What is the Veterans Crisis Line? The crisis line is available for any veteran, family member, caregiver, or interested party to help a veteran cope with a crisis, talk to someone about a difficult problem, talk about suicidal thoughts. The caller will be helped to access VA and other resources. The crisis line is staffed at a VA facility and by VA staff, some of whom are veterans themselves. They can also help coordinate follow-up with veterans who have a primary care doctor at a VA facility. It is not required that a veteran be registered with the VA or even be eligible to use the Veterans Crisis Line.
The crisis line is not available to ask questions about VA benefits or to check on claims status. Questions about VA healthcare should be referred to 877-222-VETS (8387). For benefit questions call 800-827-1000.
It is important to note that the Veteran Crisis Line phone number is the same number as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The number 800-273-8255 is available to anyone in crisis. The veterans crisis line is then reached by pressing 1. The Veterans Crisis Line is provided as a partnership with National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. There is no wrong number between the two. Veterans are not required to call the VA side of the program. The option is available to speak to a VA crisis counselor who has expertise helping veterans. The non-VA side of the program will assist veterans and non-veterans through a crisis and help with access to community resources.
There are a few ways to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. The most well-known and mostly used means of contacting them is by phone at 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1. Direct chat is also available through their website via https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/Chat. You can also text to 838255. The crisis line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by all access means.
If you are a veteran or know of a veteran in crisis, don’t hesitate to contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255.
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