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If a veteran is in immediate danger, injured, or may act on a plan to harm themselves or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. You can also go directly to a VA medical center. For veteran-specific crisis counseling, call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or use the Veterans Crisis Line online chat. The service is free, confidential, and available 24/7; people concerned about a veteran can contact it, too.
What do I do if a veteran is in crisis?
Choose the route by urgency. Crisis-line counseling can help you talk through what is happening and identify next steps. It is not a substitute for emergency response when someone is in immediate danger.
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| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Immediate danger, injury, or a plan to act | Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. A VA medical center is also an option. |
| You need veteran-specific crisis counseling or are unsure what to do next | Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or use Veterans Crisis Line online chat. |
| The immediate crisis has passed and ongoing support is needed | Contact a VA medical center, ask about its suicide-prevention coordinator, or explore eligible Vet Center services. Family and friends can also contact Coaching Into Care for help navigating VA support. |
If you go to a non-VA emergency department, tell staff the person is a veteran and ask them to contact VA. Payment for emergency care may depend on the veteran’s eligibility and circumstances; confirm individual coverage with VA rather than assuming every visit will be covered.
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- Stay calm and listen. Use a supportive, nonjudgmental tone. Let the veteran decide how much to share; you do not need to solve everything in the moment.
- Ask directly about suicide. The VA handout suggests asking, “Are you thinking about killing yourself or someone else?” Asking plainly helps you understand whether urgent help is needed.
- If the answer is yes, connect them with trained support. Offer to call the Veterans Crisis Line together at 988, then press 1. You can also text 838255 or use online chat. Try to find out where the veteran is and whether someone is nearby.
- Escalate immediate danger. Call 911 if the veteran has an immediate plan or has injured themselves or someone else. Do not try to assess or manage immediate danger alone; prioritize professional emergency response.
What warning signs should I watch for?
Possible warning signs identified by VA include:
- Persistent sadness, depression, anxiety, or agitation; unusual changes in sleep; or neglect of personal appearance or welfare.
- Withdrawing from other people, losing interest in activities, or expressing guilt, shame, failure, hopelessness, or feeling trapped.
- Declining performance at work or school, or violent or risky behavior.
- Giving away prized possessions, making a will, or seeking access to firearms or pills.
These are possible signs, not a screening test. VA cautions that many veterans show no signs before attempting self-harm, so the absence of visible warning signs does not establish that someone is safe.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What support is available after the immediate crisis?
- VA medical centers: Ask for the facility’s suicide-prevention coordinator for continuing support.
- Vet Centers: These centers provide services to eligible veterans, service members, and families.
- Coaching Into Care: Family and friends can get help understanding the VA system and how to support a veteran.
- VA S.A.V.E. course: The VA Veterans Health Library lists this free educational course, developed with VA, for learning suicide-prevention skills. It is not an emergency service.
These are follow-up options, not replacements for 911, an emergency department, or crisis-line help when danger is immediate.
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Sources and practical guidance
- VA Veterans Crisis Line: get help now
- VA Veterans Crisis Line: online chat
- VA suicide prevention
- VA, Talking With a Veteran in Crisis Handout
- VA family member and caregiver resources
- Associated Press report on gun locks in veteran-suicide-prevention outreach
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