 800-547-2838 or visit dmva.pa.gov to connect with a veterans service representative in your area.

717-861-8000 · Fort Indiantown Gap, Building S-0-47, Annville, PA 17003 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

6. Veterans Crisis Line — Free

Free 24/7 confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Dial 988 then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line, or text 838255. Chat is available at veteranscrisisline.net. Pennsylvania veteran fathers experiencing suicidal thoughts, depression, PTSD, or overwhelming stress can reach this line anytime. Responders are specifically trained in military culture and veterans' mental health needs.

988 (press 1) · National · 24/7 · Visit Website

7. Philadelphia Vet Center — Free

Community-based VA counseling center in Philadelphia providing readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, military sexual trauma counseling, and family counseling for combat veterans. Services are free and separate from the main VA hospital, providing a more accessible community setting. Father veterans who served in a combat zone can walk in or call to schedule counseling. Bring your DD-214 to confirm combat eligibility for services.

215-627-0238 · 1026 Arch St, Suite 504, Philadelphia, PA 19107 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Pennsylvania Veterans' Trust Fund — Free

State fund providing emergency financial assistance grants to Pennsylvania veterans and their families facing hardship. Can help cover basic living expenses, housing costs, utility bills, and other emergency needs. Applications are processed through county directors of veterans affairs offices. Father veterans in PA who face a sudden financial crisis can contact their county veterans director to apply for a one-time grant from the Trust Fund.

717-861-8910 · Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville, PA 17003 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

9. County Directors of Veterans Affairs — Free

Each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties has a Director of Veterans Affairs who helps veterans navigate benefits, file VA disability claims, and connect with local resources at no charge. Father veterans should contact their county director as a first step when they need help with VA claims, state benefits, emergency assistance, housing, or healthcare enrollment. Find your county director at dmva.pa.gov under county veterans services.

717-861-8000 · Located in each county government building · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm · Visit Website

10. Erie VA Medical Center — Free

VA healthcare facility serving veterans in northwestern Pennsylvania with primary care, mental health, specialty clinics, and telehealth services. Located in Erie, it provides healthcare to veterans throughout the northwestern PA region. Father veterans in northwestern PA can call 814-860-2576 to enroll. Telehealth options allow veterans in rural areas to receive care from home. Bring your DD-214 when enrolling in VA healthcare.

814-868-8661 · 135 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16504 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Coatesville VA Medical Center — Free

VA medical facility in Chester County providing inpatient and outpatient mental health care, substance abuse treatment, PTSD programs, and rehabilitation services for veterans in southeastern Pennsylvania. Father veterans who need residential mental health or substance abuse treatment can contact Coatesville VA about admission. Call 610-384-7711 to speak with VA staff about available programs and enrollment requirements.

610-384-7711 · 1400 Black Horse Hill Rd, Coatesville, PA 19320 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm; ER 24/7 · Visit Website

12. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) - PA Department — Free

Statewide veterans service organization providing free VA claims assistance, transportation to VA medical facilities through the DAV Transportation Network, and advocacy for disabled Pennsylvania veterans. Father veterans with service-connected disabilities can contact a DAV service officer for free help filing disability claims, appeals, and securing benefits. Find your nearest PA DAV chapter at dav.org.

717-761-7219 · 810 S Arlington Ave, Suite 102, Harrisburg, PA 17109 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

13. Veterans Leadership Program of Western PA — Free

Provides housing assistance, employment services, legal help, and benefits counseling to veterans in the Pittsburgh area to prevent homelessness and promote self-sufficiency. VLP serves veterans throughout western Pennsylvania. Father veterans facing housing instability, unemployment, or legal challenges in the Pittsburgh region can contact VLP for a case assessment and connections to the services they need to stabilize their lives.

412-481-8200 · 1500 Brentwood Towne Center, Suite 502, Pittsburgh, PA 15227 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

14. Veterans Multi-Service Center (Philadelphia) — Free

Comprehensive resource center for Philadelphia veterans offering employment assistance, housing programs, benefits counseling, and community support services. The Veterans Multi-Service Center provides one-stop access to multiple veteran support programs in a single location. Father veterans in Philadelphia can walk in or call to connect with employment counselors, housing navigators, and benefits specialists at no cost.

215-923-2600 · 213-217 N 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19106 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-5pm · Visit Website

15. PA Veterans State Homes — Paid

Six state-run veterans homes across Pennsylvania providing long-term nursing care, dementia care, and personal care for eligible veterans and their spouses at subsidized rates. Homes are located in Hollidaysburg, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Spring City, and Uniontown. Father veterans who need assisted living or nursing home care can apply through the PA DMVA. Priority is given to veterans with service-connected disabilities.

717-861-8903 · Six locations: Hollidaysburg, Erie, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Spring City, Philadelphia · 24/7 residential care · Visit Website

16. American Legion Department of Pennsylvania — Free

Statewide veterans organization with over 800 posts across Pennsylvania providing free service officer assistance, VA claims help, scholarships for veterans' children, and community support programs. Father veterans can join their local American Legion post for peer support, benefits assistance, and advocacy. Find your nearest PA post at pa.legion.org to connect with a service officer who can help file or appeal VA claims.

717-730-9100 · 500 N Office Rd, Wormleysburg, PA 17043 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

17. VFW Department of Pennsylvania — Free

Veterans of Foreign Wars state organization with posts statewide across Pennsylvania offering free VA claims assistance, emergency financial aid, scholarships for veterans' families, and community support. Father veterans who served overseas can join a VFW post for peer connection, benefits help, and advocacy. Find your nearest Pennsylvania VFW post at vfwpa.org to connect with a service officer for claims assistance.

717-234-7927 · 4002 Fenton Ave, Harrisburg, PA 17109 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4:30pm

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.