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Patient Education & Wellness Programs

VA Puget Sound offers a variety of education and support programs for Veterans and their caregivers to improve health and wellbeing. Veterans and caregivers can self-refer to most of the classes listed here.

Veteran Orientation

Patient Orientation Group Class

Want to better understand VA programs and services? This one-session patient orientation group class will help you better understand your VA health benefits, set up your MyHealtheVet account, and get your questions answered. This class is ideal for patients new to VA Puget Sound as well as established patients wanting to learn more. Each Veteran may bring up to 2 guests. 

Topics: VA overview, primary care, specialty care, mental health care, pharmacy and medication refills, emergency care, urgent care, community care options, copayments, social work programs, and so much more. 

  • Dates: January 22, February 26, March 26
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Seattle VA Medical Center, Building 101, 1st Floor Classroom 
  • Contact: Walk-ins welcome or email PUGPatientEducation@va.gov to RSVP

 

Post 9/11 Military2VA (M2VA) care management program

The Post 9/11 Era Veteran Orientation Briefing assists Veterans who have recently separated from military service with navigating the VA health care system and understanding the overall VA structure, programming and time-sensitive benefits. The Post 9/11 Military2VA (M2VA) Care Management Program staff is available to answer individual questions following the briefing related to the topics addressed.

  • When: Select Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT

                  Select Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT

  • Contact: 253-583-1165

 

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Health Education and Support

A Home Away from Home: Alternative Senior Living Communities

This 2-part seminar is appropriate for Veterans and caregivers who want to be proactive in their planning for the possibility of moving into assisted living, adult family homes or nursing homes for long term care. Part one covers the different types of living options and how to identify the best fit. Part two discusses the various financial options to help pay for the cost of living in an alternative care setting (i.e. private pay, Medicaid and VA benefit options). Pre-registration is required. Contact Kima Tozay or Dulcy Stout to pre-register.

 

ABCs of Long-Term Care Seminar

If you are enrolled at the Mount Vernon VA Clinic, come join us to learn about Long Term Care resources both in the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as in your local county.

  • When: Offered 1-2 times per month on Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT

  • Contact: Ann Stewart, LICSW 360-419-3698

     

ALS Support Group

  • When: First Wednesday of every quarter (January, April, July, October), 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT

  • Contact: Derek Anderson, PhD  253-583-1896 or Maddi Werhane, PhD  206-277-4604

     

Amputee Support Group

  • When: First and Third Mondays of the month, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT

  • Contact: Christina Frankel-Barton, PT 206-277-3721

     

Asian & Pacific Islander American (AAPI) Veteran Support Group

This rolling admission group is for Veterans who identify as members of the Asian and Pacific Islander American (AAPI) communities. This group aims to provide a safe space for AAPI Veterans to come together and provide mutual support.

This group is meant to be Veteran-driven, which means that we hope to talk about topics of greatest interest to our participants. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to: AAPI identity development during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, AAPI identity and stereotypes, celebration of heritage, feelings of being othered, AAPI immigrant culture and attitudes towards mental health, and being an AAPI Veteran.  

  • When: First and Third Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
  • Where: VA Video Connect (VVC)

  • Contact: Miji Um, PhD 206-762-1010 ext 67210

     

Cancer Caregiver Support & Education Group (Seattle)

This weekly support group is for all caregivers of Veterans with a past or present cancer diagnosis.

  • When: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
  • Where: Building 100, Room 6C-112 (6th floor, next to Cancer Care Clinic)

  • Contact: Ana DeVage, LICSW, OSW-C 206-764-2624 or Erin Schober, LMSW 206-277-6756

     

Veterans Cancer Support Group (Seattle)

This weekly support group is for all Veterans with a cancer diagnosis in the past or present.

  • When: Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Building 101, Room 1W20

  • Contact: Ana DeVage, LICSW, OSW-C 206-764-2624 or Erin Schober, LMSW 206-277-6756

     

Chronic Kidney Disease Nutrition Class

This is a one-time, 60-minute introduction to nutrition recommendations for Veterans with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The goal is to learn how diet can slow the progression of kidney disease, minimize symptoms of kidney disease, and benefit long term dietary habits. This class is designed as an intervention for Veterans in earlier stages of CKD and provides an opportunity to connect with our Renal Dietitian Specialist for subsequent individual counseling as needed.

