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September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and sharing life-saving resources for veterans and service members. If you or someone you love is struggling, it’s important to know there are proven places to turn for support.
In this post, we’ll highlight some of the most trusted suicide prevention resources available to veterans today.
Table of Contents
Summary of Key Points
- Veterans in crisis can connect to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1.
- Support is also available by texting HELP to 838255 or through TTY (711, then 988) for those with hearing loss.
- The service is confidential, free, and available 24/7 for veterans, service members, and their families.
- Immediate access to these resources can provide lifesaving support during moments of crisis.
- The VA, Vet Centers, and caregiver programs offer free or low-cost mental health services and counseling.
- National nonprofits like AFSP, Centerstone, Stop Soldier Suicide, and TAPS provide specialized veteran programs.
Behind the Numbers: Veterans at Risk
Twenty-two.
That was the reported veteran suicide rate per day, according to a 2013 VA report. The updated statistics from 2024, which are pulled from data collected in 2022, show a slightly lower rate, but it still hovers around 18. Every day.
There may be some debate about the data behind the numbers, but what matters is that veterans and service members are taking their own lives. And it doesn’t have to be that way.
Reaching Out = Strength
“When you put that uniform on, you feel a purpose. And when you put that uniform on with other people, you feel connected. You’re part of a team. When you leave the military or come back from a deployment, those two things can vanish. That can be tough on people.” — Aaron Hunnel, US Army, excerpt from The Ride 2 Stop Suicide
Remember: reaching out isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of courage and strength. Veterans have always relied on strength, resilience, and community, and the same is true when it comes to getting support for your mental health. YOU MATTER.
14 Suicide Awareness & Suicide Prevention Resources for Veterans
While this is a great starting point for resources, it’s far from comprehensive. It may take some time to find the right kind of help for you or your loved one, but it’s worth it.
1. Veterans Crisis Line (Dial 988 and Press 1)
If you or a loved one is in crisis, dial 988 and press 1 to connect with the Veteran Suicide Hotline.
You are not alone—support is available 24/7. If you or a loved one is in crisis, here’s how to reach the Veterans Crisis Line:
- Call: Dial 988 and press 1
- Text: Simply text the word HELP to 838255
- TTY (hearing loss): Dial 711, then 988
You don’t have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect. All calls are confidential, and it’s open 24/7. Chat Online with the Veteran Crisis Line
2. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
If you’re looking for a wealth of information about military and veteran suicide awareness and prevention, look no further.
Notably, AFSP partnered with the VA and Veterans Crisis Line on a Veteran Self-Check Quiz to help service members, veterans, and their family members assess levels of stress and depression.
3. Centerstone’s Military Services
Centerstone is a nonprofit health system that earned a Veteran Ready Certification, allowing it to offer crisis and non-crisis counseling for active service members, veterans, and their family members. It offers telehealth services and has facilities in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The Centerstone Military Crisis Line is open 24/7 and can be reached by calling 866-781-8010.
4. Crisis Text Line
Crisis Text Line is a mental health organization that offers free, confidential Crisis Counselors to veterans and veteran families; just text “HOME” or “HOLA” to 741741.
5. Home Base Veteran and Family Care
Home Base offers the Intensive Clinical Program for Families of the Fallen, a free program that condenses years of treatment into two weeks. It is available to surviving families of traumatic military deaths, with a special focus on survivor families of military suicide.
For more information, call 617-724-5202 or fill out the Get Care form.
6. Military OneSource
Military OneSource offers a wealth of support to the military community and military families, and it’s no different when it comes to suicide prevention.
The website features information and resources for veteran suicide awareness and prevention, as well as links to counseling and the crisis line.
7. Stop Soldier Suicide
Stop Soldier Suicide offers the ROGER Wellness Service, a free and confidential service that includes personalized virtual mental health counseling, crisis intervention and safety planning.
8. Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
TAPS has a comprehensive resource page for Suicide Loss Support, including how to talk to children, connecting with peers, and counseling, along with suicide prevention and postvention information.
