The Veterans Crisis Hotline Provides Instant Mental Health Help

If you’re looking for mental health help or know someone in the military community who is struggling, the Veterans Crisis Hotline is available. Simply Dial 988, then press 1 to connect with qualified mental health professionals. You can also text 838255 or connect through the U.S. Veterans Crisis hotline chat online. All of these services are available 24/7/365 and are available even if you don’t receive healthcare or benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

What Happens When You Call the Veterans Crisis Line?

Making a call to the Veterans Crisis Line is very straightforward. Calls are free and confidential, and it’s up to you which pieces of information you decide to share. Here’s how it works:

• After you call, you’ll hear a recording alerting you that you’ve reached the Veterans Crisis Line.
• A brief pause will occur as it connects your call with a qualified professional that can listen and help.
• The responder then asks you a few questions, including info about your service and whether or not you are in danger or at risk of suicide.
• If you or someone else is in immediate danger, you’ll be assisted by being connected to the appropriate service you need to help you get out of your crisis. Should you share contact information, a suicide prevention coordinator at the closest VA medical center to you will get in contact by the next business day.
• If no one is in imminent danger but is still facing a crisis, the professional will be there to listen, give support, and help create a plan to keep everyone safe.
• The following business day, you may be contacted by a local suicide prevention coordinator to ensure everything is still ok.

Each situation is different, and the help you receive will be tailored to the needs of the caller. This could mean being connected with local resources, receiving emotional support, or getting help to create a safety plan. The service is available 24/7. Not in the mood to speak on the phone? Don’t worry; there are options available other than the Veterans Crisis Line number. Simply text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat to get connected with professionals.

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What the Veterans Crisis Hotline Has to Offer

In addition to the Veterans Crisis Hotline number, there are several mental health resources available to those in need. Here are some of the important resources you should know:

Local Resources

Besides helping you with immediate assistance, if you require mental health support, help with your benefits, etc., the hotline can help you connect with local resources from qualified people near you.

Resources and Programs

At the National Veterans Crisis Hotline, you’ll find plenty of different programs and systems for help to best suit your needs. Here are the options available to you and your family:

• Make the Connection is a support system filled with the stories of over 600 Veterans and family members that can help you understand you’re not alone in recovery.
• Mental Health America resources provide the military community with a better understanding of prevention services, how to spot the signs of negative mental health, support, and so much more.
• Give an Hour provides the Veteran community with free mental healthcare services. Additionally, you’ll find ways to help people with barriers overcome them to receive the help they deserve.
• VA Mental Health and VA Suicide Prevention resources are available. This includes statistics, self-help tools, training, support for those who have lost someone to suicide, etc.
• The Homeless Veterans Crisis Hotline is the same number; however, you’ll find specific assistance is available for unhoused Veterans. If you are struggling with or may soon struggle with homelessness, you can also chat online to receive help.

Are you curious to see if you need help with your mental health? Take an anonymous self-check risk assessment to better understand depression, your stress levels, and how they may affect your life.

The Impact of the Veterans Crisis Hotline Two Years Later