  • When: First Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. PT

  • Contact: 206-277-3012

     

Diabetes Education Program

This is a one-time, 3-hour virtual class for Veterans with diabetes or pre-diabetes to learn self-management skills. Family and caregivers are welcome to join.

Dates: January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26,   July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, December 4

Time: 9:00am – 12:00pm

Location: Virtual (Link to join will be emailed to you)

Contact: 253-583-3373 or 800-329-VETS Ext 73373

  • Dates: January 23, February 27, March 27, April 24, May 22, June 26,   July 24, August 28, September 25, October 23, December 4
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual (Link to join will be emailed to you)

  • Contact: 253-583-3373

     

Diabetes Self-Management and Care

This is a 6-session video conferencing group for Veterans with diabetes. This group helps empower you to thrive while managing diabetes by focusing on 7 health care behaviors: healthy eating, activity, taking medications, monitoring, problem solving, healthy coping, and reducing risks. This program runs quarterly. 

  • When: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT; Next class is January 8 - February 12, 2025
  • Where: Virtual

  • Contact: Elisabeth Daniels, MS, RD, CDCES 206-764-2103

     

Goals of care workshop (Mount Vernon)

What matters to you most should guide decisions about your medical treatment. This is a small group workshop that will provide valuable information as you determine your health care goals and wishes. Come explore:

  • What is important to you as you think about your health care?
  • What do you hope for with your diagnosis and prognosis?
  • How to have conversations with your loved ones regarding your wishes
  • Advanced Care Directives (Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney)
  • Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Pre-registration is required. Contact Ann Stewart or Susan Morgan to pre-register.

 

HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) Your Liver Support and Education Group

This is a 4-session multidisciplinary group for Veterans with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and/or NASH. Sessions cover the basics of these liver diseases, nutrition and physical activity. Our last session aims at goal creation and motivational enhancement related to liver health. During every session, there will be time to have a Q and A with the presenter. The group is cofacilitated by a dietitian (Elisabeth Daniels) and a social worker (Walter Kopf).

 

Dates: Jan 9, 16, 23, and 30 

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm

Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC) – must have video capability

Contact: Walter Kopf, LICSW   

  • Dates: January 9, 16, 23, and 30
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT 
  • Where: VA Video Connect (VVC) - must have video capability

  • Contact: Walter Kopf, LICSW 206-277-4236

     

Living with Stroke: A Support Group for Stroke Survivors

This is a support group for Veterans who have experienced strokes.

  • When: Second and Fourth Wednesdays of the month, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT

  • Contact: Derek Anderson, PhD 253-583-1896

     

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) support group

  • When: Third Wednesdays of the month, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT

  • Contact: Derek Anderson, PhD 253-583-1896 or Maddi Werhane, PhD 206-277-4604

     

Take It Outside

This weekly support group is for all Veterans seeking to add art, community integration, enjoyment, and peer support to their wellness and self-care program. The group meets weekly at a variety of locations, determined by the participants, to engage with nature, art community, and each other. The group educates and empowers Veterans to be active in maintaining their wellness. This group meets on and off campus with the Veteran paying their own expenses and travel arrangements. Most activities are free or low cost.

  • When: Fridays, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Seattle VA Medical Center, Building 101, Room 2W-25

  • Contact: Lamont Tanksley 206-716-5797

     

Taking Charge of My Life and Health

This 12-session Whole Health course is facilitated by VA staff and volunteers who are typically fellow Veterans. The group educates and empowers Veterans to be  active in their personal recovery. Join in all or any sessions. In this group, you will:

  • Explore all aspects of your health
  • Develop a plan of action based on your own personal mission
  • Learn new skills; and 

  • Gain support from others in the group

     

Option 1

  • When: Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
  • Where: Seattle VA Medical Center, Building 101, Room 2W-25

  • Contact: Lamont Tanksley 206-716-5797 

     

Option 2

  • When: Mondays, 9:30am – 11:00am PT
  • Where: American Lake Campus, Building 148, Room 149

  • Contact: Jean Perkins 253-583-1126 or Lamont Tanksley 206-716-5797

     

Option 3

  • When: Generally offered on Thursdays and Fridays
  • Where: VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Mary Gaskins  206-762-1010 ext 67098

 

Whole Health (Introductory Class)

This 2-hour educational and experiential session is based on a specific curriculum that exposes participants to the foundational concepts of Whole Health, allows time for self-care and self-exploration, and for initiation of a Personal Health Inventory (PHI).

