Starting Jan. 17, Veterans in suicidal crisis can go to any VA or non-VA health care facility for free emergency health care - VA News

The COMPACT Act went into effect Jan 17, 2023. It provides free mental health care to eligible veterans in crisis. 30 days in patient, and 90 days outpatient.

Note that this law was in effect for almost 6 months when I was referred to my local VA Health Center by the VA National Suicide Hotline. The Crisis counselor at my local VA Hospital said the VA had nothing for me. "Good Luck, Sweetie" is how she ended our phone call.

I got the care I needed because I knew my rights. I got the free promised care over the objections of my VA Hospital management.