Wellness at Emory Healthcare Veterans Program: Integrating Body, Mind and Spirit

Emory Healthcare Veterans Program is an internationally recognized center of excellence dedicated to transforming the lives of post-9/11 veterans and service members affected by invisible wounds such as PTSD and traumatic brain injury. We provide evidence-based, comprehensive care for our veterans and service members, all at no cost to them or their families. Treatment works and the following stories will show you the life-changing impact our veterans program has had on both our warriors and care team members.

The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program takes a holistic approach to mental health care. Patients in our two-week Intensive Outpatient Program have one-on-one and group therapy sessions in the mornings and participate in wellness offerings for the remainder of the day. These offerings are designed to replace the negativity that invisible wounds impose with activities that promote a positive and healthy lifestyle. Warriors learn about and practice general wellness, nutrition, yoga, art, and music. For spiritual needs, we offer group and individual sessions with a chaplain. All wellness activities are provided by team members or vetted instructors who are sensitive to the needs and backgrounds of our warriors.

Marty says, “We sometimes have to convince warriors to come to the first yoga class, but a lot of those reluctant participants end up loving it and joining a studio after they graduate.” Marty, who served five years in the military as a psychologist, teaches beginner yoga to program participants two days a week. He adds, “Many patients have said that as their invisible wounds start to heal, they see improvements in their physical pain.”

The ability to communicate one’s needs to others in a clear and effective manner is essential to healthy, happy, and productive living. The Effective Behaviors group expands on the concept of “anger management.” In this single-session group, patients learn skills that improve their interpersonal communication and empower them to pursue their goals. If warriors want to continue working on their effective behavior skills after graduating from the program, they can join a weekly group led by one of Emory Healthcare Veterans Program’s clinical psychologists who specializes in anger management.

There, warriors share challenges from the past week, receive support from fellow group members, and practice skills that support value-consistent living. “Being in this group … has been a game-changer for me. I’m learning that even when I want to just shut down or blow up on someone, that’s just not right. I can use these skills to help keep myself calm and do the things I actually need to do,” said one warrior.

Our two-week Intensive Outpatient Program is confidential and customized for our warriors’ specific circumstances and goals. The program is available to all eligible post-9/11 veterans and service members affected by invisible wounds, regardless of location, discharge status, deployment history or length of service.