Mental Health & Community Awareness Conference – May 18

The DC VA Medical Center's Veterans Mental Health Advisory Council is supporting a Mental Health & Community Awareness Conference including discussion on the opioid crisis. It will be held at 1901 Mississippi Ave SE, Washington, DC on Friday, May 18, 2018 from 8:30 am - 6:00 pm.

Telehealth for Veterans and their Families

The Steven A. Cohen Military and Family Clinic at Easterseals in Silver Spring launches their new Telehealth program for veterans and their families. Telehealth provides mental health care to clients through the use of technology such as computer, tablet and/or phone. Any services that are available in person at a Cohen Clinic are also available via telehealth as deemed appropriate. Appointments available.

51st Annual American Association of Suicidology Conference – Apr 18-21

51st Annual Conference Integrating Science, Experience and Political Will: Informed Action to Prevent Suicide April 18 - 21, 2018 at Hyatt Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Including 5 conference tracks - including one specifically discussing Military and Veterans.

Space Available at Veteran Retreat

Operation Tohidu has several opening in the men’s retreat that runs from May 7th to May 11th.  Operation Tohidu is a free 5-day program for veterans or service members that have been diagnosed with or are self-identifying PTS(d), mild TBI, anxiety or depression. Applications are due by April 22, 2018.       

Into the Light Live Events

Hear a story. Tell a story. Change the story. Give an Hour is hosting two live events in conjunction with the film, Into the Light. Join GAH for a Facebook Live event on Tuesday, April 3rd at 12pm EST and for a Twitter Chat on Thursday, April 26th at 1pm EST. "Into the Light focuses on Brendan O’Toole, a former Marine, and his struggle to assimilate back into society after returning from war and Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, founder and president of Give an Hour, as she comes to the realization that she needs to share her own story."

DCPA Military Psychology Conference – Apr 27

The District of Columbia Psychological Association Presents: DCPA Military Psychology Conference will be Friday April 27, 2018 from 10:00-5:00 at Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 901 15th St NW, Washington, DC 20005. This workshop is designed for Mental Health Professionals interested in learning more about military psychology and providing psychological services to members of the military (both active duty and veterans). Workshop participants will acquire knowledge in topics related to neuropsychology, women, resilience, suicide, PTSD in the military as well as transitioning into jobs out of the military to include the DC licensure process. They will also learn about the prevalence of PTSD, Depression, TBI, and other psychological issues among veterans. An introduction of military psychology will be provided by Dr. Jerry Krueger to start the conference. 6 hours of CE are available for this event. Cost: $75 for members, $85 nonmembers, $10 students, free for active duty.

VA Launches Personalized, Proactive, Patient-driven Care

The DC VA Medical Center is holding "Introduction of Whole Health" sessions starting Wednesday, 3/21. Whole Health, also known as “Personalized, Proactive, Patient-driven Care,” is an approach to health care that empowers and equips Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being and to live their life to the fullest. Whole Health includes conventional treatment as well as complimentary approaches that foster self-empowerment, self-healing, and self-care. Upcoming informational sessions dates include 3/21, 3/28, 4/11 and 4/25/18. Registration is required.

American Humane Shelter to Service Program

American Humane has recently launched the Shelter to Service program to provide service dogs for Veterans with service-related PTS and TBI and is looking for looking for veterans who have been diagnosed with PTS and TBI as a result of their military service and are interested in receiving a service dog to help with their symptoms.

Power Breath Meditation Workshop – Feb 22-26

Project Welcome Home Troops will be conducting a Power Breath Meditation Meditation Workshop in Reston, VA February 22-26. This is a FREE workshop for veterans. Especially those dealing with stress, anxiety and sleep problems.

2018 Military Sexual Trauma Summit April 18

The Veterans Mental Health Advisory Council, in collaboration with DCVAMC Mental Health department, and the MST coordinator, Dr. Tsila Kirsh, is planning an MST Summit to be held on 4/18/2018. The objectives of the MST Summit include: educating participants about the prevalence of MST and how the VA responds to MST; increasing awareness of the available VA and community resources and different modalities of care for Veterans experiencing mental and physical health challenges as a result of MST; and educating participants about the challenges service members face when deciding whether to report assault. Registration is required.