If right now is heavy, start here.
Whatever brought you to this page - a bad night, a long slide, worry about a buddy - the people below answer around the clock, they are free, and they are confidential. You do not need to be enrolled in anything, and you do not need to be sure it counts as a crisis. Reaching out early is the strong move, not the weak one.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Worried about a buddy?
You do not need the perfect words. Stay with them, listen more than you talk, and help them make the call - the Veterans Crisis Line takes calls about a veteran too, and they will tell you what to do next. Asking someone directly how they are doing does not plant the idea; it opens the door. The Veterans Crisis Line site has guidance for family, friends, and battle buddies.
Beyond tonight: ongoing support
Free counseling for combat veterans and their families, in your community - no VA enrollment required.
Ongoing care - therapy, medication, peer support - through VA health care.
Free, confidential support for service members and families - counseling referrals included.
Housing unstable or at risk? 1-877-424-3838, around the clock.
VetPath is a planning and education tool, not a medical or crisis provider - the organizations above are the professionals, and this page exists only to put them one tap away. Free, no account, always.