When Risk Emerges
Planning and Parting
Resources to Reach For
Holding Complexity and Differences
For Those Who Hold Space
For those who have served, are serving, or love someone who has.
When a service member or Veteran reaches out, they’re often navigating layers of pain — visible and invisible. Identity, duty, trauma, and transition all live in the background. This page offers clear, compassionate guidance to meet them where they are, with honor and care.
What this Page Offers
🧭 Key Reminders
“Lead with respect. Respond with presence. Honor the strength it takes to reach out.”
- Always ask: “Do you have a history of military service?”
- If they’re a Veteran, offer the Veterans Crisis Line (Press 1 or 866-403-2668)
- If they’re Active Duty, they may prefer off-base and confidential options
- Never place military callers on hold — use internal protocols to get support
- Conduct a full suicide assessment, even if it’s a third-party call
🪖 Working with Veterans
“Military culture values respect, clarity, and trust. Speak plainly and listen deeply.”
- Validate the Veteran’s experiences and let them lead
- Offer to connect them with the Veterans Crisis Line or a local Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC)
- If they decline a warm transfer, collect consent for a follow-up consult
- Use Veterans Resource Locator to find Vet Centers, CBOCs, and benefits offices
- If hospitalized, coordinate with local SPCs to assist with aftercare and support
If imminent risk is present: follow internal emergency protocols, document thoroughly, and alert supervisors.
🎖️ Common Veteran Concerns
- PTSD and trauma
- Difficulty transitioning to civilian life
- Isolation, substance use, or disconnection
- Feelings of failure, moral injury, or loss of identity
- Uncertainty around VA benefits — offer the VA Benefits Line: 800-827-1000
Never assume benefit eligibility. Say: “I’m not a VA staff member, but I can connect you to someone who can help.”
🪖 Working with Active Service Members
“Active duty members may want help that’s off-base, off-record, and completely confidential.”
- Many callers do not feel safe accessing DoD resources
- Respect formality and rank — if they introduce themselves with rank, use it
- Be mindful of deployment stress, family strain, and service-related trauma
- Always offer civilian resources in addition to military ones
🌐 Trusted Resources for Active Duty
- Military OneSource — 800-342-9647 Counseling, referrals, and 24/7 confidential support
- Red Cross Emergency Assistance — 877-272-7337 For deployed or overseas emergencies
- Safe Helpline — Support for sexual trauma in the military
- Vets 4 Warriors — 24/7 peer support from other service members
- Make the Connection — Real Veteran stories & resources
- AfterDeployment.org — Self-guided post-deployment mental health support
🔄 Warm Transfers & Referrals
If a Veteran or service member would benefit from specialized support:
- Offer a warm transfer to the VCL/MCL (866-733-5200)
- Always stabilize and get consent before transferring
- Explain why the transfer might help (e.g., more targeted support, better local referrals)
- Gather caller’s number and relevant info before initiating
- Stay on the line during transfer whenever possible
“Would it feel okay if I helped connect you with someone who works closely with Veterans and military callers every day?”
🕯️ Final Reflection
“Service members and Veterans carry burdens we often cannot see. But they still reach out — not because they’re broken, but because they’re brave.”
Your presence on the line might be the first moment in a long time where they feel heard.
🏡 Home | ◀️ Return to Previous Page