FAQS: Frequently Asked Questions: Mental Health Support for Veterans
If you have served in the Armed Forces or are a family member affected by military life, this FAQ explains how PTSD Resolution can help you find fast, confidential, and effective support for trauma and related difficulties.
Q: How can PTSD Resolution help me?
A: If you're a veteran, reservist, or family member struggling with mental health difficulties following military service, PTSD Resolution can help you.
We offer rapid access with no waiting lists and no GP referral needed. Appointments are typically scheduled within days of registration, and you can choose face-to-face therapy locally or online via telephone or video.
Our treatment uses an evidence-based approach that is particularly effective for trauma, in which you do not have to re-live or re-tell the distressing experience.
The service is completely free and confidential. You do not need a diagnosis. Whether you are experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, anger, relationship difficulties, or substance misuse issues, we can support you.
Q: Who are PTSD Resolution?
A: PTSD Resolution is a registered charity (Charity No. 1202649) providing free, prompt, and effective mental health treatment to veterans, reservists, and their families worldwide.
We work through a nationwide network of qualified Human Givens therapists, delivering one-to-one therapy sessions either online or face-to-face at local venues. We are accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services.
One of our distinguishing features is that we work with people other services often don't reach - including veterans in prison, those with substance misuse issues, and emotionally affected families. We operate with no salaried staff or fixed assets, ensuring donations go directly towards providing therapy and conducting essential research.
Getting Started with PTSD Resolution
Q: Who can access PTSD Resolution's services?
A: PTSD Resolution supports serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and their family members (aged 12 and over) who are experiencing mental health difficulties. The charity also helps veterans in prison and those facing addiction issues. You don't need to have served in combat or have a formal PTSD diagnosis to access support.
Family members can include:
- Spouses and partners
- Children (aged 12 and over)
- Parents and siblings
Q: Do I need a GP referral to access help?
A: No. You can contact PTSD Resolution directly without needing a referral from your GP or any other professional. This makes it easier and faster to access the support you need. Simply call 0300 302 0551 or visit www.ptsdresolution.org to get started.
Q: How much does treatment cost?
A: Treatment is completely free for all veterans, reservists, and their family members. PTSD Resolution is a registered charity (Charity No. 1202649) that receives no government funding and relies entirely on donations to provide this vital service. Each course of treatment costs the charity an average of £940.
Q: How quickly can I get an appointment?
A: PTSD Resolution offers prompt access to support. Once you register with the charity, an appointment is typically scheduled within 2 days, with your first therapy session taking place within approximately 12 days. This is significantly faster than many other mental health services.
Understanding the Treatment
Q: What type of therapy does PTSD Resolution offer?
A: PTSD Resolution uses Human Givens Therapy, delivered by qualified therapists registered with the Human Givens Institute. This approach is recognised for its effectiveness and is accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists through the Quality Network for Veterans Mental Health Services.
Q: How does Human Givens Therapy work?
A: Human Givens Therapy focuses on meeting your emotional needs in healthy ways. The therapy works by:
- Identifying which emotional needs are not being met and how to meet them authentically, breaking the link between negative memories and strong emotional responses
- Using relaxation and visualisation techniques
- Helping develop better coping strategies
A major distinction is that you do not have to talk about or re-live traumatic events.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Most clients complete their treatment in an average of seven sessions. Your therapist will work with you to agree when therapy can end, based on your progress and symptom relief. Some people may need fewer sessions, whilst others with more complex difficulties may need a few more. The goal is to help you return to normal work and family life without creating long-term dependency on therapy.
Q: What happens in the first session?
A: Your first session will involve an initial assessment where your therapist will:
- Ask you to complete some brief questionnaires before or at the start of your appointment to help us better understand the areas that are challenging for you.
- Listen to your concerns in a supportive, non-judgmental way
- Explore which emotional needs might not be being met
- Assess your current coping strategies
- Explain how the therapy works
- Begin developing a tailored treatment plan
You'll never be asked to discuss traumatic events if you're not comfortable doing so.
Q: Can I have therapy online or in person?
A: Yes, you can choose. PTSD Resolution offers both face-to-face and online therapy at local venues across the UK and online sessions via telephone or video call worldwide. This flexibility means you can access support in the way that works best for you, whether you prefer the convenience of online therapy or the personal connection of meeting face-to-face.
Q: How will I know if my treatment is successful?
A: As well as asking you to complete some questionnaires at the start and end of treatment, your therapist will use some very brief measures before each session, which will help you and them to assess your progress. After sessions, you may be asked to complete feedback questionnaires. This is also a very important part of your treatment.
Q: How does PTSD Resolution monitor its effectiveness?
A: As well as the questionnaires used in treatment helping both you and us to evaluate how well you are doing and how beneficial our therapy is for you, we sometimes use anonymous data to improve our service and conduct research. This means we remove any details that could identify you. By registering, you agree to this but your privacy is always protected.
Q: Can I ever be identified through research or service evaluation?
A: No details of a personal nature that could ever identify either you or your therapist will be used in such research.
Q: How do I give my agreement about the anonymous use of my data?
