Mental Health Assistance

By Hannah McDuffie, Public Affairs Officer

January 31, 2023

The Veterans Comprehensive Prevention, Access to Care, and Treatment (COMPACT) Act of 2020 expands mental health care services to any Veteran who is experiencing an emergent suicidal crisis.

Starting immediately, Veterans–enrolled or not enrolled in VA health care – can go to their nearest VA or non-VA emergency room to seek emergent care. VA will deliver and pay for emergency suicide care for all Veterans in acute suicidal crisis at a VA or non-VA facility, including transportation costs, and refer them for up to 30 days of free inpatient care or 90 days of outpatient care following the period of emergency suicide treatment.

During a medical or mental health emergency, you and your family should immediately:

Go to the nearest emergency department or call 911
Let staff know you’re a Veteran and experiencing a medical or mental health emergency
Staff will immediately ensure you receive assistance

We strongly recommend you go to your nearest healthcare facility. If one a VA not available at the time of the crisis, please go the nearest non-VA facility.

We are deeply committed to ending Veteran suicide and want to ensure you and your loved ones know what to do and expect in a time of crisis. Don’t forget the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by dialing 988 and press 1.

If a Veteran should receive a bill after receiving emergency care during and after a suicidal crisis, VA has established an expedited review process to ensure costs are handled appropriately.