Option 1: Primary Care

  • When: Third Wednesday of the month, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual
  • Contact: Contact your primary care team for a consult to Whole Health Introduction - Primary Care, or reach out to Linnea Werner, LPN via secure messaging available on MyHealthEVet -  Sign In - My HealtheVet - My HealtheVet (va.gov)  using the group name: Whole Health_SEA_Linnea_WH

 

Option 2:

  • When: Call for information
  • Contact: Lamont Tanksley 206-716-5797

 

Whole Health Class for Primary Care Mental Health

This is an 8-session weekly group, with each session focused on one aspect of the Wheel of Health and mindfulness practice. Veterans will also set weekly SMART goals based on each session's topic.

  • When: Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Rosamond Smith, PhD 253-448-9061

 

Whole Health Wednesdays

Join us for the whole day or just part of it. Participate in the events you choose, in the way you can, and for the time that you have available. Just being here is a blast!

Schedule:

  • 9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.

    Check-in with Peer Services. Meet at Seattle VA Medical Center, building 101, room 2W-25

  • 9:10 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.

    Group walk to Jefferson Park Community Center (Veterans may choose to meet at the community center).

  • 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

    Tai Chi for mind, body, and spirit. Dress in comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.

  • 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

    Lunch by group consensus (together or alone). Veterans are responsible for meals and costs.

  • 12:30 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.

    Check in with Peer Services. Meet at Seattle VA Medical Center, building 101, room 2W-25

  • 12:40 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.

    Group walk to Jefferson Park Community Center (Veterans may chose to meet at the community center).

  • 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

    Ballroom Dance Class. Come solo or with a partner. No experience necessary.


Contact: Lamont Tanksley 206-716-5797

 

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) – home telehealth

The Home Telehealth program helps you learn to better manage your health through daily questions and health tips in the comfort of your own home. Registered Nurse Care Coordinators routinely monitor the information that you are sending in and call you to talk about your symptoms and progress. There is no charge for these services.

Home Telehealth is currently able to serve Veterans with the following conditions:

  • Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  • Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
  • Diabetes (DM)
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Hypotension (low blood pressure)
  • Pneumonia
  • Post Hospital Discharge

  • Weight Loss (TeleMOVE)

     

Contact: Olivia Yando, MSN, RN  253-353-5838

 

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Women's Health

Maternal Health Group

This is a 12-session videoconferencing group for Women Veterans between 16 weeks of pregnancy through 6 months after delivery. Social and informational support, along with stress management skills, can offset risks for problems in pregnancy and postpartum and can help make the experience of this time of life better. This group promotes physical and mental health by providing education, stress management skill development and a forum for peer support. Sessions focused on managing stress are alternated with informational sessions that bring in a member of the women’s health team (primary care doctor, nurse, social worker, psychiatrist, pharmacist, lactation consultant, physical therapist, and maternity care coordinator) to offer their special expertise and answer your questions.

  • When: Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual

  • Contact: MJ Mariano, PhD 206-277-3027, Hannah Rasmussen, PhD 206-764-2623, your Primary Care Provider, or the Maternity Coordinator

     

Menopause 101

This is a shared appointment for women Veterans who want to learn about and share experiences. We will come together to discuss menopause, hot flashes and sweats, sexual health, sleep, mood, and body changes.

Pregnancy Physical Therapy Class

This 2-hour educational and experiential class is for pregnant Veterans. You will learn about posture and positioning, exercise during pregnancy, and about the pelvic floor during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Class is held via VVC (video). For a consult, please speak with the maternity care coordinators or contact Maureen Wilson, PT.

  • When: Second Wednesday of the month, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT

  • Contact:  Maureen Wilson 253-583-1804

     

Women’s Cancer Support Group

This videoconference monthly group is for women who have had or have cancer and centers around social support.

