Project Odyssey
Empowers veterans living with PTSD and other invisible wounds to push beyond their known limits and develop skills to discover their best selves
Project Odyssey® is a no-cost 12-week mental health program for veterans that uses adventure-based learning to help warriors with PTSD, anxiety, and depression manage and overcome their invisible wounds, enhance their resiliency skills, and empower them to live productive and fulfilling lives. Project Odyssey is based on the veteran’s unique needs, in which warriors can participate in all-male, all-female, coed, family, or couple’s programs.
The program includes a five-day mental health retreat in a workshop-style format. This is where warriors living with PTSD and other invisible wounds are challenged to step outside the comfort of their everyday routines. The retreat opens them up to new experiences that help them develop their coping and communication skills. After the mental health retreat, participants work together with WWP to continue developing the skills they have learned, achieving their personal goals, and making lifelong positive changes.
Project Odyssey Success Stories
Hear from warriors and their families on how Project Odyssey has changed their lives for the better and empowered them to make positive changes in their lives.
Program Benefits
Project Odyssey is provided at no cost to the warrior or family member — this includes all travel, food and lodging. In addition, the program offers:
- Support provided by fellow veteran attendees, peer mentors, WWP teammates, and licensed clinicians
- The opportunity to develop coping, communication, and resiliency skills
- Improve confidence, increase self-esteem, and enrich relationships
- Develop practical goals for better self-care and psychological well-being
- All Project Odyssey types are offered in a virtual format
Adventure-Based Activities
- Hiking
- Mountain Biking
- Rock Climbing
- Skiing
- Rafting
- Snowboarding
- And so much more
Other Mental Health Programs, Services, and Resources
Warrior Care Network
WWP partners with four world-renowned academic medical centers to offer a 2 week veteran specialized mental health treatment program led by healthcare professionals to help veterans with PTSD, TBI, MST, and other mental health issues.
WWP Talk
We offer a free, one-on-one, telephonic mental health support line that connects veterans and family members to a dedicated team member who helps them work through various issues. The scheduled weekly calls provide a judgment-free place to get reliable emotional support.
Additional Resources
Navigating TBI, PTSD, and other invisible wounds can be challenging. Learn more about resources available to you.
Project Odyssey starts with a five-day mental health workshop using nature as a backdrop which allows you to take a step back from everyday routines. During your participation with your fellow warriors, you build resilience, develop coping skills, and achieve goals that will improve your quality of life. Many who participate in the program also develop improved relationships with friends and loved ones.
If you are not currently registered with WWP please visit our registration page for details about who is eligible to register with WWP and how to get started. WWP supports veterans and service members who incurred a physical or mental injury, illness, or wound while serving in the military on or after September 11, 2001. You may also be eligible for the program if you are the family member or caregiver of a wounded warrior.
Project Odyssey is one of a variety of veteran programs and services to help you take the steps that are right for you, including programs for physical and mental wellness, career transition, and support in obtaining benefits for disabled veterans from Veterans Affairs (VA).
Project Odyssey is available to warriors who have experienced significant stress during their military service. It’s most appropriate for those who are not experiencing a crisis and ready to discuss emotional issues and set goals leading to improved mental health. We facilitate all male, all female and couples (warrior and their significant other) Project Odyssey programs.
Project Odyssey is a twelve (12) week program which begins with a weeklong mental health workshop. The tools, skills, and bonds you gain through the workshop will be enhanced over the 12 weeks following the workshop.
Yes. Project Odyssey provides non-clinical support and isn’t meant to take the place of any clinical treatment or counseling you may be receiving.
No. Project Odyssey is a non-clinical service, so there is nothing we provide that would increase your disability rating with the VA.
Yes. Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) offers a wide range of programs that focus on the mental health & wellness needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers. We also maintain a database of verified third-party resources we can refer to for further support.
No. We do not share information with VA offices or other entities outside of WWP.
News And Articles About Veterans Like You
Warrior and Spouse Vow Peace, Protection, and Prosperity During Couples Project Odyssey
Sidney Brady and his wife, Elizabeth, are no strangers to the stresses of marriage and raising a family. Adding another level of complexity, Sidney copes with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom. Returning home, Sidney registered with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) to get involved with Project Odyssey®, a program that helps with combat stress.
Discovering Hidden Strength Among Female Warriors
Donna describes her anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a constant cycle of difficult thoughts and nightmares due to frequent gunfire, rocket grenade attacks, and the difficulty of being one of very few women in her unit. This was common until Donna attended an all-female Project Odyssey® as part of the Combat Stress Recovery Program at Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP).
During PTSD Awareness Month, Wounded Warrior Project Reminds Veterans Mental Health Support is Available
Barriers to care delay treatment for veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). For wounded veterans, stigma can be one of the biggest barriers they face. According to the Annual Warrior Survey conducted by Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), nearly 1 in 5 warriors reported difficulty or delays getting or continuing professional care for their mental health. Of those warriors, 2 in 3 say they would feel embarrassed or ashamed to seek care.