Whole Health

VA Whole Health is a cutting-edge approach to care that supports your health and well-being. Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you. This means your health team will get to know you as a person, before working with you to develop a personalized health plan based on your values, needs, and goals.

Care we provide at VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

Our whole health approach empowers and equips you to take charge of your health, well-being, and quality of life. Whole health goes beyond your illnesses, injuries, or disabilities, and focuses instead on your values, goals, and overall health. It includes self-care and complementary therapies along with conventional medical care.

Please expand the accordion tabs below to see our full menu of Whole Health services.

Taking Charge of My Life and Health

Explore your Mission, Aspiration and Purpose, complete a Personal Health Inventory and create a Personal Health Plan on the pathway to Whole Health in this 8 week class.

Next in-person session starts August 7th, 2024 every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. at West Los Angeles VA Medical Center.
Next virtual session starts October 16th, 2024 every Wednesday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. on VA-Video Connect.

Call or text 626-558-9652 or email VHAGLAWholeHealth@VA.gov to enroll.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of cultivating present moment awareness in a non-judgmental and friendly way. VA Greater Los Angeles offers a number of Mindfulness-Based Interventions offering proven approaches to reduce stress, alleviate depressed mood, and enhance well-being.

Mindfulness Skills Drop-in Group

Thursdays at 1 p.m.

Currently being held both over the phone and in-person at LAACC 2nd floor, Team B. To join by telephone call and dial # when it asks for the access code to enter. When you join the group by phone you can get more information on joining in-person.

Learn about our Center for Mindfulness here.

Compassion

Compassion is the feeling that arises when you are confronted with suffering and feel motivated to relieve it. Self-compassion is meeting one’s own suffering with tenderness and courage. VA Greater Los Angeles is the first VA site to demonstrate the improvement in physical, social and mental well-being in Veterans through a self-compassion training program.

Meditation

Meditation is a set of techniques used to increase awareness, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth.

Mindfulness Meditation

Mondays, 10:00 a.m.

For more information and enrollment: call 310-694-6045

Mind Over Illness

Mondays, 11:00 a.m., at Sepulveda VA Medical Center, bldg. 200 - 2nd floor, Conference Room B&C

For more information: call 310-478-3711, ext.32089

iRest Guided Imagery Meditation

Mondays, 2:00 p.m.

To join: call 404-397-1596, access code: #

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.

To join: call 404-397-1596, access code:#

Fridays, 1:30 p.m.

To join: call 404-397-1596, access code: #

For more information: call 310-478-3711, ext.36265

Meditative Movement

Tuesdays, 8:30 a.m.

Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.

Fridays, 10:00 a.m.

For more information on how to join over VA-Video-Connect: call 310-478-3711, ext.36265

Smoking Cessation

Learn more about our Tobacco Cessation Program

Classes to help you prepare you and support you in quitting smoking.

Tobacco Cessation Group

Mondays, 12:15 p.m.

For more information and enrollment: call 310-694-6045

Stop Smoking—Support & Medication

Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.

In-person at Sepulveda. For an appointment call 818-895-9569

Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.

For more information on how to join contact Rachel Rosen at 818-895-9569

Fridays, 10:00 a.m.

For more information on how to join over VA-Video-Connect with individual phone calls for those who cannot join by video: call 818-895-9569

Relax, Refresh and Recharge

Ways to Relax

Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.

To join: call 404-397-1596, access code: 276 0290 4052#

For more information: call 310-478-3711, ext.32089

Relaxation 101

Thursdays, 12pm

Currently available virtually through Webex.

LINK: https://veteransaffairs.webex.com/veteransaffairs/j.php?MTID=me9088cad4cdeeea01b0e98334796e5be

Meeting number: 2818-015-7946 Password: Relaxation101!

Or join by phone 1-404-397-1596 USA Toll Number Access code: 281-801-57946

For more information email patricia.hasen@va.gov

Hypnotherapy for Mission, Aspirations and Purpose

Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m.

4-week class currently being held at in-person at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center.

For more information contact x36265.

Biofeedback for Wellbeing

Reduce stress and anxiety, build resilience, and improve health using the HeartMath heart rate variability biofeedback system. Learn science-based techniques and technologies to use your body’s own signals to bring about health changes. Requires a consult from your provider.

For more information email patricia.hasen@va.gov.

Self-Acupressure Class

Wednesday 1:00 p.m.

Currently being held virtually over VA-Video-Connect. For more info on how to join, contact 310-4 78-3711 ext. 36265.

Resilient Rhythms

(Drumming, to benefit PTSD, stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain)

Thursday 11:00 a.m.

Currently being held in-person at West LA VA outside Bldg. 220 in the rose garden. For more info, contact 310-268-3276.

Expressive Arts Class

Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. Currently being held in-person at West LA VA Bldg. 220 ground floor.

For more info, contact .

Wednesdays 12:30 p.m. Currently being held in-person at the WLA VA Bldg. B210 services center.