  • When:  Fourth Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. PT

  • Contact: MJ Mariano, PhD 206-277-3027 or Emily Cox-Martin, PhD 253-583-1907

     

Women Veterans Drop In Group

This in-person group offers a space for women Veterans to build community, connect with peers and develop social supports. This is not a mental health-focused group but does offer a mix of therapeutic support. Prior registration or appointment is not required. Snacks will be provided.

  • When:  Thursdays, 11:00 a.m. –to12:00 p.m. PT
  • Where:  Seattle VA Medical Center, Building 101, Room 1E-20
  • Contact:  Lacey Wheeler, LICSW, SUD 206-277-1287 or Kandyce Outlaw  206-321-3347

 

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Healthy Aging

Aging Resiliently

This 6-session video-based class teaches skills to handle negative emotions and change unhelpful behaviors while facing new challenges and life transitions associated with aging. The overarching goal of the class is to help Veterans to live life fully and engaged with values while getting older. Contact Dr. Hirschhorn if you’re interested.

  • When: Call for information 
  • Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Elizabeth Hirschhorn, PhD 253-583-1436

 

Gerofit Exercise Program

Gerofit is a supervised exercise program for Veterans 65 years and older from all VA Puget Sound locations. Gerofit exercise sessions aim to increase endurance, build strength, and improve balance. The program includes an individual physical fitness assessment and group classes. Gerofit exercise sessions are offered in several formats including both online classes over VA Video Connect as well as in person classes at the American Lake Gym. Request a Gerofit consult from your primary care provider.

  • When: Call for information
  • Where: In-person; Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Bethany Kidd, RN, MSN 206-764-2723

 

Healthy Aging Project -Brain

Are you interested in keeping your mind sharp? This 6-week class provides skills that help promote healthy brain aging. Learn ways to help you feel more supported, rested, energized, and engaged in your everyday life. Be ready to participate and practice these skills at home to help meet your personalized goals.

Please call the number below if you are age 50+ and interested in participating. Please leave your name + last four and indicate your interest in in-person (Seattle), all-virtual, or either.

  • When: Starting Winter 2025
  • Where: VA Video Connect (VVC) for Winter session. Recruiting for in-person (Seattle) group in Spring 2025.
  • Contact: Maulika Kohli, PhD 206-716-5801; This is a secure voicemail, but not for any urgent issues.

 

Moving freely: falls prevention class

Have you had a recent fall in your home or around town? Do you feel weak, unsteady on your feet, or concerned about having a fall? Would you like to learn more about balance and strength? Discover ways to prevent falls in your home and on the go. This 6-week interactive class includes a weekly education session and a separate exercise session. You will need adequate space in your residence (at least 3 feet by 3 feet), wi-fi and technology (tablet or computer with camera and microphone).

  • When: Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT and a separate exercise session weekly
  • Where: Virtual

  • Contact: Benson Wong, OTR/L or Amanda Olney, DPT, GCS at 206-764-2202

     

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LGBTQ+ 

Psychotherapy Group for Gender Diverse and Transgender Veterans

Monthly goal-oriented group where veterans who are gender diverse work on personal challenges associated with their gender experience. Specific screening is needed for participation. Maximum of 12 participants.

  • When: Either the First Tuesdays of the month, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT or the Third Mondays of the month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PT
  • Contact: MJ Mariano, PhD 206-277-3027 or Desta Gebregiorgis, PhD 206-277-5131

 

Support Group for LGBTQ+ Veterans

  • When: Second and Fourth Wednesdays of the month, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT
  • Contact: Kyle Czeh, LICSW 206-277-6020

 

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Nutrition and Physical Activity

Chronic kidney disease nutrition class

This one-session class offers nutrition recommendations for Veterans in earlier stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The goal is to learn how diet can slow the progression of kidney disease, minimize symptoms of kidney disease, and benefit long term dietary habits. This class offers an opportunity to connect with the Renal Dietitian Specialist for follow up individual counseling. 

  • When: First Tuesday of the month, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT

  • Contact: 206-277-3012

     

Gerofit exercise program

Gerofit is a supervised exercise program for Veterans 65 years and older from all VA Puget Sound locations. Gerofit exercise sessions aim to increase endurance, build strength, and improve balance. The program includes an individual physical fitness assessment and group classes. Gerofit exercise sessions are offered in several formats including both online classes over VA video connect as well as in person classes at the American Lake Gym. Request a Gerofit consult from your primary care provider. 

