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Suicide prevention

If you're a Veteran who is thinking of hurting yourself—or you know a Veteran who’s considering this—we can help. Our VA Northern California health care suicide prevention coordinators can get you the support you need. They work with our behavioral health providers and community organizations to assist Veterans who are managing emotional or mental health crises.

How do I talk to someone right now?

Find out how to get support anytime, day or night.

Veterans crisis line

Connect with Veteran’s Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs.  Many of them are Veterans themselves.  This support is:

  • Confidential
  • Available every day, 24/7
  • Serves all Veterans, all Service members, National Guard and Reserve, their family members and friends

Connect with a care coordinator

Our suicide prevention coordinators can help you get ongoing support, like counseling and other services. Coordinators are available during regular business hours.

Lee Sasse LCSW-PIP
Suicide Prevention Program Manager
VA Northern California Health Care
Phone: 530-551-1408
Email: VHASPCCA-612MACSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov

Besrat Mussa LCSW
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Mather VAMC
VA Northern California Health Care
Cell: 916-664-0934
Email: VHASPCCA-612MACSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov

Trent Lear LCSW, LAC, MAC
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Sacramento Valley
VA Northern California Health Care
Phone: 916-640-8090
Email: VHASPCCA-612MACSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov

David Shernoff LCSW
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, East Bay
VA Northern California Health Care
Phone: 925-282-5260
Email: VHASPCCA-612MACSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov

Roxanna Kahrel LCSW
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Rural
VA Northern California Health Care
Phone: 530-574-1063
Email: VHASPCCA-612MACSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov

Orise (Shay) Carey
Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Fairfield/Mare Island
VA Northern California Health Care
Phone: 925-862-3204
Email: VHASPCCA-612MACSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov

VACANT
Suicide Prevention Coordinator: Sonora, Stockton, Modesto
Email: VHASPCCA-612MACSuicidePreventionTeam@va.gov

Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinators

Our Suicide Prevention Community Engagement & Partnerships Coordinators (CEPC) serve as content matter experts for community-based suicide prevention initiatives and help with suicide prevention education throughout the community. CEPC's build community-led coalitions that focus on suicide prevention and education. They can speak to your organization about Suicide Prevention, provide free suicide prevention resources, and training opportunities. 

Cassandra Meredith LCSW
Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Sacramento, East Bay, and Southern Clinics
Phone: 916-717-3479
E-mail: cassandra.meredith@va.gov

Deborah Taylor LCSW
Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator, Rural
Phone: 916-291-9544
E-mail: deborah.taylor1@va.gov

Care we provide at VA Northern California health care

  • Suicide prevention care coordinators
  • Suicide prevention case managers
  • Gun safety locks

  • VA resources to help Veterans in crisis, including warning signs and tips for talking to children about family members' crises.

  • VA Northern California health care is a center for excellence for Veteran-focused mental health care. We can connect you with the help you need.

  • Find out how to access depression health services through VA.

  • Find out how to access post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) health services through VA.

  • The foundation provides mental health resources for people struggling with thoughts of suicide. They also offer supportive educational tools for concerned family, friends and peers.

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