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For Veterans in Crisis

Help is Always Available, No Matter the Time or Day

VA Counselors are Available 24 Hours a Day

Dial 988 then press 1

To ensure veterans with emotional crises have round-the-clock access to trained professionals, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has begun operation of a national suicide prevention hotline for veterans. To operate the national hotline, VA is partnering with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Veterans can call 1-800-273-8255 and press "1" to reach the VA hotline, which will be staffed by mental health professionals in Canandaigua, N.Y.  The call is free and confidential.  Some of the reasons to call are below:

  • Call to speak with someone who cares
  • Call if you feel you might be in danger of hurting yourself 
  • Call to find referrals to mental health services in your area 
  • Call to speak to a crisis worker about someone you're concerned about

Vermont Veteran and Family Outreach Available 24 Hours a Day

1 (888) 607-8773 

The Vermont Veteran and Family Outreach Program operates a 24 hour call center available to all veterans, military members, and their families in Vermont.  They have 10 outreach specialists spread across the state that can take the time to help you and your family.  Some of the reasons to call are below:

  • Call to have someone help you figure out what programs can best help you and your family
  • Call to get help traveling to VA medical appointments
  • Call to find out how to get screened for traumatic brain injury
  • Call to talk to a fellow veteran who can relate to the difficulties you may be facing

911 Available 24 Hours a Day

911

Call 911 if you are in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others, or if you know someone who is in immediate danger of hurting themself or others.  Although the other organizations listed on this page are better suited at working with people experiencing mental distress, the folks at 911 are in the best position to help when physical harm to a person is imminent.

211 Available 24 Hours a Day

211

To find out what resources are available in your local area, just dial 211 from any phone.  The operators are available 24 hours a day, and the call is free and confidential.  You can also visit their website for more information.  Some of the reasons to call are below:

  • Call to find out what assistance is available from state agencies
  • Call to find out what is available from private organizations in your town
  • Call to find out what veteran benefits might help you in your situation, and who can help you apply for them

Local Assistance is Available 24 Hours a Day

You can also get help from counselors in your local area who are not affiliated with the VA or the military.  Below are the locations and numbers of where you can find 24 hour coverage.  We recommend contacting the location closest to you.

  • Bennington - (802) 440-3300
  • Bradford - (800) 639-6360
  • Burlington - (802) 863-2400
  • Manchester - (802) 362-3950
  • Middlebury - (802) 388-7641
  • Montpelier - (802) 229-0591
  • Newport - (802) 334-5246
  • Randolph - (800) 639-6360
  • Rutland - (802) 775-1000
  • St. Albans - (802) 524-6554
  • St. Johnsbury - (802) 748-3181