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The Veterans Crisis Line is part of a network of over 200 local crisis centers across the country administered by the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988 Lifeline).
The lifeline was launched in 2005 through a partnership with the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Vibrant Emotional Health to provide 24/7, free, confidential support to Americans having a suicide crisis or experiencing emotional distress.
As the lifeline evolved, subnetworks were added. Starting in 2007, after dialing the 10-digit number and pressing 1, Veterans and their supporters began to be routed to responders specially trained to support them.
In 2022, the lifeline’s original 10-digit phone number was shortened to 988 to make it easier to remember and share during times of need. Like the Veterans Crisis Line, the 988 Lifeline offers chat and text contact options.
Veterans can Dial 988 then Press 1 to contact the Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans may also reach responders through chat (VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat) and text (838255).
Veterans Crisis Line responders are trained in crisis intervention and military culture. Some responders are Veterans.
Yes, Veterans Crisis Line responders are VA employees.
Veterans Crisis Line responders are located across the U.S.
The Veterans Crisis Line’s 800 number is partnered with SAMHSA’s Lifeline network and is, therefore, a Continental United States (CONUS)-based toll-free number. As such, some international calls may incur a charge, depending upon the caller’s location and network provider. To ensure a free call with the Veterans Crisis Line, a Veteran can request a phone call through the chat modality VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. A Veterans Crisis Line responder will call them at the number they provide at no charge to the Veteran.
For active-duty personnel (VeteransCrisisLine.net/ActiveDuty.aspx), located abroad, the Veterans Crisis Line is available:
Europe: Call +1 844-702-5495 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
Southwest Asia: Call +1 855-422-7719 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
Pacific: Call +1 844-702-5493 (off base) or DSN 988 (on base)
*Each of these numbers is assigned to a different U.S. Department of Defense Area of Responsibility. If you have trouble reaching the Veterans Crisis Line with the assigned number for the region you are calling from, try one of the other numbers. (see the Military Crisis Line page for more details about overseas calling)