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Health and Wellness Coaching

Health and Wellness Coaches work with Veterans who want to improve their overall well‑being. They help Veterans make changes that matter to them and fit their personal goals and values using the Personal Health Inventory.

Coaching can happen one‑on‑one or in groups. Veterans can meet with a coach in person, over the phone, or through telehealth, which makes it easy to get support in different ways.

Using a whole‑person approach, coaches help Veterans think about what is most important in their lives. They then work with Veterans to set goals that are realistic and meaningful (SMART Goals). Coaches also team up with the Veteran’s health care providers to make sure these goals match the Veteran’s needs.

How Health and Wellness Coaches Support Veterans

In addition to supporting healthy lifestyle changes, Health and Wellness Coaches also help Veterans with:

  • Functional goals – Coaches help Veterans set and work toward everyday goals, like moving more easily, having more energy for daily tasks, or taking part in meaningful activities. They break big goals into small steps and help Veterans build confidence along the way.
  • Treatment‑based goals – Coaches support the treatment plans made by the health care team. They help Veterans get ready for appointments, follow their care plans, and solve problems that might get in the way. This includes helping Veterans stick with pain plans, physical therapy, medication routines, and other care instructions.

By connecting clinical guidance with what matters most to the Veteran, Health and Wellness Coaches help Veterans stay engaged, follow through on their goals, and improve their quality of life.

Health and Wellness Coaching is offered at many VA Health Care facilities. Contact your VA facility to find out about local Whole Health offerings.

Read these short stories about how Veterans have succeeded with the support of a Health and Wellness Coach:

Man on motorcycle Veteran Reclaims the Road with Whole Health
Army Veteran Bob Atnip lost over 100 pounds, found love, and rediscovered his passion for riding, with the help of VA Whole Health. See how he turned his life around and inspired others!
A real estate agent gives house keys to woman over a signed agreement on a table. The Whole Health Path to Homeownership
Air Force Veteran Tina Hart used Whole Health to achieve homeownership and change her surroundings to positively impact her health and well-being. Surroundings play a critical role in a Veteran’s health and well-being.
Woman standing by door in black designed graphic t-shirt that says birthday girl. Crafty Veteran Overcomes Obstacles
Veteran Darnette Evans wasn’t living her best life because too much “stuff” was getting in the way. With Whole Health, Evans cleared the clutter so she could get back to doing what she loves.
Veteran Reverend James Mitchell playing Pickle Ball. Praising God and Offering Thanks for Whole Health
After several foot surgeries, sciatic nerve issues, and 40 years of smoking, Army Veteran Reverend James Mitchell changed his life with the support of a Whole Health Coach at the Beckley, West Virginia VA Medical Center.

Is Health and Wellness Coaching right for you?

While Health and Wellness Coaches may not be available at every VA location, the number of coaches is growing. Ask your health care team if Health and Wellness Coaching is offered at your VA.

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Health and Wellness Coaching By The Numbers

The Impact of Health and Wellness Coaching infographic showing improvements in ambulatory care sensitive conditions, mental health and stress, smoking cessation, and access and service engagements.

As part of the VA healthcare team, Health and Wellness Coaches empower Veterans to make meaningful, self-directed changes that improve their health, resilience, and overall well-being. Coaches bridge the gap between clinical goals and daily life, helping Veterans stay motivated, engaged, and moving forward. Download and share this infographic to learn more about the measurable impact Health and Wellness Coaching has for Veterans.

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