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VA Mental Health and Emergency Suicide Care

Mental health care from VA, including free emergency suicidal crisis care for any veteran and most former service members, whatever the discharge or enrollment status.

Also called: mental health, PTSD treatment, COMPACT Act, Veterans Crisis Line, 988 press 1, suicide prevention.

For: Veteran or service member.

Where it applies

Applies in states and territories.

VA mental health services cover PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance use, grief and other needs, through VA medical centers, clinics, telehealth and Vet Centers. An enrolled veteran uses them like any other VA care. Two doors open without enrollment. Under the COMPACT Act, 38 U.S.C. 1720J, a veteran or former service member in acute suicidal crisis can go to any VA or community emergency room for free emergent suicide care, including follow-up inpatient or crisis residential care, regardless of discharge status, enrollment or length of service. A former service member with an other than honorable discharge can also get mental health care for a condition related to service. The Veterans Crisis Line is free, confidential and open all day: dial 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online. Responders can connect the caller with care and follow up. Mental health conditions related to military sexual trauma have their own rules, written in the MST entry.

Thresholds

Thresholds for VA Mental Health and Emergency Suicide Care
GateRule
Discharge and enrollmentRoutine care follows VA health care enrollment. Emergency suicidal crisis care does not need enrollment or a qualifying discharge.

Sources

Updated

Last updated .

What changed then:

  • First published.

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Disclaimer

VetTOC is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or the Department of Defense. Information is for reference only and is not an eligibility determination. Verify with VA, the relevant state or territory, or an accredited VSO.