Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Mental Health Resources for Veterinarians

This article originally appeared in the Spring 2026 issue of EquiManagement. Sign up here for a FREE subscription to EquiManagement’s quarterly digital or print magazine and any special issues.

Equine veterinarians often struggle with mental wellness for many reasons. The emotional toll of performing euthanasia and dealing with distressed horse owners, as well as the need to make suboptimal treatment decisions because of clients’ financial constraints can lead to compassion fatigue. The work environment often includes long hours, emergency shift responsibilities, ethical dilemmas, and difficult client interactions. High educational debt, perfectionism, and professional isolation can also contribute. Depression and anxiety are common among veterinarians. 

Although mental health troubles are becoming less stigmatized, the suffering can still feel like a weakness or failing. Sometimes the individual who is struggling is the biggest barrier to getting help for themselves. Internal voices can create intense self-criticism. Compared to the general population, veterinarians have a higher risk of depression, anxiety, burnout, and suicide.

Mental Health Resources

Fortunately, a number of mental health resources have been developed for veterinarians, including the organizations Not One More Vet (NOMV), the VIN Foundation Vets4Vets, and the Veterinary Hope Foundation (VHF). Vets4Vets is a peer-to-peer confidential wellness program that connects veterinarians, allowing them to share experiences and expand their support network beyond their physical community. Not One More Vet offers free, confidential virtual support groups, webinars, and peer support via platforms like Lifeboat. The Veterinary Hope Foundation (VHF) provides free, guided online support groups for vets and support teams, matched by practice type.

The AVMA offers a broad-based group of wellness resources at ­avma.org/­resources-tools/wellbeing. The AAEP offers a confidential, free program called the Healthy Practice Member Assistance Program that offers support and resources to address personal or work-related challenges and concerns, including counseling, consultation, and online resources. 

Peer support is a key component for mental health. Having the opportunity to share challenges with trusted colleagues who have similar experiences is powerful medicine. Both MentorVet and Decade One provide opportunities to form strong, supportive relationships with peer veterinarians.

Outside the veterinary world, help for mental health challenges is becoming more widely available. Many therapists provide sessions virtually, allowing them to reduce patients’ time needed for travel to an in-person session and ­eliminating the barrier of geographic location. Options include Better Help, Talkspace, and Charlie Health.

For those needing crisis help, 24/7 support is available at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The SAMHSA National Helpline is also available for individuals facing mental health crises as well as substance abuse. For general support and mental health resources, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is a trusted resource. 

Final Thoughts

Often the most difficult step in getting help is admitting you need it. Feelings that diminish your ability to live joyfully and enjoy your daily life can be heavy to carry, but getting support can lighten the load and change everything. You matter, and your life matters. Taking the steps you need to gain better mental health can be life-changing. Please don’t hesitate. 

Related Reading

• 10 Must-Read Veterinary Wellness Articles for Equine Practitioners
• Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Understanding Quality of Life Measures
• Veterinary Wellness Briefs: Recognizing and Extinguishing Burnout

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