  • When: Call for information
  • Where: In-person; Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Bethany Kidd, RN, MSN 206-764-2723

 

Heart Healthy Living

This one-session virtual nutrition class helps Veterans reduce cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and prevent or manage heart disease. Topics include: basics of heart disease and prevention, American Heart Association recommendations for heart health, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) to reduce cholesterol, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), sodium, dietary fat, vegetarian nutrition, Mediterranean Eating Pattern, and support with SMART goal setting.

  • Dates: Jan 24, Feb 21, Mar 21, Apr 18, May 30, Jun 27, July 25, Aug 22, Sep 19, Oct 17, Nov 14, Dec 12
  • Time: 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual

  • Contact: Bonnie De Leon, RDN 253-583-3237

     

Intuitive Eating

Have your efforts at dieting and weight loss been unsuccessful? Have you repeatedly lost weight on a diet, just to regain it all back, plus some? Did you know one of the strongest predictors of weight gain IS dieting?

As a participant in this 8-week interactive class, you will experience becoming an intuitive eater – a way of approaching nutrition with a focus on developing a healthier relationship with food and your body that isn’t focused on weight. Instead of focusing on weight loss and dieting to direct your food choices, Intuitive Eating will teach you how to increase trust in your body’s natural cues and signals in guiding how, when, and what you choose to eat.

 

MOVE! program

MOVE!® is VA’s evidence-based weight management program. Adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program, MOVE! assists Veterans to achieve clinically meaningful (~5%) weight loss to improve their health and reduce their risk for chronic health conditions, like diabetes. MOVE! features a comprehensive lifestyle intervention that provides Veterans with support to make changes to their eating patterns, increase physical activity, and use strategies (like goal setting and problem solving) that help with these changes. The self-management skills Veterans learn in MOVE! also help them to manage chronic conditions, including diabetes. All of our support options are offered virtually via VA Video Connect or Telephone.

  • Group Education and Support
  • Home Telehealth TeleMOVE!  
  • Print and digital resources for self-management

When: Call or send a Secure Message in MyHealtheVet for information and to register for a program orientation.
Contact: 253-583-3183 or MOVE!_Puget Sound_HPDP
Access www.move.va.gov for general weight management information from the national MOVE! Website.

 

Rehabilitative Yoga

The goal of this vinyasa/hatha hybrid class is to act as a bridge to community yoga classes. Yoga can improve flexibility, strength, teach you to move within your limits, and improve your overall sense of well-being. The class meets for 1 hour, twice a week for 8 week cohorts. Each class builds on the previous one so a time commitment is required. There is an initial assessment with an Occupational Therapist to complete outcome measures and determine best fit. Requirements: ability to get up/down from the floor, reliable wi-fi and tablet or computer with camera, 5’ x 5’ space in your residence, consult from a physician to outpatient Occupational Therapy Whole Health and Wellness-Outpatient.

  • When: Mondays/Wednesdays, 10:00 am PT
  • Where: Virtual

  • Contact: Rehabilitation Care Services 206-764-2202

     

Silverdale VA Clinic MOVE! with Peer Support

Join in any or all 16 sessions of this in-person weight management program at any time. No waiting! Peer MOVE! adds aspects of Whole Health, behavioral activation, Mindfulness, and Peer Support to MOVE!. Each session includes an indoor or outdoor walk. An important goal of VA care and MOVE! is for Veterans to provide support to one another. Let’s get healthy together!

  • When: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Silverdale VA Clinic
  • Contact: 253-583-3183 or send a secure message to MOVE!Puget Sound_HPDP

 

Tai Chi Fundamentals

This is an adapted Tai Chi program based on traditional Yang style Tai Chi performed while standing. Tai Chi can build strength and balance, improve posture and improve your overall sense of well-being. The class meets for 1 hour 2x/week for 12 weeks. There is an initial evaluation with an Occupational Therapist prior to group enrollment. Requirements for participation: wi-fi and technology (tablet or computer with camera), 5’ x 5’ space in your residence, consult from a physician to outpatient Occupational Therapy for Tai Chi Fundamentals.

