VA Mental Health: No Wait Time for Veterans in Crisis

Veteran Mental Health Resources: September Awareness Month 2026

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month —a time when the VA and its community partners focus on raising awareness, reducing stigma, and connecting veterans, service members, and their families to mental health support . If you are a veteran in crisis, help is available immediately: call 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, available 24/7 .

Quick Facts

Why September Matters for Veteran Mental Health

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is observed each September to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and connect veterans with the resources they need . This observance has special urgency for the veteran community: although only 6% of Americans have served in the military, veterans account for nearly 18% of reported suicide deaths in the United States, with more than 6,300 veterans dying by suicide each year . In Washington State alone, 228 veterans died by suicide in 2025, and 118 had been lost by August 2026 .

This is not just a statistic—behind every number is a person, a family, and a community . September is dedicated to breaking the culture of silence and reminding veterans that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness .

What Veterans Should Do Next

• If you are in crisis, call 988 and press 1 now—you will be seen immediately with no wait time 

• Check on fellow veterans—a simple phone call can make a difference 

• Learn the warning signs and how to have an honest conversation about mental health 

• Attend local events this month to connect with other veterans and service providers 

• Explore VA mental health services at your local VA medical center 

Mental Health Crisis Resources

Immediate Help Options

For immediate crisis support, call 988 and press 1. The VA promises veterans will be seen immediately—no wait time for mental health care .

What to Say to a Veteran in Crisis

You don’t need to be a mental health professional—you just need to be willing to notice, ask, listen, and connect :

• Notice someone who seems different from their usual self

• Reach out to a fellow veteran or friend who has become withdrawn

• Stay with someone during a difficult moment until help is available

• Ask directly if you’re concerned about suicide—it opens the door to honest conversation and support 

Key Events During September 2026

World Suicide Prevention Day – September 10

Recognized globally, World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity for communities to come together, foster open conversations about suicide and mental health, and break the stigma often associated with seeking help .

Purple and Teal Day events are held at VA facilities nationwide to show solidarity and promote awareness. For example, the Fresno VA Medical Center will host a community event with art projects, a Heart Message Board for those impacted by suicide, and partnerships with community mental health providers to expand the network of local treatment resources .

VA Community Mental Health Summit – September 14

Washington State will host the VA Community Mental Health Summit at Highline College on September 14, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM . This year’s theme, “Together Towards Tomorrow: Pathways to Hope,” highlights shared language and shared responsibility in suicide prevention.

Presentations include:

• Clinician Survivors of Suicide Loss

• Language Matters: Changing How We Talk About Mental Health to Reduce Stigma

• From Hesitant to Confident: Talking About Firearms and Suicide Risk in Clinical Practice 

Military & Veterans Mental Health Summit – September 15

Delaware will host its 16th Annual Military & Veterans Mental Health Summit at the DuPont Country Club on September 15, 2026. This year’s theme, “The Front Line at Home,” is a cornerstone event dedicated to addressing the unique mental health challenges facing the military community .

Veteran Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Hikes

Texas State Parks are hosting ruck hikes throughout September to raise awareness for veterans’ mental health. These events provide an opportunity for families, friends, and veterans to network and build support systems .

Key details:

• Date: September 19, 2026 (and throughout September)

• Location: 20 Texas State Parks participating

• Cost: Free for veterans and active-duty military with documentation

• Purpose: Show support, bring awareness, and connect veterans to resources 

Buddy Check Week – September 21–25

Buddy Check Week is an observance from VA’s “Don’t Wait, Reach Out” campaign, giving veterans, families, friends, and supporters an opportunity to check in with the people in their lives . VA encourages everyone to:

• Take the Buddy Check pledge

• Invite veterans to reach out to at least 10 fellow veterans

• Use refreshed guidance and redesigned resources available at VA.gov 

Starbucks supports this effort for the third consecutive year by donating 20,000 gift cards for veterans who complete the Buddy Check pledge and training .

Remember: It doesn’t have to be a formal check-in—sometimes it’s just a text, a phone call, or a conversation at the coffee shop .

Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day – September 22

New York State will observe September 22, 2026, as Veterans Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, in conjunction with National Suicide Prevention Month .

VA Mental Health Services for Veterans

Who Qualifies

VA mental health care is available to all veterans who:

• Served on active duty, in the National Guard, or as a Reservist

• Were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable

• Are enrolled in VA healthcare (or eligible to enroll) 

No prior VA enrollment is required for crisis services. Veterans in crisis can get immediate care regardless of enrollment status.

Services Available

• Individual counseling for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions

• Group therapy and peer support

• Telehealth services (expanded in 2026) 

• Specialty care for conditions related to military service

• Substance use disorder treatment

• Suicide prevention programs

• Sleep and chronic pain management—conditions linked to increased suicide risk 

How to Access Care

1. Call 988 (press 1) for immediate crisis support

2. Schedule an appointment at your local VA Medical Center

3. Use VA Telehealth for virtual visits

4. Visit a Vet Center for readjustment counseling (no enrollment required)

You will be seen immediately. There is no wait time for VA mental health care. 

