In 2018, I had to use their services twice due to my ex going off the deep end. She was suffering from a combination of bad psych medication from the VA and I had nowhere else to turn too. I called them in a panic, asking for help on how to deal with an episode. The first call was decent, I gave them all the info I could, followed their steps in disarming her, and they contacted the police for me. They even called back days later to see how it all went down. She gave me contacts to aid me in the whole situation. The first time was a positive experience. The second time, my ex was not taking the medications and had her first relapse episode. She took the car and was driving erratically under psych meds. I called Crisis Line, giving all the info as prior. They didn't communicate properly to the authorities, and I was almost arrested. Without the proper contact from them, the authorities thought I was somehow abusing my ex. It took my stepchild of 11 at the time to tell them that the mother was having a manic episode. They did not keep in contact throughout the whole ordeal and police were no help this time. It was one of the worst nights of my life. I can still remember them just hanging up after the police arrived. And they never called me back like the first time for a follow up. I believe it can be a good tool for veterans, the first time was the best. I think it depends on who picks up the phone and how much effort they put into their job. I am not too keen on calling them again in any case after that last time. If the situation ever calls for it, I will just use it as a last resort. But hopefully they can save a life.

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.