Warrior Care Network

Warrior Care Network® is a partnership between Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and four world-renowned academic medical centers (AMCs). With this partnership, veterans and service members living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), military sexual trauma (MST), and other related conditions are provided a custom treatment plan with a path to long-term wellness.

The Warrior Care Network treatment model delivers more than 50 hours of mental health care during a two-to-three-week intensive outpatient program that integrates evidence-based PTSD and TBI treatment for veterans with complementary alternative therapies. Participants and their families receive first-class treatment tailored specifically to their needs and individualized care to support their journey.  This unique veteran-centric approach increases access to treatment and improves quality of life for warriors living with PTSD, TBI, and related conditions.

All treatment and accommodations are provided at no cost and financial assistance is also offered to help cover everyday expenses like groceries, utilities, and housing.

Warrior Care Network Treatment Centers:

• Emory Healthcare Veterans Program (Atlanta, GA)
• Massachusetts General Hospital – Home Base, Veteran and Family Care (Boston, MA)
• Rush University Medical Center – Road Home Program (Chicago, IL)
• UCLA Health – Operation Mend Program (Los Angeles, CA)

• Service member or veteran who served/deployed after September 11, 2001
• Suffer from symptoms of PTSD, MST, TBI, and other related conditions related to their service. A diagnosis is not required to be eligible.
• Can travel and attend the program for at least two weeks. All costs related to treatment are covered by the Warrior Care Network. 
• Have not been hospitalized in the last 30 days.
• Who need a clinical detox from substances, WCN participants must have the ability to safely reduce alcohol and/or drug use to engage in treatment, with a commitment to abstinence while in the program.  AMC treatment teams are available to support warriors to adhere to achieving abstinence.
• Family participation opportunities vary based on location and program. We understand that family members, caregivers, and companions are a big part of the healing process and are encouraged to participate.

*Determination of suitability for care will be made by AMC partner clinicians

In this veteran PTSD treatment program, warriors receive, on average, more than 50 direct PTSD treatment hours, not including additional complementary alternative therapies.

Specific Activities:

• Comprehensive medical review and evaluation
• Individual treatment sessions
• Group therapy sessions
• Stress management and resiliency training
• Fitness and nutrition education
• Family support & education
• Alternative therapies such as yoga, art, and Tai Chi

If you are determined ineligible, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has other resources and programs for veterans with PTSD available. Please contact the WWP Resource Center team at 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586) or 904.405.1213, or by email at resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org. The WWP Resource Center can also assist individuals with:

• Registering as an Alumni or family member to participate in WWP programs and services
• Answering questions about WWP programs and services
• Connecting with a WWP benefits liaison
• Finding resources to aid in accessibility modifications
• Locating resources to provide emotional support
• Additional mental wellness programs
• Resources regarding additional PTSD treatment for veterans

The intensive outpatient program (IOP) is a PTSD program for veterans that requires you to stay at a hotel that is close to the AMC site during treatment for two to three weeks - dependent on the program. Warriors receive, on average, more than 50 direct PTSD treatment hours.

This is not an inpatient program. Treatment times are generally 8 am – 5 pm, with some weekend and evening activities. Providers will work with you to determine which program is best suited for your needs, availability, and clinical needs. Transportation, lodging, and meals are provided – all at no cost to the warrior. All costs related to treatment are covered by Warrior Care Network.

• Emory Healthcare Veterans Program
• Home Base, Veteran and Family Care - Massachusetts General Hospital
• Rush University Medical Center - Road Home Program
• Operation Mend at UCLA Health

Warrior Care Network aims to ensure that the appropriate academic medical center (AMC) is selected for warriors based on needs, interest, availability, and clinical appropriateness. A WWP Mental Health Teammate will help to make this decision to ensure you are receiving the most tailored treatment for your needs.

Registered and non-registered warriors can also contact the WWP Resource Center team at 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586), 904.405.1213, or by email at resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org.

Warrior Care Network aims to serve the veterans and their family members as soon as possible. Providers will work with you to determine which PTSD treatment program is best suited for your needs, based on your interest, availability, and clinical needs. Final determination of suitability for care will be made by Academic Medical Centers (AMC).

After treatment is complete, a post-IOP care plan will be created, and an applicable community provider will be identified to support the execution of that care plan.

Additionally, a follow-up care survey and assessments will be requested from participants three, six, and twelve months after treatment to monitor progress and satisfaction with the program. The academic medical centers (AMCs) will also work with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) to coordinate follow-up care as needed.

Family participation is available at all sites. We understand that family members, caregivers, and companions are a big part of the healing process.

There is no cost to patients associated with participation in the program. However, if a participant has insurance, his or her health plan may be billed for clinical services to allow Warrior Care Network funds to be used in treating as many wounded veterans as possible.

Any cost not covered by insurance will be covered by Warrior Care Network (i.e., no co-pays will be collected).

Warrior Care Network would not have been made possible without the generosity of thousands of Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) supporters and the affiliate academic medical centers (AMCs), and more is needed in future years to guarantee the success of this much-needed -public/private partnership.

An uninsured patient may qualify for coverage from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The WWP Benefits Service team can help you through this process. Patients will also have access to financial counseling at the academic medical center (AMC) in which they are receiving care.

The Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) Benefits Service team can help you through this process. Navigating your VA benefits claim and all the paperwork that goes along with it can be frustrating and confusing. Benefits Service will:

• Help you and your support team understand the benefits you have earned.
• Connect you and your family with the government benefits and services you need.
• Provide information about local community resources.
• Assist you with filing a benefits claim.

WWP helps you access national and local programs and benefits through the Department of Defense (DoD) and VA. They work closely with these agencies and will help simplify the process. When a claim is filed, they will make sure it is processed correctly the first time and guide you through these crucial steps.

For benefits help, contact the WWP Resource Center at 888.WWP.ALUM (997.2586) or 904.405.1213, or by email at resourcecenter@woundedwarriorproject.org.

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.

Warrior Care Network 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).