The TAPS toll-free line is available 24/7 at 800-959-TAPS (8277).
9. USA Cares
USA Cares provides assistance to post-9/11 veterans and military families from all branches of service to help improve their quality of life while reducing potential factors that contribute to veteran suicide. Complete a veteran application to determine eligibility.
10. VA Free Mental Health Services for Veterans
The VA offers VA mental health services for suicidal ideation, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), psychological effects of military sexual trauma (MST), depression, grief, anxiety, and other needs. You can use some services even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care.
Contact Number: 877-222-8387.
11. Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling)
Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a range of services, from counseling and support to referrals for eligible veterans, service members, and their families. Vet Centers come in a few different forms:
- Standalone Vet Centers
- Vet Center Outstations
- Mobile Vet Centers
They also provide bereavement services for family members of veterans who die by suicide. Vet centers do not require enrollment in the VA healthcare system. Find a local center, check your eligibility, or call 877-927-8387.
12. Veteran Check-In
Veterans, service members, caregivers, survivors, and their families can use Veteran Check-In as a resource to get connected to licensed mental health professionals.
13. Vets4Warriors
Vets4Warriors is an organization comprised of veterans that builds connections throughout the military community. In challenging times or moments of crisis, the lines are open 24/7 and offer:
14. VA Caregiver Support Program
You can call the VA caregiver support line to learn more about the support and assistance available to caregivers.
Contact Number: 1-855-260-3274
Additional Resources
These additional resources aren’t directly related to suicide awareness and suicide prevention for veterans, but they may be helpful in overcoming some of the daily struggles experienced by those with PTSD, depression, or suicidal ideation.
Veteran Service and Support Dogs
Job Assistance Programs
Most agencies have an SPPC, or Selective Placement Program Coordinator, dedicated to helping people with disabilities find jobs.
Conclusion
Remember, reaching out is not a sign of weakness; it’s an act of strength. If you’re a veteran suffering from depression or suicidal ideation, you are not alone—and YOU MATTER.
There are resources for you that cover needs ranging from in-person counseling to text crisis lines, communication with peers to intensive clinical therapy. Any number of veteran suicides is too many.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Veterans Suicide Hotline?
The Veterans Suicide Hotline is part of the Veterans Crisis Line. If you or someone you know is in crisis, dial 988 and press 1 to connect with a trained responder. You can also text 838255 or use the online chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
Is the Veterans Crisis Line confidential?
Yes. Calls, texts, and chats are confidential and handled by trained responders, many of whom are veterans themselves.
Can family or friends call the Veterans Crisis Line?
Yes. Family members, friends, or caregivers worried about a veteran can call on their behalf to connect them with immediate support.
Is the Veterans Crisis Line available outside the U.S.?
Yes. Veterans and their families overseas can still reach the Crisis Line by dialing 1-800-273-8255 (press 1) or through the online chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net.
What is Suicide Awareness Month?
Suicide Awareness Month, also called Suicide Prevention Month, is an annual observance to reduce stigma, encourage open conversations, and connect people with prevention resources. For veterans, it emphasizes the unique challenges of military service and the importance of reaching out for support.
When is Suicide Prevention Month?
Suicide Prevention Month is observed every September. It’s a time dedicated to raising awareness, supporting those at risk, and promoting resources like the Veterans Crisis Line for service members, veterans, and their families.
Why is September Suicide Prevention Month?
September was chosen to focus national attention on suicide prevention and encourage communities, organizations, and individuals to come together. For veterans, this month highlights the importance of connection, support, and access to life-saving resources.
Author
Katie McCarthy is a writer and editor with experience in daily news and digital and print magazine publishing. She honed her editorial (and firearms) skills at Guns & Ammo before helping launch Black Rifle Coffee Company’s Coffee or Die Magazine as the managing editor. She holds degrees in English (BA) and public administration (MPA). Katie is a military spouse and word nerd who enjoys reading, hiking, camping, gardening, and spending time with her family.
