Kennedy Introduces VA Coaching Into Care Act to Support Families of At-Risk Veterans

Families of Veterans Lack Critical Mental Health Support After the Discontinuation of the VA's Coaching Into Care Program

Kennedy's Legislation Would Restart the Program, Providing Families and Caregivers with Accessible Support from Health Professionals

Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) announced the introduction of the VA Coaching Into Care Act, a bill to address a major gap in support for families and loved ones of at-risk veterans. This legislation would restart the VA's Coaching Into Care program, strengthening access to real-time mental health resources for veterans and the family members who support them.

Watch Congressman Kennedy's full remarks here.

For years, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hosted their Coaching Into Care Program, a successful initiative that created a hotline to provide families of at-risk veterans with real-time support and guidance, including resources to help identify warning signs of mental health crises. However, the program was discontinued on March 1, 2024. Since then, calls have been rerouted to the VA's Caregiver Support Line, which is often overburdened with high call volume and long wait times. Additionally, hotline responders are oftentimes unaware that they can provide resources to individuals who are not formally recognized as caregivers. As a result, many spouses, partners, and family members of veterans are left without access to critical, professional guidance in crisis situations.

"To close this gap, my bill, the VA Coaching Into Care Act of 2026, restarts this program at the VA for three years, providing phone-based counseling and guidance for family members of at-risk veterans. It strengthens the VA mental health support system, and put simply - will save lives," said Congressman Kennedy. "We ask a great deal of those who serve our country. In this body, it is our responsibility to care for those who have protected us, our livelihoods, liberty, and democracy."

On average, more than 17 veterans die by suicide per day. Ensuring veterans and their loved ones have access to timely mental health support has never been more important. The Coaching Into Care Act would restore the VA's proven program for an additional three years, maintaining a toll-free hotline staffed by licensed psychologists and social workers. By reconnecting families with expert guidance and support, the legislation would help bridge the gap between veterans in need and life-saving mental and behavioral health care.

Kennedy's legislation is endorsed by the Minority Veterans of America, National American Indian Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), Vet Voice Foundation, and Vietnam Veterans of America.

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