How to help a Veteran in crisis
If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, contact the Veteran Crisis Line:
- Dial 988 and then press 1
- Text 838255
- Chat online with a VA responder
- If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-799-4889
The Veterans Crisis Line is offers free, 24/7, confidential support regardless of the Veteran's VA benefits or healthcare enrollment status.
How to get involved with the suicide prevention community
We're committed to offering and continuing to build a range of resources and a network of support for all Veterans, including those who do not, and may never, seek care within the VA health system. Lives can be saved when Veterans receive the right support before a crisis. Prevention includes enhancing protective factors - access to mental health care, social connections, and coping skills - while reducing risk factors such as firearm access, certain medications, and stressful life events like divorce, job loss, and the death of a loved one.
- Suicide Prevention community: If you are interested in learning more about Suicide Prevention at VA or how to become part of our community, message us at suicideprevention@va.gov.
- Mission Daybreak activities: If you're interested in learning more about Mission Daybreak or how to get involved, visit our website or message us at hello@missiondaybreak.net.
- Events and opportunities: Please visit our Events and News page for information about upcoming events including webinars, panels, and other networking opportunities.
Take Action
- Learn the Signs of a Crisis: Learn the behaviors that indicate they need help | View Resource
- Learn how to talk to a Veteran in crisis: Learn how to start a conversation with a Veteran in crisis | View File
- Spread the word about Veteran suicide prevention: Support Veterans by sharing resources and information, including sample social media posts, newsletter content, flyers, and more | View File
- Practice Secure Firearm and Medication Storage: Save lives by learning how to increase the amount of time and distance between someone having a suicidal crisis and access to a firearm or medication | View File
- Keep Veterans Safe on Social Media: Learn what to do if you see social media content that makes you concerned for a Veteran | View File
- Learn the Steps Involved in Suicide Prevention: VA S.A.V.E. Training Brochure provides information that will help you act with care and compassion if you come across a Veteran who is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide | View File
For Clinicians
VA Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Guidebook | Download File
Suicide Prevention Clinician's Guide | Download File
Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program | Download File
Opioid Overdose Education & Naloxone Distribution | Download File
Suicide Risk Identification and Management SharePoint (VA access) | Download File
The Columbia Protocol (C-SSRS): Free training for communities and health care providers on the Columbia Protocol, which is used for suicide risk assessments | View Training
Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guidelines: Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines when treating patients, including the assessment and management of Veterans at risk for suicide | View Guide
Military Competence: Free military competence training to educate individuals about the unique needs of people in the military community | View Training
Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program: Providers who work with Veterans can receive free, one-on-one consultation to enhance their therapeutic practice | View Resource
For Veterans
Mobile apps that support mental health and wellness: Veterans can search for free VA apps that provide tools and information for managing symptoms and stress | View Resource
Suicide Prevention Coordinators: Connect Veterans with counseling and services near them | View Resource
Veteran Training: Self-help portal provides tools to help Veterans overcome everyday challenges in an entirely anonymous environment | View Training
Interested in learning more about Suicide Prevention at VA or how to become part of our community? Send us a message at suicideprevention@va.gov. If you're interested in learning more about Mission Daybreak or how to get involved, please message hello@missiondaybreak.net.
The Suicide Prevention and Mission Daybreak Teams will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
Contact the Suicide Prevention Team
Have a question or want to learn more about the Suicide Prevention community at VA? Send a message to suicideprevention@va.gov and we will get back to you as soon as possible.