Healing the invisible wounds of war through PTSD treatment for veterans

To accelerate the development of advanced models of mental health care, Wounded Warrior Project^® partners with four, world-renowned academic medical centers to form the Warrior Care Network^®, leveraging our collective commitment and expertise.

The Warrior Care Network treatment model delivers a year’s worth of mental health care during a 2-3-week intensive outpatient program that integrates evidence-based treatments with complementary alternative therapies. This unique veteran-centric approach increases access to treatment and improves outcomes for warriors living with PTSD, TBI, and related conditions.

Warrior Care Network Treatment Centers:

• Emory Healthcare Veterans Program (Atlanta)
• Massachusetts General Hospital – Home Base Program (Boston)
• Rush University Medical Center – Road Home Program (Chicago)
• UCLA Health – Operation Mend Program (Los Angeles)

• Service member or veteran who served/deployed after September 11, 2001
• Veterans who have sustained PTSD (including Military Sexual Trauma - MST) and/or TBI, related to their post-9/11 service
• For IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) participants, able to travel and attend the program for at least two weeks
  • All costs related to treatment are covered by the Warrior Care Network.
• Warrior Care Network is not for warriors who have been hospitalized in the last 30 days
• Warrior Care Network is not for warriors who are active substance abusers – where applicable, participants must have the ability to reduce alcohol and/or drug use to engage in treatment, with commitment to abstinence while in program
• 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.

*Determination of suitability for care will be made by Academic Medical Center (AMC) partner clinicians

Warriors receive, on average, more than 70 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
• Social and healing activities

If you are determined ineligible, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has other resources and programs 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

The intensive outpatient program (IOP) 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 70 direct PTSD treatment hours.

This is not an inpatient program. Treatment times are generally 8am – 5pm, 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 the Warrior Care Network.

• Emory Healthcare Veterans Program
• Massachusetts General Hospital - Home Base, a partnership of The Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital
• Rush University Medical Center - Road Home Program
• Operation Mend at UCLA Health

The Warrior Care Network aims to ensure that the appropriate academic medical center is selected for warriors based on needs, interest, availability, and clinical appropriateness. A Warrior Care Network 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.

The Warrior Care Network aims to serve the veterans and their family members as soon as possible. Providers will work with you to determine which 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).

If treatment is received through the IOP, a post-IOP care plan will be developed and discussed with the veteran and an applicable community provider will be identified to support with the execution of that care plan. Additionally, a follow-up care survey and assessments will be requested from participants three, six, and 12 months after care to monitor treatment progress and satisfaction in the program. The academic medical centers (AMCs) will also work with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) to coordinate follow-up care for the veteran in his or her hometown as needed.

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.

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).