Cohen Clinic launches ‘Ask Anyway’ campaign to empower life-saving conversations on suicide

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A military clinic in Mililani is urging the community to push past hesitation and start direct, compassionate conversations about suicide.

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The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Endeavors has launched Ask Anyway: Conversations to Save a Life, a public awareness initiative aimed at reducing stigma and equipping individuals to intervene before a crisis escalates.

The campaign encourages people to take action even when broaching the subject feels uncomfortable—whether that involves checking in on a loved one, discussing safe firearm storage, or seeking help for themselves.

According to clinic leaders, research indicates that asking someone directly and compassionately if they are experiencing thoughts of suicide does not increase risk. Instead, having an open conversation can help individuals feel seen, supported, and less isolated during difficult moments.

The clinic operates as a nonprofit mental health facility dedicated to providing high-quality, accessible care to post-9/11 veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. To date, the Mililani location has served more than 500 clients across 3,400 clinical sessions.

The facility is part of the Cohen Veterans Network, which operates 23 clinics across 22 states and Washington, D.C., with plans to open five additional locations on U.S. military bases in Asia.

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Care is available in-person or statewide via face-to-face video therapy through CVN Telehealth. Providers treat a range of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger, grief, military transitions, relationship conflicts, and behavioral issues in children.

Services are open to:

Clinic officials emphasized that insurance status and ability to pay will not be barriers to receiving treatment, with staff working with clients on an individual basis to accommodate financial needs.

The clinic is located at 95-1091 Ainamakua Drive in Mililani and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Veterans and service members can press 1 to connect directly with the Veterans Crisis Line.

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