Veterans Legal Institute Launches New Women Veterans Advocacy Program

Santa Ana, CA – May 19, 2025 – Veterans Legal Institute (VLI) has launched a new Mental Health Legal Advocacy Program aimed at supporting veterans struggling with service-related mental health issues. The program will provide free legal aid to veterans seeking access to healthcare, disability benefits, and discharge upgrades stemming from PTSD, MST (military sexual trauma), and other mental health-related challenges.

“Mental health is one of the most pressing issues affecting our veteran community,” said Antoinette Balta, VLI’s Executive Director. “Many veterans are denied benefits due to misunderstandings around mental health diagnoses or because they received less-than-honorable discharges tied to their trauma. This program exists to right those wrongs.”

In collaboration with local mental health providers and VA clinics, VLI will offer direct representation, legal counseling, and educational outreach to help veterans navigate complex legal systems. The organization also plans to host monthly mental health law clinics at partner locations throughout Southern California.

This initiative is part of VLI’s broader mission to ensure that no veteran is left behind—especially those most vulnerable and underserved.