
Veteran Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources
“This country has not seen and probably will never know the true level of sacrifice of our veterans.” — Thomas M. Smith
Veterans Day 2025
Veteran Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Resources
November is a big month, it's the USMC Marine Corps Birthday on 11/10 and Veterans Day on 11/11. In 2025, the Marine Corps is celebrating its 250th year! My husband and business partner is a Marine Veteran, my stepson is an active duty Marine. I am so proud of both of them!
I am also proud to come from a family where many of my family members served in the military. Including a Grandmother who served in the Navy during WWII and my own Dad who served in the Navy as well. My Grandfather also served in the Army during WWII. I am proud of many of my cousins who joined the Navy, Army, National Guard and served honorably as well.
Something that goes unsaid after the congratulations and welcome homeis that military veterans have been through a lot--things most people can't imagine. They need support to process many of the experiences they've had. For a long time, there was (and still is) a stigma around talking about feelings. Or simply being honest that there is a problem in the first place.
Unfortunately, if these issues are avoided, it leads to tragedy. Based on the most recent *annual report on VA Suicide Prevention, there were 6,407 veteran suicide deaths in which averages to approximately 17.6 veteran suicides per day. (data from 2022). These numbers are real and significantly higher than the rate for non-veterans.
In the Veteran Advocacy and community program development work that he does, my husband is a big proponent for mental health and breaking the stigma about talking about mental health. Especially if it means helping a veteran before it's too late. This list of resources has been husband/veteran/mental health advoate-approved.
After hearing the story from one of my veteran clients about their experience losing a fellow veteran to suicide, I compiled this list of resources. I'm grateful to him for being brave in his experience and also brave in this moment enough to share what he's been through. Providing these resources here on the blog is my way of helping the greater good so that more veterans can know they are not alone. I hope it will help you too. Please share with a veteran or active duty military member who you know, love, respect, and want to protect.

A comprehensive list of resources:
Crisis Support (24/7)
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1 | Text 838255 | Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
If you believe someone is in imminent danger: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
VA Mental Health Services
VA Mental Health: 1-877-222-VETS (8387) | MentalHealth.va.gov
Vet Centers: Community-based counseling centers offering readjustment counseling, PTSD treatment, and bereavement services. Find locations at VetCenter.va.gov or call 1-877-927-8387
VA Mental Health Apps: Mobile apps for PTSD, mindfulness, anger management, and more at Mobile.va.gov/appstore
Training & Learning Development
PsychArmor: https://psycharmor.org/
PsychArmor is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader and preferred training provider for military culture awareness, serving members of the military-connected community and anyone who wants to more effectively engage with them. We power learning journeys, from continuing education to customized training, through a rich learning ecosystem--including online courses, curricula, podcasts, webinars, live speaking engagements, social media and so much more.
Peer Support & Community
Make the Connection: Veterans sharing their mental health stories at MakeTheConnection.net
Coaching Into Care: Support for families encouraging veterans to seek care: 1-888-823-7458
Team Red, White & Blue: Community building through physical and social activities at TeamRWB.org
Team Rubicon: Purpose-driven disaster relief opportunities at TeamRubiconUSA.org
Specialized Programs
Wounded Warrior Project: Mental health programs and peer support at WoundedWarriorProject.org | 1-888-997-2586
Give an Hour: Free mental health services from volunteer providers at GiveAnHour.org
The Mission Continues: Service opportunities to rebuild purpose at MissionContinues.org
SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of Education): Education and resources at SAVE.org
Family & Caregiver Support
VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
Military OneSource: Free counseling for military and families: 1-800-342-9647
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Key National Resources
Veterans Crisis Line
24/7 confidential support for veterans, service members, and their loved ones. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA benefits to call.
• Call: 988, then press 1. (veteranscrisisline.net)
• Text: 838255. (veteranscrisisline.net)
• Chat online: via their website. (veteranscrisisline.net)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Services
Comprehensive services for veterans: suicide prevention, PTSD, depression, substance use, readjustment counselling. (Veterans Affairs) https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
Key page: “Veteran Suicide Prevention” via VA. (Veterans Affairs) https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/suicide-prevention/
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) – Veteran Suicide Prevention Resources
Non-profit that provides support, peer-networks, and awareness for veteran mental health and suicide prevention. (newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org)
They highlight that connection, community, and purpose help reduce risk. (newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org)
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) – Military & Veteran Suicide Prevention
Provides data, resources and policy advocacy specifically around veteran & military suicide risk. (afsp.org)
Zero Suicide Institute – Military & Veterans Resources
Offers tools, training and resources tailored to the military/veteran community focused on suicide prevention. (zerosuicide.edc.org)
Training & Gatekeeper Programs – e.g., VA S.A.V.E. Training
Free training to help you recognize signs of crisis in veterans and act with care and compassion. (mirecc.va.gov)
Why this matters
Suicide is a major public health issue among veterans, and the reduction of veteran suicide is a top clinical priority for the VA. Access to timely support, safe environments, strong community bonds and sense of purpose can significantly reduce risk. (newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org)The lines above are designed for veterans and their families / friends who may be concerned and want to help.
*2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report Read the full report here: https://news.va.gov/137221/va-2024-suicide-prevention-annual-report/
Immediate Steps if You Are Concerned
If you believe someone is in imminent danger: call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Use the Veterans Crisis Line.Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1 | Text 838255 | Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or text 988
If you’re a veteran and unsure where to start: visit the VA mental health pages to find services near you. https://www.va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health/
Explore training (e.g., SAVE) if you’re a friend, colleague or family member of a veteran – being prepared can help you intervene. https://www.save.org/
Wishing you a safe and meaningful Veterans Day!


