The short answer
Yes. VA's Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program (SRM) offers free consultation to community providers who work with Veterans at risk for suicide. Email srmconsult@va.gov. If a client is in crisis now, connect them with the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1.
Is there free suicide risk consultation for community therapists?
Yes. VA's Suicide Risk Management Consultation Program (SRM) offers free consultation to VA and community providers working with Veterans at risk for suicide. To request one, email srmconsult@va.gov. See how SRM works.
If a client is in crisis right now, this isn't the service to call. Connect them with the Veterans Crisis Line: dial 988, then press 1, or text 838255. For immediate danger, call 911.
How does a consult work?
It's a short process:
- Email srmconsult@va.gov with your question.
- SRM may send a brief form to learn more.
- You're matched with a consultant who fits your question.
- The consult happens by virtual meeting or email, at a time that works for you.
What topics does SRM cover?
VA lists these among the topics, and says any question about suicide prevention and Veterans is welcome:
- Risk assessment and how to think about a client's level of risk.
- Lethal means safety counseling.
- Strategies for engaging Veterans at high risk.
- Documentation best practices.
- Support for providers after a client's suicide, and consultation on postvention practices.
What can't SRM do?
SRM gives general guidance. For community providers, it can't advise on the care of a specific Veteran or take clinical responsibility for a client who isn't in its care. You remain the treating clinician.
Why use it?
Suicide risk is one of the heaviest parts of the work, and solo therapists often carry it alone. A consult can help you think through a hard case, check your documentation, or get support after a loss. It's free and built for exactly this.
How ValorWell handles this
ValorWell therapists have the same access to SRM and VA's other free consultation programs as any community provider. ValorWell doesn't offer formal clinical consultation itself. Clinical decisions, including risk assessment and safety planning, stay with you, within your training and your licensing board's standards. ValorWell's admin team, which generally responds within a few hours, can help with coordination around a client's care.
ValorWell is a scheduled outpatient telehealth service, not a crisis service.
Important limits
- SRM isn't an emergency service. Use the Veterans Crisis Line or 911 for anyone in immediate danger.
- Clinical responsibility stays with you. The consultant advises; you decide.
- Protect client privacy. Share only what your question needs.
- Telehealth needs a safety plan. Confirm the client's location at each session and know local emergency resources. See How Should Telehealth Therapists Plan for Emergencies?