Supporting providers who serve Veterans with suicide prevention resources

This blog is intended for providers who care for Veterans that are at risk of suicide. SRM provides free consultation, support, and resources that promote therapeutic best practices for the providers working with at-risk Veterans.

VA’s Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program (SRM) provides one free hour of consultation services for community or VA providers who work with Veterans at risk for suicide.

SRM consultants collaborate with providers and offer tailored, one-on-one support for risk assessment, conceptualization of suicide risk, lethal means safety counseling, strategies for how to engage Veterans at high risk in their own treatment, best practices for documentation, and provider support after a suicide loss (postvention). SRM’s expert consultation and resources promote best practices informed by research conducted in VA and in the community.

SRM experts only consult with PROVIDERS on suicide risk management and does not provide any direct care or support to Veterans. If you are a Veteran in crisis — or you’re concerned about one — free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online. Find Veteran Suicide Prevention information and resources on the Veterans Crisis Line website.

Requesting a consultation

Community leaders and other organizations working with Veterans may also request suicide prevention resources, information and education (e.g. presentations). Learning how to identify someone at risk of suicide and ways to offer support are popular examples.

The Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program (SRM) is ensuring providers have access to suicide prevention resources to continuously improve Veteran care both inside and outside VA.

Once a provider submits an email request for consultation, an SRM staff member schedules a time to speak with them. Staff can also answer a question via email if preferred.

In the SRM staff’s reply to the provider is an included triage form for the provider/applicant to complete and return. Providers complete and submit the triage form prior to the scheduled consultation. All information discussed during the consultation process is confidential.

To request a consult, or to learn more, please email srmconsult@va.gov or visit www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/consult.

Kaesean Joseph is an Air Force Veteran and VA employee.