Community Resources and Support

Veteran Resources Community Network (VRCN)

VRCN partners—including VA, VSOs, community organizations, and private sector partners—work together to connect veterans to care and support . The network emphasizes that strong community connections can help veterans feel supported before they reach a crisis point .

Join VRCN: Organizations serving veterans, families, caregivers, or military-connected communities can join VRCN to collaborate and connect more people to support .

Face the Fight Initiative

VA is collaborating with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Face the Fight initiative to increase participation in Buddy Check Week, reinforcing the message that connection saves lives .

Televeda’s Hero’s Story Project

This program brings veterans together through storytelling, talking circles, and community-designed programming. More than 1,500 veterans have participated, and more than half of those seeking additional support have been connected with VA healthcare or benefits .

Mental Health Care Works Campaign

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation has expanded its flagship Mental Health Care Works campaign to include PSA videos featuring real stories of veterans and their families—told by veterans themselves—addressing PTSD, depression, difficulty transitioning out of the military, and suicide .

How You Can Help

Check In With Veterans

Small actions can make a difference :

• Check in with a veteran who seems different from usual

• Reach out to someone who has become withdrawn

• Stay with someone during a difficult moment until help is available

• Ask directly if you’re concerned—it opens the door to honest conversation

Know the Warning Signs

While not an exhaustive list, signs that a veteran may need support include:

• Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities

• Increased substance use

• Changes in mood or sleep patterns

• Expressing hopelessness or feeling like a burden

• Talking about death or suicide

Share Resources

Spread the word about:

• Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1)

• VA mental health services

• September awareness month events

• Buddy Check Week activities 

Attend Local Events

Participate in events near you, including veteran mental health summits, awareness hikes, and remembrance activities. Many are free or low-cost for veterans .

Common Questions

Q: What is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month?

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is observed in September to raise awareness about suicide prevention, reduce stigma around mental health, and connect people in need with resources. The VA and its partners use this month to focus on outreach to veterans, service members, and their families .

Q: How do I contact the Veterans Crisis Line?

You can call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat. The line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week .

Q: Will I have to wait to get mental health care at the VA?

No. VA Secretary Doug Collins has stated that veterans in crisis will be seen immediately with no wait time for mental health care .

Q: What is Buddy Check Week?

Buddy Check Week is an observance from VA’s “Don’t Wait, Reach Out” campaign, held September 21-25, 2026. It encourages veterans, families, and friends to check in on the veterans in their lives. A simple phone call or text can make a difference .

Q: Can I get VA mental health care if I’m not enrolled?

Yes, veterans in crisis can get care regardless of enrollment status. For ongoing care, you may need to enroll in VA healthcare. Your local VA facility can help with this process .

Q: What events are happening for veteran mental health in September 2026?

Events include World Suicide Prevention Day (Sept 10), VA Community Mental Health Summit (Sept 14), Military & Veterans Mental Health Summit in Delaware (Sept 15), ruck hikes at Texas State Parks (Sept 19), Buddy Check Week (Sept 21-25), and Veterans Suicide Awareness Day (Sept 22) .

Q: Does the VA offer telehealth for mental health?

Yes. VA has expanded telehealth and counseling services, making it easier for veterans to access mental health care from home .

Q: How can I help a veteran who seems to be struggling?

Check in on them. Ask directly how they’re doing. Listen without judgment. Stay with them during difficult moments. Encourage them to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1). And if they’re in immediate danger, call 911 .

Q: What is the VA doing to address veteran suicide?

The VA has partnered with organizations like the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Face the Fight initiative, expanded mental health services and telehealth, launched outreach campaigns on sleep and chronic pain, and built community networks like VRCN to connect veterans to care .

Q: Why are veterans at higher risk for suicide?

Military service can involve exposure to trauma, high-stress environments, and separation from support systems. Transitioning to civilian life, managing service-connected conditions, and stigma around mental health all contribute. Veterans deserve care and support—and help is available .

Key Takeaways

• September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, dedicated to reducing veteran suicide and connecting veterans to care 

• Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7—call 988 (press 1), text 838255, or chat online 

• No wait time for VA mental health care—veterans in crisis are seen immediately 

• Buddy Check Week (Sept 21-25) encourages checking in on fellow veterans; Starbucks is donating 20,000 gift cards for participants 

• Texas State Parks are hosting ruck hikes for veteran mental health awareness throughout September 

• Delaware and Washington State are hosting veteran mental health summits in mid-September 

• New York State observes Veterans Suicide Awareness Day on September 22 

• APA Foundation has released PSA videos sharing real veteran stories on mental health 

• VRCN partners are working together to connect veterans to support networks 

• You Matter—your outreach could be the moment someone needs 

Official Resources

• Veterans Crisis Line: www.veteranscrisisline.net | Call 988 (press 1) | Text 838255

• VA Mental Health: www.va.gov/mental-health

• VA Suicide Prevention: www.va.gov/mental-health/suicide-prevention

• VA Caregiver Support: www.caregiver.va.gov

• Find a Vet Center: www.va.gov/find-locations/vet-centers

• Enroll in VA Healthcare: www.va.gov/health-care/how-to-apply

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