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 Wisconsin

15 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 Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, and the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee cover the state.

15 Resources

1. Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center (Milwaukee) — Free

Full-service VA medical center providing comprehensive healthcare, mental health, surgical, and specialty services for southeast Wisconsin veterans. Includes emergency department, primary care, Vet Center coordination, and homeless programs. Veteran fathers can call for enrollment or scheduling. Serves Milwaukee and surrounding counties. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and VA card if enrolled. New enrollees can apply online at va.gov or in person at the medical center.

414-384-2000 · 5000 W National Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53295 · 24/7 emergency; clinics Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital (Madison) — Free

Full-service VA medical center serving south-central Wisconsin veterans with primary care, mental health, surgical, specialty services, and rehabilitation. Includes community-based outpatient clinics across the region. Veteran fathers can call for enrollment or scheduling. Serves Dane and surrounding counties. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and VA card if enrolled. New enrollees can apply online at va.gov or in person at the medical center intake desk.

608-256-1901 · 2500 Overlook Terrace, Madison, WI 53705 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

3. Tomah VA Medical Center — Free

VA medical center serving western Wisconsin veterans with inpatient care, outpatient clinics, mental health services, long-term nursing care, and residential programs. Includes outreach clinics across the western half of the state. Veteran fathers can call for enrollment or scheduling. Bring DD-214, photo ID, and VA card if enrolled. New enrollees can apply online at va.gov or in person at the medical center intake desk in Tomah.

608-372-3971 · 500 E Veterans St, Tomah, WI 54660 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Milwaukee County Veterans Service Office — Free

County office assisting Milwaukee-area veterans and their families with VA claims filing, benefits counseling, burial benefits, transportation coordination, and local resource connections. Veteran fathers can walk in or call for an appointment with an accredited veterans service officer. Serves Milwaukee County. Bring DD-214, marriage certificates, birth certificates of dependents, and any prior VA decisions for fastest claims assistance and representation.

414-266-1234 · 6419 W Greenfield Ave, Suite 101, West Allis, WI 53214 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

5. Veterans Crisis Line — Free

Dial 988 then press 1 for free, confidential 24/7 crisis support from VA-trained responders specifically for veterans, service members, and their families. Also text 838255 or chat online. Fathers who served or family members can reach out anytime. Specialists can coordinate warm handoffs to VA medical centers and Vet Centers across Wisconsin. No DD-214 or VA enrollment required to access the service; all veterans and family welcome.

988 (press 1) · National (serves all WI veterans) · 24/7 · Visit Website

6. Milwaukee Vet Center — Free

Free, confidential readjustment counseling for combat veterans and military sexual trauma survivors offering individual counseling, group therapy, bereavement support, and family counseling. Veteran fathers can walk in or call for intake. Services free regardless of VA enrollment or income. Serves southeast Wisconsin. Bring DD-214 or documentation of combat service or MST if available. No insurance needed. Family members welcome at appropriate sessions.

414-902-5655 · 3400 Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53208 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

7. Madison Vet Center — Free

Free, confidential readjustment counseling for combat veterans and military sexual trauma survivors in south-central Wisconsin offering individual counseling, group therapy, couples and family counseling, and bereavement support. Veteran fathers can walk in or call for intake. Services free regardless of VA enrollment or income. Bring DD-214 or documentation of combat service or MST if available. No insurance needed. Family members welcome at appropriate sessions.

608-264-5342 · 706 Williamson St, Madison, WI 53703 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

8. Green Bay Vet Center — Free

Free readjustment counseling for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and their families in northeast Wisconsin offering individual counseling, group therapy, couples and family counseling, and outreach services. Veteran fathers can walk in or call for intake. Services free regardless of VA enrollment. Bring DD-214 or documentation of combat service or MST if available. Family members welcome at appropriate sessions for support.

920-435-5650 · 1600 S Ashland Ave, Green Bay, WI 54304 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

9. Dryhootch (Milwaukee) — Free

Veteran peer support coffee house providing a welcoming community space, peer-led recovery groups, counseling referrals, wellness programs, and family support for veterans of all eras. Veteran fathers can walk in during business hours - no appointment or registration needed. Serves Milwaukee. Free community resource. Bring yourself; DD-214 not required. Staff and peers can refer to VA services, Vet Centers, housing, and mental health care.

414-763-0133 · 1110 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53203 · Mon-Sat 7am-5pm · Visit Website

10. Center for Veterans Issues (Milwaukee) — Free

Milwaukee-based nonprofit serving veterans with transitional and supportive housing, employment programs, benefits counseling, case management, and wraparound services targeted at formerly homeless and at-risk veterans. Veteran fathers can call or walk in for intake. Serves Milwaukee area. Bring DD-214, photo ID, Social Security card, and any prior VA paperwork for fastest intake. Housing programs have specific eligibility; staff screen in intake.

414-345-3279 · 315 W Court St, Milwaukee, WI 53212 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

11. Dane County Veterans Service Office — Free

County office assisting Dane County veterans and their families with VA claims filing, benefits counseling, burial benefits, and local resource connections through accredited veterans service officers. Veteran fathers can walk in or call for an appointment. Serves Dane County. Bring DD-214, marriage certificates, birth certificates of dependents, and any prior VA decisions for fastest claims assistance and representation before the VA.

608-266-4158 · 210 MLK Jr Blvd, Room 108, Madison, WI 53703 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

12. Wisconsin Veterans Homes (King & Union Grove) — Paid

State-operated skilled nursing and residential care facilities in King and Union Grove providing long-term care, dementia services, and hospice for eligible Wisconsin veterans and some spouses. Veteran fathers or adult children assisting aging veterans can call the admissions office for eligibility and availability. Eligibility depends on service, residency, and clinical need. Bring DD-214, marriage certificates, and medical records to the admissions interview.

1-800-947-8387 · N2665 County Rd QQ, King, WI 54946 & 21425 Spring St, Union Grove, WI 53182 · 24/7 residential · Visit Website

13. VFW Wisconsin — Paid

Veterans of Foreign Wars state organization with 250+ local posts across Wisconsin providing camaraderie, service projects, claims assistance, scholarships, and advocacy for combat veterans and their families. Veteran fathers can visit any post to inquire about membership and local programs. Eligibility generally requires service in a combat zone or campaign. Bring DD-214 showing campaign ribbons to confirm eligibility and join a local post.

608-221-5276 · Posts statewide · Varies by post · Visit Website

14. American Legion Wisconsin — Paid

American Legion state department with 450+ posts across Wisconsin providing veteran services, claims assistance, youth programs, scholarships, advocacy, and community service opportunities. Veteran fathers can visit any post to inquire about membership and local programs. Membership open to honorably discharged wartime veterans as defined by the Legion. Bring DD-214 showing qualifying service to join. Sons of the American Legion welcomes eligible male descendants.

608-745-1090 · 2930 American Legion Dr, Portage, WI 53901 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website

15. Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Wisconsin — Free

State DAV chapter providing free transportation to VA medical facilities, claims assistance through accredited service officers, benefits counseling, and veteran advocacy for disabled veterans and their families. Veteran fathers with service-connected disabilities can contact the state office for chapter locations and the transportation schedule. Chapters statewide. Bring DD-214 and VA rating decision to claims appointments for fastest representation.

414-902-5655 · Chapters statewide · Varies by chapter · 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.