American veterans die by suicide at a higher rate than their non-veteran counterparts. They also experience suicidal ideations and suicide attempts at higher rates than non-veterans. There are numerous resources available to help servicemembers and veterans in crisis – but these resources are often also accessible before an individual’s mental health reaches crisis levels. We urge you to prioritize your mental health early to prevent crises in the future.
If you are in crisis, we urge you to call the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1) or visit your local emergency room immediately.
One of your first resources for mental health maintenance should be your physician. They can usually refer you to therapists, psychiatrists, or other specialty physicians depending on your needs. The Department of Veterans Affairs covers mental health services for veterans, and more information can be found here. Mental health services are also often covered by private insurers.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a subset of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline tailored to the military community with responders who have been trained in both crisis intervention and military culture. The Veterans Crisis Line provides around-the-clock, confidential support to veterans and their family members. There is no requirement to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to receive support.
To reach a responder, dial 988, then press 1. Responders are also available via text at 838255 and via online chat. Individuals who are looking for local resources can search for care, counseling, and more online.
Department of Veterans Affairs
The Vet Center Call Center, available at 877-927-8387, is a confidential call center maintained by the Department of Veterans Affairs for combat veterans (and their family members) to call when they have questions about adjusting to civilian life or want to talk about their military service. Responders include combat veterans and family members of combat veterans and are available around the clock; services are provided free of charge.
Trained counselors are also available to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans provides free, confidential support to these individuals and is available by calling 877-424-3838. Responders can provide information about programs and services that may be available to these veterans.
The Women Veterans Call Center is available to women veterans and their friends, family members, and caregivers. While responders are trained mainly to answer questions about the VA (including benefits, care coordinators, and eligibility), women veterans may also call to discuss homelessness, maternity care and infertility treatments, military sexual trauma, and more. The service is free and confidential but does have limited hours (Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET). Veterans can call or text 855-829-6636 or chat online.
Military and Family Life Counseling Program
Servicemembers, family members, and survivors may be able to access free, confidential counseling at or near their installation. There are both adult and youth programs available to provide non-medical counseling to those who may be struggling or want to speak with a professional. Issues that an individual may bring to their counselor include deployments and PCSing; stress; relationships, including bullying, divorce, and sibling-parent relationships; loss; self-esteem; and conflict resolution.
Contact your local Military and Family Support Center for more information.
Military OneSource
Active duty, National Guard, and reserve servicemembers (and many immediate family members) are eligible for non-medical counseling through Military OneSource. Surviving spouses who have not remarried and surviving children listed in DEERs can also access these services. Separated servicemembers can continue using Military OneSource’s counseling services for one year after their separation.
Non-medical counseling is not intended for individuals who are in crisis, and Military OneSource’s professional counselors are unable to provide diagnoses or treatment for diagnoses. However, these professionals can provide short-term counseling to help servicemembers and/or their loved ones address relationship challenges, stress, loss, and deployments. Support is free and confidential, and is provided in person, over the phone, or online. Individuals looking to schedule an appointment can do so at any time.
Stop Soldier Suicide
Stop Soldier Suicide is a nonprofit organization focused on reducing the rate of suicide among servicemembers and veterans. In addition to providing resources around firearm safety and researching the “why” behind military suicides, they offer the ROGER wellness service, which provides counseling, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention for free to veterans and servicemembers.
Servicemembers and veterans can also call 844-647-1354 in times of crisis.
Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project maintains a “mental health triage team” that can help connect veterans with mental health programs and services in their areas. Note that this is not a resource to be used if you are in crisis; it can take up to five days to connect with a triage teammate. Once in touch, veterans will undergo a one-on-one screening to help triage teammates determine what resources are best. They can connect veterans to programs and services including telephone emotional support, and in-person treatment programs for PTSD, MST, and other service-connected mental health concerns. These services are all provided for free.
Veterans can contact the resource center by calling 888-997-2586, emailing resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org, or chatting online.
If you are concerned about your mental health, there are resources available to help you. You can gauge your symptoms with the Veterans Self-Check Quiz online, or, if you need immediate assistance, call one of the organizations listed above. Your physician, your loved ones, and veteran-specific organizations can all be good resources for you.