Veterans Crisis Line

Veterans · Maryland · Free

Dial 988 then press 1, or text 838255, for free and confidential 24/7 crisis support staffed by trained responders, many of whom are veterans themselves. Serves all Maryland veterans, current service members, National Guard, Reservists, and their family members regardless of VA enrollment. Responders help with suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, substance use crises, and service-related issues; they can arrange warm handoffs to local VA Maryland Health Care System providers and Vet Centers for follow-up care.

Contact & Details

Address: National (serves all MD veterans)

Phone: 988 (press 1)

Hours: 24/7

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About Veterans for Fathers

Veteran fathers have access to a parallel system of benefits and services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Healthcare is provided through VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics; mental health services including PTSD, depression, and family therapy are covered. The VA Crisis Line (dial 988, press 1) is staffed 24/7 by veterans for veterans. Disability compensation, GI Bill education benefits, VA home loans, and vocational rehabilitation are administered through regional VA offices. State-level Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs) — the American Legion, VFW, DAV, and state VSO offices — help veterans file benefit claims for free. For family law matters, the VA doesn't provide attorneys, but many state bar associations have veteran legal clinics. This directory includes the VA Crisis Line, regional VA centers, state VSOs, and veteran-specific legal and housing services.

Veterans in Maryland

Maryland circuit courts handle family law in each of its 24 jurisdictions, with magistrates hearing many child support and custody matters. The Child Support Administration operates under the Department of Human Services. Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, Frederick, and Rockville anchor the population. Maryland Legal Aid and Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service provide civil legal representation.

More Veterans in Maryland

  • Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs — State agency connecting Maryland's 370,000+ veterans, service members, and families with federal and state benefits, service officer claims
  • VA Maryland Health Care System (Baltimore) — VA medical center system providing comprehensive healthcare to enrolled Maryland veterans at the Baltimore VA Medical Center, Perry Point ca
  • Baltimore Vet Center — Free, confidential readjustment counseling center serving combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and their families from the Bal
  • Silver Spring Vet Center — Free, confidential readjustment counseling center for combat veterans, military sexual trauma survivors, and their families living in the DC
  • Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training — Baltimore nonprofit providing transitional housing, vocational training, substance use and mental health support, and case management for ho
  • American Legion Department of Maryland — Statewide veterans service organization with local American Legion posts across Maryland offering fellowship, community service, youth progr

Veterans — Common Questions

What do I do in a crisis?
Dial 988 and press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. Text 838255. Chat at veteranscrisisline.net. Staffed 24/7 by veterans. Also visit any VA emergency department — you'll be seen regardless of enrollment status.
I'm not enrolled with the VA — can I still get help?
Yes. Visit any VA medical center to enroll. Most veterans with an honorable or general discharge qualify for free or low-cost care. Combat veterans within 10 years of separation get enhanced eligibility. Bring your DD-214.
Can the VA help with custody cases?
The VA doesn't provide attorneys for family law, but many state bar associations run free Veteran Legal Clinics. The VA Caregiver Support Program and Vet Centers provide counseling, and Veteran Treatment Courts exist in many jurisdictions for justice-involved vets.
What does a VSO do?
A Veterans Service Organization (American Legion, VFW, DAV, state VSO) helps veterans file disability compensation claims, pension claims, and appeals for free. They're accredited by the VA and often get better outcomes than self-filed claims. Always use a VSO before paying for a claims agent.