A: Completing this registration process acts as confirmation of your agreement with your data being used in this way
Q: How effective is the treatment?
A: PTSD Resolution delivers exceptional results, as confirmed by independent research.
Please see the latest Impact Report for full details.
Charles Highett, CEO of PTSD Resolution, says: "Independent research provides rigorous evidence that our therapy programme delivers measurable mental health improvements and represents strong value for money. PTSD Resolution maintains minimal waiting times from registration to first appointment, and we're accessible to veterans that others exclude, including those with substance misuse issues and those in the criminal justice system."
Q: What symptoms can PTSD Resolution help with?
A: The charity supports people experiencing a wide range of mental health difficulties, including:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Complex PTSD
- Flashbacks and intrusive memories
- Nightmares and sleep problems
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression and low mood
- Anger and irritability
- Relationship difficulties
- Problems at work
- Substance misuse issues
- Neurological disorders
You don't need a formal diagnosis to seek help. If you're struggling with any of these difficulties, PTSD Resolution can support you.
About the Service
Q: Where is treatment available?
A: PTSD Resolution has a UK-wide network of more than 200 qualified Human Givens therapists. You can access therapy online wherever you are, and face-to-face sessions may be available depending on your location. We also work with people based overseas, ensuring support is accessible worldwide.
Q: Is the service confidential?
A: Yes, absolutely. All therapy sessions are completely confidential. Your therapist is bound by professional ethical guidelines and will not share information about you without your consent, except in very specific circumstances where there's a risk to your safety or the safety of others.
Q: What makes PTSD Resolution different from other services?
A: Several features make PTSD Resolution unique:
- No waiting lists: Prompt access with appointments typically within days
- No GP referral needed: Direct access makes it easier to seek help
- Compassionate approach: You don't have to talk about or re-live traumatic events
- Inclusive: Supports veterans in prison and those with addiction issues
- Family-focused: Also treats affected family members.
- Brief, effective treatment: Average of seven sessions
- Proven results: please see the latest Impact Report
- Strong value for money: Please see the Impact Report
- Free service: No cost to veterans and families
Q: Who funds PTSD Resolution?
A: PTSD Resolution is a registered charity (Charity No. 1202649) that receives no government funding. The charity operates with a uniquely lean model – with no salaried staff or assets – ensuring that donations go directly towards providing therapy and essential research - Impact Report.
Common Concerns
Q: I'm worried about being judged. Will people understand?
A: Military culture can make it difficult to seek help, but PTSD Resolution's therapists understand the unique challenges faced by service personnel and veterans. They work with military clients every day and recognise that seeking help takes real courage. You'll be treated with respect, understanding, and without judgment.
Q: I tried therapy before, and it didn't help. Will this be different?
A: Many veterans find that Human Givens Therapy works for them when other approaches haven't. The key differences are:
- You don't have to re-live or re-tell traumatic events.
- Treatment is brief and focused on practical solutions
- The approach addresses emotional needs holisticallyr
- Positive results are often experienced quickly, within a few sessions
- Even if you've had other therapy before, PTSD Resolution's approach might be the right fit for you.
Q: I'm not sure if my problems are "bad enough" to seek help.
A: If you are struggling with your mental health, you are strongly advised to ask for support. Many people wait until they are in crisis before seeking help, but early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Don't wait until things get worse – reaching out now could prevent more serious problems from developing.
Q: What if I'm worried about how this might affect my career?
A: PTSD Resolution's service is completely confidential. Your therapy doesn't need to be reported to your employer or chain of command. Many serving personnel and reservists use the service whilst continuing their careers. Getting support can actually help you perform better at work by addressing difficulties that might otherwise affect your performance.
Q: Can family members get support even if the veteran won't seek help?
A: Yes. PTSD Resolution recognises that military trauma affects entire families. Through their FAITH programme (Family Assistance & Intervention for Trauma Healing), partners, children (aged 12 and over), and other family members can access support even if the veteran isn't ready to engage with therapy themselves. Recent data shows that family members can achieve reliable improvement and recovery through this approach - Impact Report.
Taking the Next Step
Q: How do I get started?
A: Getting help is straightforward:
- Call the helpline: Ring 0300 302 0551 to speak to the team in working hours
- Share your details: The client coordinator will gather some basic information and explain how the service works
- Get matched with a therapist: You'll be connected with a qualified therapist in your area or online
- Book your first session: Your therapist will contact you to arrange your first appointment
- Begin therapy: Start your journey towards recovery
- Alternatively, visit www.ptsdresolution.org for more information or to make contact online.
Q: What should I do if I'm in crisis right now?
A: PTSD Resolution is not a crisis service. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or having thoughts of suicide, please contact:
- The Samaritans: 116 123 (24-hour helpline)
- Your GP or local mental health crisis team
- Emergency services: 999
- NHS 111 (for urgent medical help)
Once you are safe, PTSD Resolution can provide ongoing support to help you recover.
Q: What information will I need when I call?
