Women Veterans Health Care

Suicide Prevention

Women Veterans are at higher risk for suicide than non-Veteran women.

Women Veterans may experience challenges related to their military service, including readjustment issues, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), military sexual trauma (MST), trouble sleeping, or physical injury. These unique challenges and experiences may increase the risk of suicide.

Recognize the warning signs of suicide. If you are worried about yourself, a friend, or loved one, VA has resources and treatment to help.

How do I get help right now?

If you are in a crisis or thinking about hurting yourself, help is available right now. You are not alone.

Connect with caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders anytime, day or night. Many of the responders are Veterans or family members of Veterans. You can call, text, or chat online - here's how:

• Call 988 and Press 1 or
• Text 838255, or
• Visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net and start a live chat
• If you have hearing loss, call TTY: 800-799-4889

Or you can:

• Call 911
• Go to an emergency room
• Go to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn't matter what your discharge status is or if you're enrolled in VA health care

How do I access mental health or suicide prevention services at VA?

All service members and Veterans can use crisis resources. It does not matter what your discharge status is or if you are enrolled in VA health care.

All former service members and Veterans are eligible for one year of free mental health care services, regardless of discharge status. Even if you are not eligible to receive other VA health care, you may still be able to get certain health care services, like care related to military sexual trauma (MST) (that is, experiences of sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service).

Go to a Vet Center near you. You can use Vet Centers if you served in a combat zone, even if you aren't eligible for VA health care. MST-related care is also available at Vet Centers.

If you already have a VA primary care provider, consider telling them about your symptoms. They can connect you with a mental health provider within the primary care clinic or help you make an appointment for VA mental health services.

What ongoing services does VA provide for suicide prevention?

• Suicide Prevention Coordinators: There are specially trained coordinators at every VA medical center. To find one, visit the Veterans Crisis Line: Local Resources page and filter by Suicide Prevention Coordinators.
• Counseling and therapy: Evidence-based therapies can help you overcome suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Learn about other treatment options.
• Veteran self-help resources: Free mobile apps, trainings, and videos are available to help you with life challenges and find useful information to manage symptoms and stress.
• Make the Connection: Veterans share real stories of strength and recovery. Navigate here and select female under the gender category to see women's stories. You can also filter by era, branch, and combat experience.
• Peer specialists: Peer specialists are Veterans who have experienced and recovered from a mental health condition. As members of your treatment team, their role is to help you design your own recovery plan, using tools such as personal goal setting and targeted coping skills training. They can also connect you with VA and local resources to help you find meaningful roles and activities in your community. You can request a referral from your VA primary care provider to work with a peer specialist.

Where can I find more information, help, and resources on suicide prevention?

• Reach Out: Use this site to get support that is designed specifically for you. If you're a family member or a friend, you can also find resources that are designed specifically for the Veteran in your life.
• S.A.V.E. training: Learn more about suicide, how to identify someone who may be at risk, and how to help someone in crisis. Take the training here.*
• Mobile Apps: Access tools that support mental health and help you cope and manage stress.
• Veteran Training: Access self-help tools and download resources for help with difficult topics such as anger, parenting, and problem solving.
• Lethal means†: Learn information about safely storing medications and firearms.
• Tips on how to talk to children who have been affected by suicide or an attempted suicide of someone they know.

It doesn't matter what your discharge status is or if you're enrolled in VA health care - you can use VA's crisis resources. Additionally, you do not need to go to a VA medical facility to receive care for a mental health crisis - VA will cover the medical costs of your local emergency room. If you need immediate help, dial 988 and press 1.

Women Veterans Health Care Videos

Watch videos for and about Women Veterans.

Women Veterans Health Care Outreach Posters

View our Outreach Posters.

The Women Veterans Call Center is your guide to women's health

If you have questions or can't find what you're looking for, you can call, text, or chat online with the Women Veterans Call Center (WVCC) at 855-829-6636 to get help and find available resources and services in your area. Trained women representatives can also:

• Provide you with information on enrolling in VA health care if you have not already
• Provide you with information on setting up a medical appointment in your area
• Provide you with information about your eligibility (including questions about disability ratings) and other VA benefits like employment, education, and home loans
• Connect you with your local VA Medical Center or local women's health contact who can assist in coordinating all the services you need

WVCC representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET, and Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET.

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