The combat and military service experience has left a growing number of veterans with mental health and substance abuse issues. One in five veterans has symptoms of a mental health disorder and one in six veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation New Dawn and Operation Inherent Resolve suffer from a substance use issue. Multiple research studies have found a link between substance use and combat-related mental illness. Left untreated, mental health disorders can directly lead to involvement in the criminal justice system. Veteran Treatment Courts help veterans suffering from substance abuse or mental health issues with early intervention & treatment through specialized dockets that treat the whole person holistically with health interventions, case management and mentorship by their peers. Each court differs in focus and scope but their goal is the same: To keep veterans out of the justice system so they can lead full and active lives.