Beyond the call: Understanding the Veterans Crisis Line

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.

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