Veterans helping Veteran/programs like Chris Kyle did work the best, definatly better than any crisis line, or program that the VA offers. Here is why.
Leaving the Army after six years and 21 months in theatre and as an Infantry Squad Leader to serving tables/getting ready for the student life, is a huge lifestyle change. I wasn't afraid to call for help, I knew I could get through anything, but not by myself. I've always had another soldier to help me one way or another. Mostly just by following their example collectively, we arn't the type to talk about feelings. Ever. At the same time we could read each other like books.
I didn't have that resource anymore, so I called a veterans crisis line after a bad day at work. I felt like my wings have been clipped. My fustrations were more homicidal than suicidal because I have more respect for the foriegn enemy willing to be a martyre, than the domestic enemy of gravy train riders at the time. I see how flawed that is now, and I was initially glad to talk to someone. I actually didn't speak of harming anyone because I wanted some real help, and not a wall to scream at. We all feel like merking someone sometimes, and with people that have smoked terry before it can become more of a reality. We have to be careful of that. All was going well about an hour into the phone call, I though all was well and things we're working out. However...
The veterans help line traced my call after talking about nothing but transitioning, gave my location to the police, and told me it would only be a courtesy check.
3 squad cars pulled up, spotlight me, search me and the vehicle infront of all the traffic in the world to see. They obviously were not portrayed the right idea.
I told them I would drive to the VA, they made me take an ambulance.
I arrive at the VA only to be locked up for 3 days without questioning why I came there in the first place. They saw cops, and assumed I did something bad, so they threw me in the looney bin. They took my cell phone and all my other personal items, so I couldn't call anyone to exain to anyone the situation. For three days none of my "friends" or family knew where I was.
I was also out of work, so that didn't help me at all with the $800 ambulance bill that the VA wouldn't cover.
tl;dr PTSD and other related veteran issues have a stigmatism that civilians who never have been enlightened by our experiences will carry against us weather they know it or not. The same way malingering dirt bags do. We're not wounded animals, as Chris Kyles's father put it, we're sheep dogs. We might have a firm nature that makes people uncomfortable, and you shouldn't be ashamed of who you are.
That being said, there are veterans helping veterans groups in every major city across the U.S. to check out. think of it as a unit BBQ or mandatory fun day. It might not be the most thrilling thing in the world, but it's more productive and enjoyable than seeing some shrink at the VA. Don't be afraid to reach out to old buddies you served with regardless of how long it's been, even if you don't need them, they might need you. Hell if you want to shoot the shit with me through private messages, I've got some cool stories to share.