A1: THE VETERANS' PRESS: This number might save veterans' lives

REFER:

Inside Today: Veterans' Press, A4-A6

Coaching Into Care is a national telephone service of the VA which aims to educate, support, and empower family members and friends seeking care or services for a veteran.

The number: 888-823-7458

The goal is to help veterans, their family members, and other loved ones find the appropriate services at their local VA facilities and/or in their community.

They also provide coaching to family and friends of veterans who see that a veteran in their life may be having difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Coaching is provided by licensed psychologists or social workers, free of charge.

Coaching involves helping callers figure out how to motivate the veteran to seek treatment. We can help them get information about mental health, services at the VA and tips on how to begin the conversation about treatment with a loved one who is a veteran.

What to expect

Calls with a coach vary in length, but generally take 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the issue. They might involve several calls, usually with the same coach.

Call Coaching Into Care at 888-823-7458. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time.