Veteran Crisis Hotline
⚠ If You’re in Crisis Right Now
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you’re having thoughts of suicide or are in emotional crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.
Veterans, service members, and their loved ones can reach the Veterans Crisis Line 24/7: dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255.
Key Takeaways
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential, 24/7 crisis service run by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for veterans, service members, and their loved ones.
- Reach it by dialing 988 then pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online
- Responders are trained in crisis intervention and military culture, and many are veterans themselves
- You don’t need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care, and you can stay anonymous
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, including the Veterans Crisis Line. Here’s how to get help through the Veterans Crisis Line and where to turn if you or someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use.
What Is the Veterans Crisis Line?
The Veterans 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.
How to Reach the Veterans Crisis Line
Available: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Call: 988, then press 1
Text: 838255
Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net
Free and confidential. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to use it.
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).
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
Tip: You don’t have to wait until things get worse. Reaching out early — for yourself or someone you care about — can save a life.
Support Beyond the VA
In addition to the official VA crisis line, many organizations are dedicated to veteran mental health and suicide prevention. These include:
Frequently Asked Questions
Dial 988, then press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also text 838255 or use the live chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Yes. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care or receive VA benefits to use the Veterans Crisis Line.
988 is the national Suicide & 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 — including those listed in the “Support Beyond the VA” section above, such as Give an Hour and Headstrong.
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 Veterans 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), text 838255, or chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net for free, confidential support, available 24/7. There’s no wrong door to walk through.