Veterans & First Responder Support
We understand that the journey of veterans and first responders is one of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment. As you’ve faced challenges that few others can comprehend, we are here to honor your service by providing resources that prioritize your mental and emotional well-being.
Join us in this mission to honor your service through gratitude and action. We believe that the journey towards resilience is a shared one, and we’re here to walk alongside you every step of the way. Together, we can build a stronger, healthier future for all our heroes.
On this page, you will find our Service Dog Application and Forms, our First Responder’s Drop-In Class information, how to Request a Therapy Dog Visit, and suggested Mental Health Resources.
Service Dog Application
The following three forms must be completed and submitted with each service dog application. Click each form to open and download the PDF.
Additional Forms For Veterans:
We need a copy of the applicant's DD-214 member copy four Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
Additional Forms For First Responders:
We need a copy of the applicant's NYSDOH Certificate.
Completed forms can be emailed to our Intake Coordinator, Danielle at Danielle@operationatease.org.
Please note: all fields are required.
The following three forms must be completed and submitted with each service dog application. Click each form to open and download the PDF.
Additional Forms For Veterans:
We need a copy of the applicant's DD-214 member copy four Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
Additional Forms For First Responders:
We need a copy of the applicant's NYSDOH Certificate.
Completed forms can be emailed to our Intake Coordinator, Danielle at Danielle@operationatease.org.
Please note: all fields are required.
First Responders Drop-In Class
Drop-in classes are now available for first responders! No commitment is required. Just pre-register and come by with your dog. These classes are intended for therapeutic benefit without the long commitment of the service dog program.
(Please note: Classes are only for first responders)
Request Therapy Dog Visit
Mental Health Resources
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Simply calling or texting 988 or typing 988Lifeline.org will connect you to compassionate care & support for mental health-related distress.
If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988.
Or chat at 988lifeline.org
Give an Hour
Give an Hour provides mental health services for people who have experienced humanmade trauma. Everything we do is informed through the knowledge gained from lived experiences.
We listen to what individuals want and need, educate mental health providers to understand the community on a deeper level, and customize our services and supports to be responsive toward long term health and happiness – for the impacted individual as well as their loved ones.
Albany Healthcare System
At the VA Albany Healthcare System, our health care teams are highly experienced and guided by the needs of Veterans, their families, and caregivers. Find a health facility near you, and manage your health online. Sign up for community events and updates.
Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
113 Holland Avenue
Albany, NY 12208-3410
518-626-5000
Albany Vet Center
We offer confidential help for Veterans, service members, and their families at no cost in a non-medical setting. Our services include counseling for needs such as depression, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and the psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST). We can also connect you with more support in VA and your community.
Military OneSource
Military OneSource from the Department of Defense is your 24/7 gateway to trusted information, resources and confidential help. When MilLife happens, it’s your “first line of support” — giving service members and military families tools to stay well and thrive.
Northern Rivers
Our Mobile Crisis Services teams are comprised of licensed clinical supervisors and clinicians, family advocates, peer support specialists, and case managers. In teams of two, team members are deployed to assist adults, children, adolescents, and their families resolve emotional and behavioral health crisis situations.
We help prevent unnecessary hospitalization and emergency room visits by stabilizing the crisis in the most normalized, least restrictive setting.
Mobile Crisis teams function within a continuum of related services throughout the community to build an integrated crisis system that meets the needs of all children, adults, adolescents, and their families.
Parents, guardians, or adults should call 518.292.5499 for immediate live crisis support. When our teams are unavailable, you will be prompted to reach out to the nearest emergency responders, including 911, local hospital emergency room, or local mental health agency in your county for support.
Please note: Northern Rivers’ Mobile Crisis Services team in Albany County handles children and adolescent crises only. For an adult in crisis in Albany County, please contact the Albany County Mental Health Center Mobile Crisis Team at 518.549.6500.