For more info, contact .

Creative Storytelling

Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. Currently being held in-person at the WLA VA Bldg. B210 services center.

For more info, contact .

Healthy Living Skill Building

Learn skills for building health, wellness, and resilience.

Whole Health to Manage Anger

Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m., at Sepulveda VA Medical Center

Currently being held in-person at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center, Bldg. 22 - Recreation Hall. Contact: 818-401-3543 for more information.

Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.

Currently being held over telephone. Join the group by calling 404-397-1596 and dial 199-334-0776# when it asks for the access code to enter. Contact: 818-401-3543 for more information.

Intro to Whole Health

Tuesday, 1:00 p.m.

Currently being held in-person on (1st and 3rd Tuesday) at WLA Bldg 220 and virtually over VA-Video-Connect (2nd and 4th Tuesday).

For more information on how to join call or .

Gardening for Whole Health

Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.

Currently being held in person at the West LA Vet's Garden. For more information on how to join contact 310-619-0321.

Know, Sow, Grow Gardening Class

Fridays at 1pm

Currently being offered at the West Los Angeles Veteran’s Garden, email VHAGLAWholeHealth@va.gov for more information.

Whole Health for Pain

Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. Currently being held in person at West LA VA in bldg. 500 Rm 1606 (PERC). For more information contact ext. 32089.

Transforming Health and Resilience through Integration of Values-based Experience (THRIVE) is a 14-week program for improving health and wellbeing. Weekly topics include sleep, diet, environmental and financial health, mindfulness and spirituality. The groups are held at the Temple street clinic. Your provider can place a consult for THRIVE to schedule you for the next 14-week series.

Tai Chi

An ancient Chinese martial art combining slow-flowing movements with breathing, awareness and visualization. Shown to improve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Tai Chi/ Moving the Body

Mondays, 12:00 p.m.

Currently being held in person at Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center in Bldg. 22 Rec Hall. For more info on how to join, contact 626-558-9652.

Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m.

Currently being held in-person and over VA-Video-Connect. In-person is held at West LA VA outside Bldg. 220 (Rose Garden). For more info on how to join virtually, contact 626-558-9652.

Fridays, 8:30 a.m.

Currently being held in-person and over VA-Video-Connect. In-person is held at West LA VA outside Bldg. 220 (Rose Garden). For more info on how to join virtually, contact 626-558-9652.

Women’s Intro to Tai Chi

Fridays, 12:30 p.m.

For more information and enrollment: call 310-478-3711, ext. 36265.

Yoga

Yoga is a mind and body practice with origins in ancient Indian philosophy. The combination of postures and breathing techniques are beneficial for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health.

Trauma-Informed Mindful Movement for Women & Gender Diverse Veterans with MST

Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.

Currently being offered virtually through VA-Video Connect in 8-week cycles.

For more information and dates: call 310-478-3711, ext.46361

Acu-Yoga (Acupressure/Acupuncture and Yoga)

Wednesday, 12:00 p.m.

Currently being held in person at West Los Angeles in Bldg 220 Room 110.

For more information contact .

Chair Yoga

Tuesday, 11:30 a.m.

Currently being held in person at LAACC, 3rd floor Room A349. For more information contact

* Free online yoga for Veterans is also available via the Veteran’s Yoga Project Mindful Resilience Yoga Classes - Veterans Yoga Project.

* These resources are provided as a courtesy of GLAVAHCS. These links, products, agencies or providers are NOT affiliated with VA nor should be considered as an endorsement by VA. Reference herein to any specific commercial products, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not necessarily constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States Government.&; The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of the United States Government, and shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes.

Walk-in Battlefield Acupuncture Clinic for Pain

Los Angeles VA Clinic

Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Currently being held on the 3rd Floor, room A349 (no appointment needed). For more info, contact 310-268-3276

West Los Angeles VA Medical Center

Fridays, 11:00 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Currently being held at Bldg. 220 Ground Floor (No appointment needed). For more info, contact 310-268-3276

Bakersfield VA Clinic

Currently being held 5 days per week 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Contact 661-632-1800 for more information.

Santa Maria VA Clinic

Thursdays 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Contact 805-354-6000 for more information.

Captain Rosemary Bryant Mariner Outpatient Clinic (Ventura)

Tuesdays and Fridays from 1 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Contact 805-339-6400 for more information.

San Luis Obispo Clinic

Fridays from 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. by appointment.

Contact for more information.

Healthy Eating and Food Resources

Diabetes Shared Medical Appt

3rd Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.

To join: call 404-397-1596, access code: 199-100-6601#

For more information: call 310-478-3711, ext. 32089

Fitness and Nutrition

1st and 3rd Tuesdays 11:00 a.m.

Currently being held in-person at the Sepulveda Ambulatory Care Center Bldg. 200, 3rd floor, Rm 3140. For more information contact .

Healthy Teaching Kitchen

Learn to prepare healthy meals.

1st and 2nd Tuesdays, 10am and 2pm.