Veterans Crisis Line is here for all Veterans

Life is unpredictable and full of ups and downs that can affect your well-being.

As a Veteran, you face unique and difficult challenges due to your experience in the military. If you’re dealing with a crisis or thoughts of suicide, it can feel like you’re carrying the weight alone.

While support may seem out of reach or difficult to find, it’s only a phone call away. Regardless of your age, gender, rank, branch, tenure, discharge status or job in the military, the Veterans Crisis Line is a free and accessible resource for all Veterans.

Help is always available, day or night

Some Veterans may question if they’re allowed to call the Veterans Crisis Line. One might think this resource is only meant for Veterans who served in combat, were injured through their service, were deployed overseas or are currently enrolled in VA health care and benefits. None of this is true.

Spreading the word about the Veterans Crisis Line is a high priority for VA, not only because we want to save lives but also because we want all Veterans to know support is available 24/7, 365 days a year.

You can Dial 988 then Press 1 to be connected to a compassionate and trained responder ready to listen and help with any challenges you’re facing. There are also chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat) and text 838255 options.

Even if you don’t know what you need or how to explain it, our responders are here for you. After making sure you have the resources you need, they can connect you to one of the 165 suicide prevention coordinators located across the country for continued, local support.

Take the first step to healing

Reaching out might be the last thing you want to do. You might be nervous and anxious, or you might think no one can help. Healing can be a difficult journey and it’s hard to not focus on the negatives especially if you’ve been suffering in silence. But consider the ways that support could change your life.

Since the Veterans Crisis Line launched in 2007, we have fielded more than six million contacts from Veterans and their loved ones. With one call, you’ll be connected to accessible resources and people who want to help.

You also decide how much information you want to share with our responders. You don’t have to share any personal details like your name.

Veterans have told me they would feel more comfortable contacting the Veterans Crisis Line if they knew more about what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step guide to what happens when you call the Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988 then Press 1):

1. A recording will alert you that you’ve reached the Veterans Crisis Line.
2. There will be a brief pause while the call is connected to a qualified responder ready to listen and help.
3. The responder will ask a few questions, such as whether you or the Veteran or service member you’re concerned about may be in immediate danger or at risk for suicide.
4. Your call is free and confidential, and you decide how much information to share.
5. If you or the Veteran or service member you’re concerned about is in danger, the responder will help you get through the crisis and then connect you with the services you need, either from your local VA medical center or elsewhere in your community.
6. If you or the Veteran or service member you’re concerned about is in crisis but not at imminent risk for injury or suicide, the responder will listen, offer support and help you make a plan to stay safe.
7. Afterward, you may be connected with a local suicide prevention coordinator who will contact you the next business day for continued support.

For information on what happens when you chat or text the Veterans Crisis Line, visit our How It Works page.

Be prepared in case you need support

During a crisis, every second counts. Making sure you’re prepared with how to find immediate support is critical and can potentially be lifesaving.

Even if you don’t need support today, saving the Veterans Crisis Line number—Dial 988 then Press 1—can give you peace of mind knowing a trusted caring responder is waiting on the other end.