Veteran Treatment Courts

Veteran Treatment Courts are community-based court programs that offer an alternative to traditional prosecution for veterans who need mental health or substance abuse treatment. The process works like this:

1. A veteran is charged with a non-violent crime (theft, drug possession, etc.)
2. The veteran is assessed for mental health or substance abuse treatment needs
3. If eligible, the veteran can choose treatment court instead of traditional prosecution — this is voluntary
4. A mental health provider recommends a course of treatment to the court
5. Most veterans receive treatment through the VA healthcare network
6. A judge regularly monitors progress while the veteran remains in the community
7. Veteran mentors (other veteran volunteers) provide peer support throughout the process
8. Upon successful completion, charges may be reduced or dismissed

To be eligible for a veteran treatment court, you generally must:

• Be a veteran (some courts also accept current servicemembers)
• Be charged with a non-violent crime
• Be in need of mental health or substance abuse treatment
• Voluntarily choose treatment court — you cannot be forced into it

Eligibility criteria can vary by jurisdiction. Some courts have expanded eligibility to include certain types of offenses beyond the basics listed above.

Veterans in treatment courts receive comprehensive support services, most delivered through the VA:

• Medical and mental health treatment
• Substance abuse treatment
• Job training and employment placement
• Housing assistance
• Transportation support
• Veteran peer mentors — other veterans who volunteer to provide guidance and accountability

As of December 2025, VA Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Specialists serve in approximately 745 Veteran Treatment Courts and veteran-focused court programs across the United States — up from 623 in December 2021.

Research consistently shows that treatment for mental health and substance use disorders decreases recidivism (re-offending). VTCs address the root causes of criminal behavior — trauma, addiction, untreated mental illness — rather than simply punishing the symptom.

• Contact your local VA Veterans Justice Outreach (VJO) Specialist — every VA medical center has one. They can tell you if a VTC exists in your area and help you access it.
• Ask at arraignment or pre-trial hearing about veteran treatment court options — your attorney can request this
• If you are currently incarcerated: Ask for the HCRV (Health Care for Reentry Veterans) specialist at your facility