{"id":8083,"date":"2024-09-30T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-09-30T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8083"},"modified":"2024-09-30T14:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-09-30T14:30:00","slug":"beyond-the-call-understanding-the-veterans-crisis-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8083","title":{"rendered":"Beyond the call: Understanding the Veterans Crisis Line"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-09-30T14:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Veterans frequently share that they see the Veterans Crisis Line number, Dial 988 then Press 1<\/a>, everywhere, on every VA website, billboard and social media post. They know that 24\/7 crisis support is available, but many remain uncertain about what happens when they make the call or what to expect afterward.<\/p>\n

Here, I want to clarify what to expect when reaching out to the Veterans Crisis Line<\/a> so Veterans and their friends, family members and caregivers know exactly what will happen when they call, chat or text with responders.<\/p>\n

Many Veterans might not yet know that they can easily text or chat with responders. Conversations are confidential, ensuring privacy and peace of mind. The line is open to all Veterans, regardless of whether they receive VA benefits or health care. Plus, there\u2019s an option to have someone to follow up to make sure they receive the support and resources they need.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ve contacted the Veterans Crisis Line. Now what?<\/h2>\n

Once you\u2019ve made the call (Dial 988 then Press 1<\/a>), chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net\/Chat) or text (838255<\/a>) to the Veterans Crisis Line, you\u2019ll reach a qualified responder who is ready to listen and help. The responder will ask a few questions, such as whether you or the Veteran or service member you\u2019re concerned about may be in immediate danger or at risk for suicide.<\/p>\n

Your call, chat or text is free and confidential and you decide how much information to share. No matter what you\u2019re experiencing, responders can help. They can also connect you with the resources you need, including your local suicide prevention coordinator (SPC) who will contact you the next business day for continued support.<\/p>\n

Support doesn\u2019t end with your conversation<\/h2>\n

As I mentioned, if the Veterans Crisis Line responder thinks you may benefit from follow-up care, an SPC, located at VA medical centers across the country, will contact you to make sure you have the resources you need. Use our Resource Locator<\/a> to find your local SPC.<\/p>\n

There are also other programs that build on the idea that support should be available after a Veteran\u2019s initial contact with the Veterans Crisis Line:<\/p>\n