The Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness develops and evaluates programs that support the well-being of military and veteran families in partnership with researchers, providers, and community organizations. Explore our previous initiatives that have helped shape best practices in family wellness, transition support, and mental health.
- Group-based intervention for veteran and active duty couples in which one partner has PTSD, focused on reducing symptoms and strengthening relationships.
- Utilized Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT-PTSD) in 8-week, clinician-led cohorts in community clinic settings.
- Provided introduction to treatment, psychoeducation, safety building, trauma support, and relationship skills, with ongoing program evaluation to inform future cohorts.
- The Restore Program combined Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Resilient Yoga with veterans which was implemented by Seton Ascension.
- IMVFW conducted a program evaluation of the Intensive Outpatient Program in 2018-19 and shared results with program staff for use in program adaptation and reporting to program funders.
- Funder: Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program (Texas Health and Human Services)
- Developed and piloted Mastering Your Marriage in partnership with the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation in 2018.
- Delivered the Mastering Your Marriage program with 21 veteran couples to support relationship quality, communication, intimacy, conflict resolution, stress management, and address symptoms of PTSD or TBI.
- Hosted a weekend Orientation Retreat for the couples, followed by six months of web-based curriculum delivered via smartphone app, online small group discussions, individualized follow-up calls, and a private Facebook group.
- Designed and led a Capstone Retreat weekend for couples to celebrate progress and reinforce curriculum content through in-person sessions.
- IMVFW staff conducted a program evaluation to understand program outcomes, assessing relationship health and PTSD, and other mental health symptoms.
- Additional funding included: Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program (Texas Health and Human Services)
- Aimed to strengthen family bonds, improve relationships, and provide referrals for individualized mental health support.
- Implemented at the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Metrocare in 2018.
- Evaluated program using client satisfaction questionnaires, pre- and post-program clinical assessments, and six-month follow-up to assess improvements and identify additional support needs.
- Funder: Metrocare and Texas Veterans + Family Alliance Grant Program (Texas Health and Human Services)