Op COURAGE: NHS mental health support for veterans, reservists and families
Op COURAGE is the NHS's dedicated mental health service for the Armed Forces community in England. If you're unsure where to start, this page explains what it is, who can access it, and exactly what to expect — so nothing stands between you and getting support.
Combat Stress helpline: 0800 138 1619
Free, 24/7, for veterans and families
Samaritans: 116 123
Free, any time, any reason
Veterans Gateway: 0808 802 1212
24/7 signposting to the right service24/7 signposting to the right service
What is Op COURAGE?
Op COURAGE isn't a single clinic or helpline — it's a network of NHS mental health teams, all trained to understand military culture, the pressures of service, and the challenges of life after it. There are four services within it, each designed for a different level of need.
TILS — Transition, Intervention and Liaison Service: The usual first point of contact. Provides early support, advice and initial assessment, particularly useful if you're unsure what kind of help you need.
CTS — Complex Treatment Service Structured: Longer-term care for more complex mental health conditions where short-term support alone isn't enough.
HIS — High Intensity Service Intensive: Urgent support for individuals in crisis or at higher risk, for those who need immediate and sustained care.
Veterans' Mental Health and Wellbeing Service: Broader wellbeing support for veterans and families managing ongoing challenges that affect day-to-day life.
Who qualifies?
Eligibility is broader than most people assume. You may be eligible if you:
- Served at least one day in the UK Armed Forces
- Are a veteran or reservist registered with a GP in England
- Are currently serving with a confirmed discharge date
- Are a family member or carer affected by a veteran's mental health
Common misconceptions
These barriers stop people reaching out — none of them are true:
✗ You need a combat role — you don't.
✗ You need a formal diagnosis before contacting them — you don't.
✗ You need to have served a minimum length of time — one day qualifies.
✗ It only helps recently discharged veterans — it doesn't matter how long ago you left.
How to access Op COURAGE
You can self-refer — you do not need a GP to get in touch. Here is what the process looks like:
Step 1: Find your local service
Op COURAGE is delivered regionally across England. Use the NHS referral page to locate the team covering your area and find their direct contact details.
Step 2: Make contact
You can call your local service directly, submit an online referral form, or ask a GP or charity to refer you on your behalf.
Step 3: Initial assessment
A clinician will contact you — typically within days to a couple of weeks. This first conversation is to understand your situation and work out which level of support is most appropriate.
Step 4: Begin support
Depending on your needs, this could include one-to-one therapy, group support, or a specialist treatment programme — all delivered by people trained in working with the Armed Forces community.
What to expect
The unknown is often what stops people picking up the phone. Here are plain answers to the questions people are most likely to have:
Will I have to recount traumatic experiences straight away?
No. The first conversation is about understanding your situation at your pace — not reliving difficult experiences on demand.
Will my employer or family be told?
No. Everything is confidential unless there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else.
How long until I hear back?
Most people receive initial contact within days to a couple of weeks of reaching out.
Will the staff understand military life?
Yes. Op COURAGE teams are trained specifically to work with veterans and Armed Forces families — this isn't a generic NHS referral.
If Op COURAGE isn't right for you
Op COURAGE is the main NHS pathway but it is not the only option. If you do not qualify or want to explore alternatives:
Combat Stress — Specialist support for veterans with complex mental health conditions.
PTSD Resolution — Therapy for trauma-related difficulties.
Togetherall — Anonymous online mental health support, available 24/7.
Related articles
- Ex-Military Mental Health Support: How Veterans and Families Can Access Help in Civvy Street
- Accessing Ex-Military Mental Health Support in Civvy Street
This page is for general information only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you need support, contact your GP or the NHS on 111 (option 2). In an emergency, call 999.