The Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness is committed to advancing knowledge and driving positive change through research that promotes the mental health, social support, and holistic well-being of service members, veterans, and their families. Our initiatives, conducted both in-house and in collaboration with external partners, aim to address critical issues and promote family wellness.
Our work is guided by a community-informed, patient-centered approach, ensuring that research priorities reflect the evolving needs of the communities we serve. We seek input from stakeholders regularly to understand what concerns are most pressing and where more data and insights can inform better policy, programs and care.
The Institute also provides program evaluation to support community partners in assessing the impact of both emerging and established programs, with recommendations for program improvements to ensure that services are effective, adaptable, and aligned with community priorities and needs. We also work closely with treatment delivery partners to conduct implementation research that supports the adoption of evidence-based practices.
Peer-Led Support for Military Spouses & Partners
Overview
REACH is a peer-led support program designed for military spouses. It is tested in a randomized controlled trial, funded by the Department of Defense (DoD) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). The REACH program is adapted from the Veteran Spouse Resiliency Group (V-SRG) model by Veteran Spouse Network and is being conducted at Fort Hood, TX.
Structure
- Weekly, 2-hour in-person group sessions led by trained peer facilitators.
- A curriculum designed to encourage open dialogue about shared challenges, strategies, and mutual support.
- Sessions include educational content, skill-building exercises, and group activities.
Goals
The study evaluates the impact of curriculum-based, weekly, peer-led groups on:
- Quality of life
- Mental health
- Social support
- Self-care practices
- Knowledge of health resources
Evaluating Recovery Systems
Overview
This study addresses the Traumatic Brain Injury and Psychological Health Research Program’s (TBIPHRP) focus on examining care systems that support continued functional recovery among U.S. Army service members. It specifically evaluates the Army’s Substance Use Disorder Clinical Care (SUDCC) program at Fort Hood, TX, to better understand factors that contribute to successful alcohol use treatment.
Structure
- Retrospective analysis of medical records.
- Interviews with patients and treatment providers.
- Evaluation of the Army SUDCC voluntary and mandatory alcohol abuse treatment tracks.
Goals
This study aims to improve care systems that support long-term recovery and functional outcomes for U.S. Army service members.
Understanding Spouse Wellness
Overview
The Military & Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey (MVSWS) is one of the first national studies to examine the wellness of military and veteran spouses holistically, across eight wellness dimensions. Conducted in partnership with InDependent, this research highlights the lived experiences, strengths, and challenges of military and veteran spouses. By providing a multidimensional view of their well-being, the survey aims to identify critical areas where tailored support can foster resilience and improve overall wellness.
Structure
- The survey is rooted in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) 8 Dimensions of Wellness framework.
- Each dimension was assessed with validated measures and original questions designed to reflect the unique experiences of military and veteran spouses.
- The results were first presented at ENGAGE @ AFA: Wellness on the Homefront (part of the Air and Space Forces Association), a collaborative event featuring study findings, panel discussions, and breakout sessions with leaders and stakeholders.
Goals
The survey seeks to:
- Understand spouses’ health, wellness, and quality of life.
- Identify gaps in wellness support systems and opportunities for tailored programming.
- Inform policies and initiatives that promote holistic well-being, resilience, and community connection for military families.