A: When you first contact PTSD Resolution, you'll be asked for some basic information such as:
- Your name and contact details
- Your connection to the military (service number, veteran, reservist, serving personnel, or family member)
- A brief outline of the difficulties you are experiencing
- Your preferred location for therapy (or if you'd prefer online sessions)
You won't need to go into detail about traumatic events during this initial call.
Questions from Family Members
Q: My partner/parent is a veteran struggling with mental health. How can I help?
A: Supporting a loved one with mental health difficulties can be challenging. Here's how you can help:
- Encourage them to seek professional support from PTSD Resolution
- Let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness
- Be patient – recovery takes time
- Look after your own mental health too
- Consider accessing support yourself through PTSD Resolution's family services
Remember, you don't have to wait for the veteran to be ready – you can seek support for yourself and other family members.
Q: How does trauma affect families?
A: When a veteran experiences trauma, it can impact the whole household through:
- Increased tension and conflict at home
- Communication difficulties
- Changes in the veteran's mood or behaviour (anger, withdrawal, irritability)
- Sleep disturbance for the whole family
- Children witnessing distressing symptoms
- Financial strain if the veteran struggles to work
- Isolation from friends and extended family
PTSD Resolution's FAITH programme recognises these impacts and provides treatment that can help the whole family heal together.
Q: Can children access support?
A: Yes. PTSD Resolution provides therapy for young people aged 12 and over who are affected by a family member's military trauma. Children living with a traumatised veteran can develop their own symptoms, including anxiety, sleep problems, and behavioural difficulties. Early intervention can prevent these difficulties becoming more serious.
About PTSD and Military Trauma
Q: What is PTSD?
A: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Symptoms include:
- Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding reminders of the traumatic event
- Feeling constantly on edge or hypervigilant
- Negative changes in mood and thinking
PTSD is a recognised medical condition, not a sign of weakness. With appropriate treatment, most people can recover.
Q: Do I need a PTSD diagnosis to access help?
A: No. You don't need a formal diagnosis to contact PTSD Resolution. Many people experience trauma-related difficulties that don't meet the full criteria for PTSD but still significantly affect their daily lives. PTSD Resolution supports anyone struggling with mental health difficulties related to military service, regardless of whether they have a diagnosis.
Q: Can trauma occur even if I wasn't in combat?
A: Yes, absolutely. Trauma can result from many aspects of early life and military service, including:
- Witnessing accidents or deaths
- Experiencing bullying or harassment
- High-pressure work environments
- Moral injury (witnessing or participating in events that conflict with your values)
- Sexual assault or harassment
- Training accidents
- Transition difficulties when leaving service
You don't need to have served in a combat zone to be affected by military trauma.
Q: How long after leaving service can symptoms develop?
A: Trauma symptoms can appear immediately after an event or may not develop until months or even years later. Some veterans only experience difficulties after leaving the military, when the structure and routine of service life are no longer there to help them cope. It's never too late to seek help, even if your service ended many years ago.
Additional Support
Q: Does PTSD Resolution offer any other services?
A: Yes. In addition to therapy, PTSD Resolution provides:
- TATE (Trauma Awareness Training for Employers): Half-day training sessions to help employers recognise trauma symptoms and signpost support
- Research programmes: Ongoing research into trauma treatment effectiveness
- Awareness campaigns: Working to reduce stigma and increase understanding of military mental health
Q: Can my employer support me in accessing treatment?
A: Many organisations partner with PTSD Resolution as part of their commitment to supporting veterans and the Armed Forces Covenant. Some employers provide trauma awareness training for managers and HR staff. If you're employed, you might want to check whether your organisation has a partnership with PTSD Resolution or can support you in accessing treatment.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: For more information about PTSD Resolution and the support available:
Website: www.ptsdresolution.org
Telephone: 0300 302 0551
Email: contact@ptsdresolution.org
You can also read the charity's latest Impact Report and testimonials from veterans and families who have benefited from the service.
Final Thoughts
Q: I'm still not sure if I should reach out. What should I do?
A: If you're reading this and questioning whether to seek help, that hesitation is completely normal. Many veterans worry about appearing weak or feel they should be able to cope on their own. But seeking support is actually one of the strongest decisions you can make.
Consider this: Would you tell a fellow service person to struggle alone with a physical injury? Mental health difficulties deserve the same attention and treatment as physical ones.
Making that first call to 0300 302 0551 takes courage, but it could be the first step towards getting your life back on track. The team at PTSD Resolution understand military culture, won't judge you, and are there to help.
You have already shown strength through your service.
Now let PTSD Resolution help you rebuild your wellbeing.
Call 0300 302 0551 or visit www.ptsdresolution.org to start your recovery today.
PTSD Resolution is a registered charity (Charity No. 1202649) providing free, prompt, and effective mental health treatment for veterans, reservists, and their families across the UK and worldwide. With a network of 200 qualified therapists nationwide, the charity has supported over 4,500 clients, achieving an 80% completion rate, a 68% reliable improvement rate for PTSD, and a 62% PTSD recovery rate. Independent research by Pro Bono Economics (2025) found that for every £1 spent on treatment, the benefits to society range from £1.50 to £3.40 within the first year.
For immediate support, call 0300 302 0551 or visit www.ptsdresolution.org