  • When: Call for information
  • Where: Virtual
  • Contact: Rehabilitation Care Services 206-764-2202

 

Take a Long Walk Off a Short Peer

Looking to start the day along the lake? Fighting loneliness? Seeking to improve your mental health? Nee a walking buddy? Want to lose a few pounds or improve your fitness? Join our short Peer for a wellness walk. Bring a pet, friend, fellow vet, spouse, and/or a smile. All fitness levels accommodated as we support and walk into wellness with one another.

  1. Mondays at Wapato Park. 6500 S Sheridan Ave, Tacoma, WA 98408. Meet at the park lodge as early as 0700-0730 for a mindfulness exercise and coffee. Group / Self-paced laps of Wapato Lake from 0730-0830.
  2. Mondays at American Lake VA Campus. Meet at Bldg 149 at 1100 for a 30-minute group / self-paced walk of the American Lake campus. 1100-1130.
  3. Tuesdays at Silverdale Home Depot. 10991 Silverdale Way NW, Silverdale, WA 98383. Meet at the lower of the parking lot at 0900 before participating in a 30 to 60-minute group / self-paced walk along Clear Creek Trail. 0900-1000
  4. Wednesday at the Seattle VA. Meet in the 1st floor Lobby of Bldg. 101 at 0900 to Walk the VA 2K. Take a group / self-paced walk along Beacon Ave. S. to S. Spokane Street (Fire Station #13) and back from 0900-1000.
  5. Friday at the Seattle VA. Meet in the 1st floor Lobby of Bldg. 101 at 0800 to Walk the VA 2K. Take a group / self-paced walk along Beacon Ave. S. to S. Spokane Street (Fire Station #13) and back from 0800-0900.

 

Contact: Lamont Tanksley 206-716-5797

 

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Sleep Improvement

CPAP Desensitization 

This 1-time class provides Veterans with information about sleep apnea and helps them become more comfortable with their CPAP machines. 

  • When: First Wednesday of the month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Joshua Breitstein, PsyD 253-583-2571

 

Sleep Improvement Group

Learn behavioral strategies to improve your sleep.

  • When: Second Wednesday of the month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Joshua Breitstein, PsyD 253-583-2571

 

Sleep Improvement Group (4 sessions)

In this 4-session virtual class, you will learn (non-medication) strategies shown to help improve sleep. Topics include: identifying habits that get in the way of sound sleep, practicing new sleep habits and other lifestyle changes that promote restful sleep, and resetting your “sleep-wake” cycle. Attendance at all 4 sessions is not required, though strongly recommended.

  • When: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. OR Fridays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Andrew Paves, PhD 206-277-1707

 

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Stress Management & Emotional Well-being

Cognitive behavioral therapy

This 6-session group is focused on using cognitive and behavioral strategies to improve overall functioning and wellbeing. 

  • When: Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: VA Video Connect
  • Contact: Ron Miyatake, PhD 360-419-3668

 

Dealing with irritability

Topics discussed in this 8-session series include mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Veterans can start any time.

  • When: Fridays at 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. OR Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
  • Contact: Jessica Slagg, LICSW 253-583-1606

 

Depression management

This video-based 4-session class is intended for Veterans with mild-to-moderate symptoms of depression, as well as for Veterans experiencing difficulties after a recent life change (e.g., retirement, divorce, separation from the military, moving, death of a loved one). Information covered includes practical, evidence-based coping skills to help reduce symptoms of depression and increase life satisfaction. 

  • When: Tuesdays, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT
  • Contact: Evelyn Larsen, LICSW 253-589-4241

 

Grief & Loss Group

Suffering a significant loss disrupts life, brings up strong and conflicting emotions, and often challenges core beliefs. It begs for our attention. Learning to cope effectively with loss is essential to health and wholeness.  This 8-week virtual group offers the opportunity to identify and honor losses, understand and experience the grieving process, and begin to heal and live more fully.

  • When: Wednesdays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT; Call for next start date.
  • Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Chaplain Linda Conyers, MDiv, BCC 206-277-3753

 

Military Racial Trauma

According to recent polls, more than 41% of U.S. Veterans will have reported racial discrimination that occurred during their military service and even more will have reported experiencing discrimination in their lifetime. The purpose of the Military Racial Trauma group is to help unpack these experiences in a safe space amongst Veterans of color and learn coping strategies while simultaneously sharing in communal healing.

