Attention A T users. To access the menus on this page please perform the following steps. 1. Please switch auto forms mode to off. 2. Hit enter to expand a main menu option (Health, Benefits, etc). 3. To enter and activate the submenu links, hit the down arrow. You will now be able to tab or arrow up or down through the submenu options to access/activate the submenu links.

Mental Health

Menu
Menu
Quick Links
Veterans Crisis Line Badge
My healthevet badge
 

Health Care Providers Addressing Suicide Risk - Mental Health

veteran talking with his healthcare provider

Health Care Provider

Suicide Prevention

A number of resources are available to health care providers who work with Veterans and may be concerned about a Veteran experiencing a suicidal crisis.

Training for Health Care Providers

The Columbia Protocol (C-SSRS)

This website offers free training for communities and health care providers on the Columbia Protocol, which is used for suicide risk assessments.

Evidence Based Clinical Practice Guidelines 

VA strongly advises the use of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) when treating patients, including the assessment and management of Veterans at risk for suicide.

Military Competence

Our partners at PsychArmor Institute offer free military competence training to educate individuals about the unique needs of people in the military community.

Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program

VA providers and community providers who work with Veterans can receive free, one-on-one consultation to enhance their therapeutic practice. To get started, email SRMconsult@va.gov.

TRAIN Education

Create an account on VA’s tool, TRAIN, to access courses and documents on many topics, including suicide prevention.

VA S.A.V.E. Online Suicide Prevention Training

VA S.A.V.E. — which stands for “Signs,” “Ask,” “Validate,” and “Encourage” and “Expedite” — offers simple steps that anyone can take when talking with Veterans who may be at risk for suicide. The training video is available for free at https://psycharmor.org/courses/s-a-v-e.

From Science to Practice

From Science to Practice is a literature review series to help clinicians put suicide prevention research into action. The series translates evidence-based research into informative and practical steps that health care providers can take to help support their Veteran patients. The series describes a number of suicide risk and protective factors. No single risk or protective factor on its own causes or protects against suicide.

Resources To Share With Veterans

Mobile Apps that support Mental Health and Wellness

Veterans can search for free VA apps that provide tools and information for managing symptoms and stress, learning to practice mindfulness, and strengthening parenting skills.

Suicide Prevention Coordinators

Each VA medical center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator to connect Veterans with counseling and services.

Veteran Training

This self-help portal provides tools to help Veterans overcome everyday challenges in an entirely anonymous environment. Using the tools, Veterans can work on problem-solving, manage their anger, develop parenting skills, and more.

Encourage your patients to learn more about suicide prevention and explore resources and connected care options offered by VA.

In Clinicians’ Own Words

Clinicians can use Make the Connection as a tool to engage with Veterans or their family members who may be reluctant to seek support.

View more videos on Make the Connection.

Newsletter Sign Up

Receive monthly emails about the latest mental health and suicide prevention resources and research from VA.

Help for Homeless Veterans: 877-4AID-VET
 VA Health Care: Apply Now
Caregiver Support: 855-260-3274
eBenefits: My Gateway to Benefit Information
Find out if you’re eligible: Health Benefits Explorer
Veterans Health Benefits Guide
Veterans Health Library
Women Veterans Call Center: 1-855-VA-WOMEN