Veterans Crisis Line — free, confidential, 24/7
The Veterans Crisis Line provides free support at any time. Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or start an online chat. You do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care to use it.
Overview
If you are a Veteran or service member in crisis, or you are concerned about one, you can contact the Veterans Crisis Line at any time. Support is free, and you do not have to be enrolled in VA benefits or VA health care. Get help now Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or use the online chat. If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room or VA medical center.
Choose how to connect
Choose how to connect Call 988, then press 1 tel:988 Text 838255 sms:838255 Start an online chat https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/
Who can use the line
The Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, and National Guard and Reserve members. A family member, friend, or other supporter who is concerned about a Veteran can also contact the line for help. VA benefit eligibility, a disability rating, and VA health care enrollment are not required.
What to expect
Choose call, text, or chat Use the option that is safest and most accessible for you. When calling 988, press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Share what you choose You decide how much information to provide. You can begin with what is happening now and what kind of support you need. Ask about the next safe step A responder can listen and discuss available support. Depending on the situation, that may include coordinating emergency help or connecting you with additional resources. Confidentiality has safety and legal limits The Veterans Crisis Line describes its service as confidential and says you decide how much to share. Its privacy policy also explains that a responder may coordinate emergency dispatch when someone is in imminent danger or poses a danger to others, and that information may be shared with authorization or as permitted by law.
Accessibility and overseas options
For TTY, call 711 and then 988. For current overseas calling options and service limitations, use the official Military Crisis Line page rather than relying on a saved number. Online chat can be used anywhere an internet connection is available. Text availability outside the United States can depend on the phone provider and service plan.
Use the right kind of support
These routes serve different needs. Use emergency services immediately when there is immediate danger or a medical emergency. Situation Contact Purpose Crisis, emotional distress, or concern about a Veteran Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat Immediate crisis support from the Veterans Crisis Line. Immediate danger or medical emergency Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room or VA medical center Emergency response and urgent medical care. Ongoing mental health care Use the current VA mental health services page or another health care provider Assessment, treatment, and continuing care outside a crisis-line conversation. Claim Raven is separate from crisis care Claim Raven and Pathfinder are not crisis services, health care providers, or emergency responders. Do not enter crisis details into a claim workflow expecting immediate help. Use the Veterans Crisis Line or emergency services directly.
Official sources
Official sources Veterans Crisis Line: Call https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/call/ Veterans Crisis Line: Chat https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/ Veterans Crisis Line: Text https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/text/ Veterans Crisis Line: Privacy and security https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/about/privacy-security/ Veterans Crisis Line: Military Crisis Line and overseas support https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/military-crisis-line/ VA: Mental health services https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
Related guidance
Related guidance Read current Veterans Crisis Line privacy information https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/about/privacy-security/ Check current Military Crisis Line and overseas options https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/military-crisis-line/ Find VA mental health services https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/ Read trauma-aware MST guidance /help-center/get-support/static-sensitive-experiences-mst
More information
Call the Veterans Crisis Line Call 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. If there is immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911. Call 988 tel:988