Topics: Race-based trauma and psychological resilience, cultural identity development and cross-cultural communication, institutional discrimination 
in U.S. and military history, and regulating overwhelming emotions/
practicing self-care.

  • When: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
  • Contact: Jacob Manuel, PhD 253-583-1651

 

Power of the Mind: Skills Program for Stress Reduction

This is a 6-session group where we will explore mind-body approaches, such as meditation, progressive relaxation, and self-hypnosis to decrease stress and increase well-being.

 

Written Exposure Therapy

Written Exposure Therapy incorporates writing into the therapy process to support healing and recovery for Veterans with history of trauma, and who have an identifiable index trauma. Veterans will not be asked to disclose details of their trauma in group. This group is open to any Veteran with PTSD regardless of type of trauma.

 

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Relationship Health and Safety

Strength at Home

This 12-week group is designed for Veterans who have used or are concerned about using aggression in intimate relationships. Group topics include defining abusive behaviors, understanding the connection between trauma and abusive behavior, learning de-escalation strategies, managing stress more effectively, communicating more assertively, and expressing emotions.

 

Windows

This 9-week group is for female-identified Veterans who have or are still experiencing intimate partner violence in any form. This group is a mix of education, support, and skills. Topics include understanding abusive dynamics and the impact on your health, exploring barriers to leaving, coping with stress, safety planning, and learning about resources.

 

New Horizons

This 8-week group is for male-identified Veterans who have or are still experiencing intimate partner violence in any form. This group is a mix of education, support, and skills. Topics include understanding abusive dynamics and the impact on your health, exploring barriers to leaving, coping with stress, safety planning, and learning about resources.

 

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Tobacco Cessation

Quit Smoking Group 

Get support through your journey to be nicotine free. Learn a variety of behavioral strategies while receiving support from other Veterans becoming nicotine free.

  • When: First Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect (VVC)
  • Contact: Deanna Sohler Rosenlind, RN, MPH 253-583-3286

 

Quit Tobacco Class  

Get support for quitting vape, cigarettes, chew, etc. The first two sessions are group-based via VA Video Connect (VVC). Then Veterans will attend two follow up individual sessions that are tailored to their needs and available through in person, VVC, or phone options.

  • When: Second and Third Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect for group sessions; In-person, VA Video Connect or phone for individual follow up sessions
  • Contact: Hideki Scherb, PsyD HSPP 206-277-1753

 

QuitVET Telephone Quitline

VA’s free telephone Quitline offers tobacco cessation counseling to any Veteran who receives their health care through VA. Quit VET is staffed by trained counselors who will help you during any phase of quitting—whether you are thinking about it, you started your quit attempt, or you are trying to get back on track after a slip or relapse to tobacco.

  • When: Quitline is open Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. PT
  • Contact: 855-784-8838

 

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Caregiver Support

Caregivers FIRST

Caregivers FIRST is a caregiver skills training program with the goal of connecting caregivers to resources to help them feel more confident, capable and supported in their caregiving role. The program is designed to help caregivers build coping, support-seeking and hands-on skills and strategies. 

  • When: Call for information
  • Contact: Caregiver Support Program 206-277-6696

 

Caregiver Mindfulness and Gentle Movement Classes

The Caregiver Support Program offers daily mindfulness sessions for caregivers enrolled in the program. These are approximately 20-minute sessions. Caregivers may join via phone or video.

  • When: Call for information
  • Contact: Caregiver Support Program 206-277-6696

 

Caregiver Support Group (In-person)

  • When: Third Tuesday of the month, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT
  • Where: Seattle VA Medical Center

  • Contact: Caregiver Support Program 206-277-6696

     

REACH VA Caregiver Support Program Individual & Group Sessions

REACH VA Caregiver Program improves the emotional and physical well-being of caregivers and enhances quality of care for their loved ones. Caregivers are taught problem-solving skills and stress and mood management techniques and provided information on disease related concerns that are customized for each caregiver. There are four sessions between the caregiver and a Program Coach (more if needed).

  • When: Call for information
  • Contact: Caregiver Support Program 206-277-6696

 

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