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?
If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified Veterans Crisis Line responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. This service is private, free, and available 24/7.
To connect with a Veterans Crisis Line responder anytime day or night:
- Call 988 and select 1.
- Start a confidential chat.
- Text 838255.
- For TTY, call 711 then 988.
You can also:
- Call 911.
- Go to the nearest emergency room.
- Go directly to your nearest VA medical center. It doesn’t matter what your discharge status is or if you’re enrolled in VA health care.
Find your nearest VA medical center
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