Veteran Crisis Line

Service members, veterans and their families face unique challenges when navigating life in and beyond military service. Around 38% of veterans have a diagnosed mental health disorder , and many more may be undiagnosed and untreated. Support services and resources are available to help veterans connect with timely, compassionate care, and this includes the Veteran Crisis Line. Here’s how to get help through the Veteran Crisis Line and where to turn if you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use.

What Is the Veteran Crisis Line?

The Veteran Crisis Line is a 24-7 support service staffed by caring, trained responders, many of whom are veterans themselves. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs operates it and connects anyone in the military community to mental health support, crisis intervention and suicide prevention resources.

It is free and doesn’t require enrollment in VA benefits.

To contact the Veteran Crisis Line:

Who Can Use the Veterans Crisis Line?

The line is open to:

  • All U.S. military veterans, regardless of discharge status or benefits eligibility
  • Active duty service members, including National Guard and Reserve
  • Family members, caregivers and friends of veterans or service members
  • Anyone concerned about a veteran’s safety or mental health

You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to use the service.

What Happens When You Call?

When you dial 988 and press 1, you connect with a trained responder who can:

  • Listen without judgment
  • Help you manage a mental health or emotional crisis
  • Connect you to local VA resources or emergency care if needed
  • Offer follow-up and safety planning support

You can remain anonymous if you prefer. Callers often describe feeling heard, supported and guided toward the next step — whether that’s therapy, hospitalization or just having someone to talk to in the moment.

Is This the Same as the “Trump Suicide Hotline”?

Some people search for a “Trump suicide hotline” because of public discussions about veteran suicide during Donald Trump’s presidency or confusion over the administration’s involvement with VA mental health policy.

There’s no separate hotline related to any former or current president. If you’re looking for the VA’s official suicide prevention line, it’s the Veterans Crisis Line available through 988 (press 1).

What If I’m Not Comfortable Calling the VA?

Some veterans may hesitate to call a government-run service because they have concerns about privacy or military records or fear losing benefits or career opportunities. They may also have had negative experiences with VA health care and want a civilian or nongovernment support option.

If that’s the case, you can still get help. The Mental Health Hotline offers:

  • A free, confidential alternative for veterans and loved ones
  • Connections to non-VA resources, including therapy, rehab and peer support
  • Information on treatment for PTSD, depression, anxiety and substance use
  • Immediate support even if you’re not in crisis

Whether you need someone to talk to or help finding treatment, we’re here to listen.

Signs a Veteran May Be in Crisis

Whether you’re a veteran yourself or love someone who is, it’s important to recognize when help is needed. Common signs include:

  • Talking about death or suicide
  • Withdrawing from friends and family
  • Sleeping too much or too little
  • Expressing hopelessness or extreme guilt
  • Using alcohol or drugs to cope
  • Sudden changes in mood or behavior
  • Aggression or emotional numbness

You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Reaching out early can save a life.

Support Beyond the VA

In addition to the official VA crisis line, there are many organizations dedicated to veteran mental health and suicide prevention. These include:

  • The Mission Continues, a veteran-led community service
  • Wounded Warrior Project, which offers mental health and peer support
  • Give an Hour, which provides free mental health care for military and veterans
  • Headstrong, where veterans can get trauma-informed therapy at no cost
  • Team Red, White & Blue, a fitness and community engagement organization

The Mental Health Hotline can help you connect with these resources or explore options closer to home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dial 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also text 838255 or use the live chat.

Yes. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care or receive VA benefits to use the Veterans Crisis Line.

The number 988 is the national suicide and crisis lifeline for everyone. Pressing 1 after calling 988 routes you to responders specially trained to support veterans and service members.

Yes, your call, text or chat is confidential. You can remain anonymous, and your information isn’t automatically shared with other VA departments unless you request follow-up care.

Many organizations offer therapy, group support and treatment outside the VA system. The Mental Health Hotline can help you explore options, whether you want VA support or something different.

Veterans Deserve Support

The weight many veterans carry is heavy. Sometimes it shows up as PTSD, depression or substance use. Other times, it shows up as silence.

If you’re looking for the Veteran Crisis Line or wondering how to help someone you care about, you’ve already taken the first step.

You’re not alone, and you’re not forgotten. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) for immediate support. Or reach out to the Mental Health Hotline for free, confidential guidance about all your options, including treatment, therapy or simply talking things through.

Help is always available, and there’s no wrong door to walk through.