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It can be challenging to get someone to go to a counselor if they're not ready. They may not listen to what you have to say. It may take several conversations. But here are two ideas that may help.

1. A veteran may be hesitant to go to the V.A. to see a counselor, but they may be willing to go in for a check-up. And, when they come to a V.A. hospital for the first time, we'll give them a full health screening. That includes a physical exam and various screenings... including a mental-health screening. If we find that they have significant post-deployment stress, we'll talk to them about seeing one of our counselors. So, getting a veteran to come in for a check-up, could lead to them seeing a counselor. The veteran can call a V.A. hospital to schedule a check-up, or just drop by the hospital's Operation Enduring Freedom / Operation Iraqi Freedom / Operation New Dawn Program Office.

2. A lot of veterans are hesitant to talk about their feelings with anyone who hasn't been through something similar. They think--perhaps rightly so--that no one else can really understand. So, if the veteran doesn't want to talk to you, you could connect him or her with other veterans--maybe a family member or friend who's served, a friend from their deployment, or even a veterans' group that meets in your area. Connecting with other veterans can be very therapeutic in itself. And if another veteran notices post-deployment stress and suggests counseling, your loved one may be more likely to listen to them.