Veteran Support Groups

About MentalHappy

MentalHappy is a secure digital health platform available on the web, iOS, and Android. It enables providers and organizations to create and manage expert-led support groups for their clients, members, patients, or communities. MentalHappy is dedicated to promoting knowledge, ensuring fair access, and encouraging the significant impact of community-based care.

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Veteran Support Group

VSG seeks to bring support and mental health resources to Veterans in a greater capacity than currently provided. Studies have shown that two out of three Veterans are not receiving the treatment they need to overcome these often unseen injuries. This group is also for veterans who feel they haven't found anyone to connect to since returning home or while still serving.

VSG Goals

Short-term:

1. Immediately benefit people who participate in the support groups.
2. Learn more about the Veteran experience and generate more knowledge about mental health care and resources.

Long-term:

1. Identify best practices to serve Veterans and their families.
2. To normalize the stress and mental health challenges that accompany life after service.

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VSG Overview

VSG seeks to bring support and mental health resources to Veterans in Virginia in a greater capacity than currently provided. Studies have shown that 2 out of 3 Veterans are not receiving the treatment they need to overcome these often unseen injuries. This group is also for veterans who feel they haven't found anyone to connect to since returning home or while still serving. 

Veteran Support Group Description

VSG seeks to bring support and mental health resources to Veterans in Virginia in a greater capacity than currently provided. Studies have shown that 2 out of 3 Veterans are not receiving the treatment they need to overcome these often unseen injuries. This group is also for veterans who feel they haven't found anyone to connect to since returning home or while still serving. 

7-Week Cohort Focus 👇

Week 1-Group Introductions

• Pre-Health Assessment
• Introduction to the facilitator and the group process
• Set Group Norms
• Help Group Members get to know each other
• Q&A

Week 2-Personal Goals

• Set Personal Goals
• Identity Barriers to Reaching Those Goals
• Reconnecting or bonding with family

Week 3- Navigating deployments

• Returning to civilian life 
• Work towards constructing a more accurate self-concept
• Identity roles members play in their life
• Focus on strengths

Week 4-Support Systems

• Practical ways you can self-care
• Understand what self-care is 
• Identify the benefits of peer support
• Choose a specific person to develop a supportive relationship with
• Create a self-care plan

Week 5-Stress Management

• Identify stressors
• Identify coping
• Processing your trauma and experiences

Week 6-Healthy Living

• Evaluate Health and Living Strategies
• Assess Risk for substance abuse or other disorders
• Identify triggers for relapse
• Develop a Wellness Self-Management Plan

Week 7-Preventing Relapse

• Share Wellness Self-Management Plans
• Get connected to extra resources and digital toolkits
• Find Closure
• Post Health Assessment

Joining a veteran support group offers several advantages, including:

1. Realizing you are not alone, as you meet others facing similar challenges.
2. Learning to discuss difficult aspects of your service and personal issues.
3. Gaining insights and support for managing daily challenges linked to trauma.
4. Rebuilding trust with others.
5. Hearing diverse perspectives that can provide valuable guidance.
6. Making new friends and connecting with those who understand your experiences.

Participation

The group leader posts discussion topics and provides guidance and support. Members are encouraged to share their thoughts/tips, support others, start conversations, and ask questions. Group members can also ask questions anonymously. 

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Group Meetings

Two times a month for virtual group sessions around a particular topic. 

Who Qualifies?

You may qualify for our Veteran Support Group if

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Veteran Support Group Health Outcomes

The following metrics were used to evaluate the impact of the Veteran Support Group:

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Self-Reported Results

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Platform & Partnership Opportunities

MentalHappy is recognized as a safe and effective platform where mental health professionals can host their patient and client support groups. Learn More 

***Partnership Invitation

If your practice is at capacity and you cannot accept new patients, we are pleased to serve as a trusted resource highly recommended by therapists in our network.

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Partner with Us

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***Confidentiality Assurance:

The information provided is inspired by the experiences shared within private support groups on the MentalHappy platform. Names and specific details have been altered to ensure data security and compliance with HIPAA regulations. While the content reflects real-life situations, it is not intended to represent any particular individual or group. Rather, it serves as a general reference to uphold confidentiality and protect the privacy of all participants.

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***Important Disclaimer***

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• MentalHappy does not provide medical care or advice. By using our services, you acknowledge and agree that:

1. MentalHappy is not a medical care provider.
2. It is not a substitute for seeking medical care.
3. It does not provide therapy, medical, psychiatric, or psychological advice.
4. It cannot diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or condition.
5. Remember, this Veteran Support Program is not for emergencies.some text
   1. If you or another person is in danger, call 911 immediately.
   2. If you are feeling suicidal, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline can help.

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