To ensure veterans with mental health crises have immediate access to trained coordinators, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has established a 24-hour national Suicide Prevention Hotline, manned by the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans in crisis can Dial 988, then press option #1, and be linked to the Veterans Crisis Line and a crisis intervention professional. Hotline staff provide immediate help and will link callers to mental health services, including suicide prevention coordinators located at every VA medical center.
Veterans Online Chat:
“Chat” live online with a crisis counselor. The online chat service is available 24/7. Click here and then click on the “Veterans Chat” link.
or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, from the Veterans Crisis Line.
General Questions About VA Medical Benefits:
Veterans who are not in crisis, but who have questions about medical benefits or who need information about their closest VA medical facility should call (877) 222-8387 or search the VA’s Facility Locator.
General Questions About VA Benefits or to File a Claim:
Veterans with questions about benefits or claims information can call (800) 827-1000 and will be routed to their nearest VA Regional Office.
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PREPARED BY: 211/tb
CONTENT LAST REVIEWED: April2023