Veterans’ Mental Health Services in Oklahoma
Confidential, practical support for PTSD, anxiety, depression, and the stress of carrying too much for too long. Military service can shape how you think, sleep, react, and connect with the people you care about. Sometimes that shows up right away. Sometimes it hits years later. If you are dealing with trauma symptoms, anger, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, sleep problems, or difficulty adjusting to civilian life, therapy can help you get steadier and feel more in control again.
In-person & Telehealth appointments available.
15+ years serving Oklahoma • 100+ Therapists • Certified, Licensed & Insured • 5,000+ unique clients served yearly
At a Glance
- Good fit for: veterans dealing with PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, sleep problems, substance use concerns, TBI-related cognitive and mood changes, or relationship and family stress
- What it helps with: processing trauma, reducing anxiety and depression symptoms, improving sleep, coping skills, emotional regulation, and healthier relationships
- Format: in-person or online video counseling
- Cost and insurance: services are free for veterans with a VA referral, and counseling is free for Title XIX Medicaid or SoonerCare in Oklahoma; Medicare, Tricare, ChampVA, and many private plans are also accepted, depending on the therapist
- Next step: ask your VA Community Care Coordinator for a referral or call 918-960-7852 to get started
Why Choose Improving Lives
Care that stays practical, respects your pace, and focuses on what helps you function better in everyday life.
Straightforward Support That Respects Your Pace
Care stays practical and focused on what helps you function better in everyday life.
Trauma-Informed Options
Trauma-focused approaches like EMDR and Brainspotting are available, along with structured support for insomnia using CBT-I.
Flexible Access Across Oklahoma
In-person and online video options help reduce scheduling and travel barriers.
Help Getting Started
We can walk you through referral steps and insurance questions and help match you with a therapist when possible.
Common Reasons Veterans Reach Out
Veterans often seek counseling when they notice things like:
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling on edge all the time
- Anger that comes on fast, or difficulty calming down after stress
- Anxiety, panic, constant worry, or feeling unsafe even when you are home
- Depression, numbness, disconnection, or loss of interest in things that used to matter
- Chronic sleep problems that are affecting work, focus, and relationships
- Using alcohol or other substances to manage stress or shut things off
- Memory issues, trouble focusing, or mood changes after an injury or concussion
- Relationship tension, isolation, or feeling like nobody understands what you have been through
If this feels familiar, it does not mean you are broken. It usually means your nervous system has been carrying a heavy load for a long time.
How Counseling Can Help
Therapy is not about reliving everything. It is about getting unstuck and building tools that work in real life.
Depending on what you are dealing with, treatment may include individual counseling and trauma-focused approaches like EMDR and Brainspotting, as well as structured help for sleep problems using CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia).
Many Veterans Use Counseling To
Reduce PTSD Symptoms
Ease flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Manage Anxiety and Panic
Respond to anxiety and panic more effectively.
Improve Sleep
Sleep better without relying on medication.
Work Through Depression
Feel more like yourself again.
Build Coping Skills
Healthier tools for anger, stress, and triggers.
Strengthen Relationships
Improve communication with partners and family.
How to Get Started
You do not need the perfect words. Just start with what is happening now.
Request services
Reach out by phone or online to let us know you would like to get started.
Share your details
Share insurance or referral details so we can guide the right next step.
Complete your intake
Complete your intake appointment, then begin care in person or online (availability varies).
Using VA Community Care
If you want to use VA Community Care, ask your local VA Community Care Coordinator for a referral to Improving Lives.
What It Looks Like Here
Care is confidential and designed to feel straightforward and respectful. You and your clinician focus on what is happening now, what you want to change, and what will help you function better day to day. Sessions can be in-person or online video counseling, depending on what fits your needs and what is available.
If family or relationship stress is part of the picture, couples or family counseling can also be part of the plan.
What to Expect
Your First Appointment (Intake)
Your first appointment is an intake appointment. It’s a practical starting point where we help you get set up and make sure the next step is the right fit. We’ll talk through what you’re looking for, answer questions about cost and insurance, and confirm preferences like scheduling and in-person vs. telehealth.
After intake, we’ll guide the next steps. For some Medicaid plans, this may include an additional assessment. Then we’ll work to match you with a therapist when possible.
Your First Therapy Session
Your first therapy session is with your matched therapist. You’ll talk through what’s been happening, what you want to change, and what progress could look like. It’s a starting point that focuses on clarity and a workable plan, not pressure.
Online and In-Person Options Across Oklahoma
Insurance and Cost
VA Referral, Medicaid & SoonerCare
Services are free for veterans with a VA referral, and counseling is free for Title XIX Medicaid or SoonerCare in Oklahoma.
Medicare, Tricare, ChampVA & Private Plans
Medicare and many private plans are accepted, depending on the therapist. Tricare and ChampVA are also accepted by some clinicians.
Self-Pay & Sliding Scale
Self-pay is available, and sliding-scale options exist based on income and family size. If you are not sure what applies to you, call and we will help you sort it out before you begin.
Frequently Asked Questions About Veterans’ Mental Health Services
How do I know if I need counseling?
If you’re dealing with PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, anger, sleep problems, substance use concerns, or difficulty adjusting to civilian life, counseling can help you get clarity and build tools to cope.
What kinds of therapy are available for veterans?
Options include individual counseling and trauma-focused approaches like EMDR and Brainspotting. Structured therapy for insomnia using CBT-I is also available.
Are services confidential?
Yes. Services are confidential, with limited exceptions as required by law.
Is there a cost for services?
Services are free for veterans with a VA referral, and counseling is free for Title XIX Medicaid or SoonerCare in Oklahoma. Other options include Medicare, Tricare, ChampVA, private insurance (varies by therapist), and self-pay.
Do you offer online counseling?
Yes. Online video counseling is available (availability varies).
How do I get started with VA Community Care?
Ask your local VA Community Care Coordinator for a referral to Improving Lives, then call to schedule.
Can I include my spouse or family member?
Yes. Couples and family counseling are available when relationship or family stress is part of what you want to work on.
How long are sessions?
Sessions are typically 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your needs and the service provided.
Fit and Safety
This page is for veterans who want support with trauma symptoms, mood and anxiety concerns, sleep problems, substance use concerns, or the impact of service on relationships and daily life.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988.
Ready to Take the Next Step
Find a Therapist that’s right for you
Our clinicians are trained in many areas of counseling, and we’ll tailor care around you—your needs, your goals, your pace.
Our Counselors Offer Therapy Sessions From Several Offices In Oklahoma
Telehealth is also available all across Oklahoma.
Tulsa (Main Location)
Tulsa (East Location)
Broken Arrow
Elk City
Coweta
Oklahoma City
Bartlesville
Owasso
Pryor
Sapulpa
Tahlequah
Sallisaw
Need Immediate Help?
If you are in crisis and need immediate help, please
CALL OR TEXT 988
For more information, go to: WWW.SUICIDOLOGY.ORG