Veterans frequently share that they see the Veterans Crisis Line number, Dial 988 then Press 1, everywhere, on every VA website, billboard and social media post. They know that 24/7 crisis support is available, but many remain uncertain about what happens when they make the call or what to expect afterward.
Here, I want to clarify what to expect when reaching out to the Veterans Crisis Line so Veterans and their friends, family members and caregivers know exactly what will happen when they call, chat or text with responders.
Many Veterans might not yet know that they can easily text or chat with responders. Conversations are confidential, ensuring privacy and peace of mind. The line is open to all Veterans, regardless of whether they receive VA benefits or health care. Plus, there’s an option to have someone to follow up to make sure they receive the support and resources they need.
You’ve contacted the Veterans Crisis Line. Now what?
Once you’ve made the call (Dial 988 then Press 1), chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat) or text (838255) to the Veterans Crisis Line, you’ll reach a qualified responder who is ready to listen and help. 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.
Your call, chat or text is free and confidential and you decide how much information to share. No matter what you’re experiencing, responders can help. They can also connect you with the resources you need, including your local suicide prevention coordinator (SPC) who will contact you the next business day for continued support.
Support doesn’t end with your conversation
As I mentioned, if the Veterans Crisis Line responder thinks you may benefit from follow-up care, an SPC, located at VA medical centers across the country, will contact you to make sure you have the resources you need. Use our Resource Locator to find your local SPC.
There are also other programs that build on the idea that support should be available after a Veteran’s initial contact with the Veterans Crisis Line:
- Caring Letters: The program focuses on mailing letters to Veterans during the year after their initial documented call to the Veterans Crisis Line. This initiative has been found to reduce the rate of suicide death, attempts and ideation and provides a unique opportunity to help save Veteran lives beyond the call.
- Peer Support Outreach Call Center: This center is staffed by trained Veterans who proactively reach out to Veterans Crisis Line callers who might benefit from additional intervention. Studies show that Veterans who have peer mentors are more likely to keep their VA appointments, access additional treatment methods, and meet other important health benchmarks.
If you’re worried about a Veteran, you don’t need to be an expert to help and getting involved could help the situation.
When you contact the Veterans Crisis Line, you’ll connect with a responder who can offer resources and guidance on how to support your loved one. Your call is confidential and you control how much information you choose to share. Rest assured, they won’t reach out to the Veteran to disclose that their friends or relatives are concerned.
The impact of reaching out to the Veterans Crisis Line
When you’re going through a crisis, it’s natural to think you’re the only one facing a challenge. Since it launched in 2007, the Veterans Crisis line has received, as of July 2024:
- More than 8 million calls.
- More than 975,000 chats.
- More than 399,000 texts.
The bottom line is that the Veterans Crisis Line is saving lives. While it may be difficult to take someone else’s word for it, as a Veteran and someone who works with Veterans, I witness the profound impact of the Veterans Crisis Line every day.
If you’re going through a tough time or know a Veteran who is struggling, contact the Veterans Crisis Line — Dial 988, then Press 1. Now that you have a better understanding of what to expect, I encourage you to reach out. We’re here for you whenever you need us.
Topics in this story
More Stories
For the Great American Smokeout, explore VA resources and learn why every attempt to stop smoking is a step toward success.
If you’ve lost a loved one to suicide, resources and support are available to help you cope during your grieving and healing.
Army Veteran Denis Velez donated a painting of his VA hospital as a way of giving back for his treatment there.
This hot line is BS .
Never helped my 90 yo dad ..EVER..or the family..
All those entitlements ..
he signed up for ..
BS..
No One cares at the VA..it’s all just documentation to cover their behinds .period.. Not 1 person helps caregivers or the Veterans ..Seen more suicides by Vets than I care to see… Because of the crap red tape and jerks who desk sit making bonuses…
I gave you my opinion and it disappeared. Why?
Don’t contact these people unless you want to go to a lock down mental facility. Once they get you on the phone they contact the cell phone company and the cellphone company will triangulate your location and dispatch the police to your location. As the other veteran said it is smoke and mirrors. The suicide rate for veterans has gone up over the last couple of years. Ask your AI search engine. Whoever wrote the information regarding the suicide prevention was a liar. Ask how many times the SPC received a second call from someone in need?
Any one wondering what happens to veterans that reach out to the VA in crisis can look at the below article.
https://health.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2024-09-12/gainesville-va-medical-center-baker-act-veteran
There are hundreds of victims that have not reported what has happened to them yet. I encourage anyone negatively affected by Mathew Millers deception or the VA’s bad actions to report it to the VA OIG, elected officials and their local news agencies. Not making your voice heard will have a negative effect on other veterans. The VA needs to rebuild its trust and integrity within the veteran community.
what I got when i called while under existential stress as a veteran with service connected PTSD in my 70s was abusive racist threats from the person who spoke to me and complete disregard from the VA when I chose to make a formal complaint
whenever I have called mostly what I found were cookie cutter questions and answers basically unrelated to the substance of my situation at hand
sometimes people were pleasant. sometimes they were not pleasant. sometime they were openly verbally judgmental
I long ago realized after many tries, I was not going to commit suicide intentionally … that ship has sailed … and several near death experiences put dying off the table as a way to deal with living
what has had me most riled up as to ask to make a formal complaint at the elder abuse I encountered was the absolute indifference of the crisis line administration to follow up and a response that had I received it in the many years of my life preceding the Internet , it would very really could have made one of my attempts successful … they left me in despair … calling for help and receiving accusations and personal abuse
quote: “someone will contact you, sir” but no one ever did contact me. my telephone records each call, the telephone number and time and date unless I delete it. and there never was a call.
Tx so much for all this info! I’ve been at the point that I should have called but I was afraid to!! Now I won’t this twice about not using it!!! Please keep spreading the word!
I used this program. They (VA) had a response team take me to a hospital civilian. Centennial in Nevada. I was denied service and escorted off the property. No help to return to my home. No everything. I was new to the area and it was all a nightmare. I WILL Never Call the Crisis Line AGAIN. And later receive a bill from Fire Department. No this is All BAD.
Thank you for verifying my fears of EVER interacting with this “smoke and mirrors” VA program!
Michael, you are 100% correct. I posted what my experience was but they probably won’t allow it to be posted