The Bulldog
The Bulldog is VA Long Beach Healthcare System health education classes catalog.
Whole Health and Wellness
Introduction to Whole Health
Learn more about VA’s Whole Health approach to Veteran care and how you can get started on your Whole Health journey at VA Long Beach.
1st Wednesday of every month: 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
2nd Thursday of every month: 1 - 2:30 p.m.
4th Tuesday of every month: 9 - 10:30 a.m.
Virtual or in-person
To enroll: contact Aarin Bowen at
Individual Whole Health Coaching
What matters most to you? Meet with a Health Coach to develop a Personalized Health Inventory (PHI) and begin your pathway to a healthier you.
Date/time varies, virtual or in-person
To enroll: contact Aarin Bowen at
Install VA FREE Live Whole Health App on your mobile.. Available though App Store or Google Play.
Taking Charge of My Life and Health
A 9-week group focused on exploring what matters most to you in your life, setting goals, and developing a personal health plan to achieve your goals.
Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., virtual or in-person
To enroll: contact Aarin Bowen at
THRIVE Group
A 14-week group for Veterans utilizing a holistic approach to health and well-being, including instruction, creative arts activities, community building, and group support.
Wednesdays 9:30 –11:30 a.m., virtual
Women’s only group. Men’s only group coming soon!
To enroll: contact Aarin Bowen at
Gateway to Healthy Living
Gateway focuses on what is most important to you. It gives you skills to manage roadblocks, change routines, commit to changes, and create realistic goals.
1st Thursday of every month, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
To enroll: call Dr. Ung
Yoga
Yoga
A 60-minute class for Veterans wanting to learn and practice gentle yoga.
Mondays, 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Wednesdays, 3 - 4 p.m.
Thursdays (Women Only), 3 - 4 p.m.
Fridays, 9 - 10 p.m.
To enroll: request consult from your primary care team.
Healthy Cooking
Virtual Healthy Teaching Kitchen
Join us for a VA Video Connect hands-on cooking class!
Increase your skills in the kitchen while learning to making healthy meals.
Women-only cohorts available.
To enroll: Call Nutrition Dept. at
Point of Contact: Kristen Wood, MS, RD
Free Healthy Recipes
Primary Care
Living Low Carb Class
For healthier eating habits, weight loss or to lower blood sugar and triglycerides. Learn to identify and count carbs and use better choices for high carb items. Taught by a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner.
First two Mondays of the month at 2 p.m., one-hour sessions, VA Video Connect
Dates may vary due to holidays, etc.
To enroll (required): contact Maxine Dillard at
Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes Prevention Class
For Veterans with Pre-Diabetes. Includes your diabetes related blood tests and proven ways to prevent or at least delay getting Type 2 Diabetes. Taught by a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner.
Last two Mondays of the month at 2 p.m., one-hour sessions, VA Video Connect
Dates may vary due to holidays, etc.
To enroll (required): contact Maxine Dillard at
Diabetes Basic Training Class
For Veterans with Diabetes. Includes your diabetes related blood tests, what to eat, when to move, and how to take pills and insulin to lower your sugar. Taught by a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner.
First four Tuesdays of the month at 2 p.m., one-hour sessions, VA Video Connect
Dates may vary due to holidays, etc.
To enroll (required): contact Maxine Dillard at
Diabetes Wellness Group (Santa Fe Springs VA Clinic)
Managing difficulty with motivation for lifestyle changes, and distress that is common among people who have diabetes. Now that this class is virtual, Veterans from any VA Long Beach location can enroll!
Mondays 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., 6 weeks, VA Video Connect
To enroll: Ask provider for consult or call Dr. Sonika Ung at
Sleep
Sleep Education Class
A 90-minute class for Veterans wanting to learn ways to improve their sleep. This class is required before enrolling in Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).
4th Monday, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
2nd Tuesday, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
2nd Thursday, 10 - 11:30 a.m.
3rd Friday, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
To enroll: Ask your Primary Care Provider (PCP) for a consult
Install VA FREE Insomnia Coach App on your mobile. Available though App Store or Google Play.
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i)
Sleep Education Class (above) is required before enrolling. This is a 6-week group therapy to manage insomnia.
Dates/times of group appointments vary
To enroll: By consult only. Please contact your provider.
Install VA FREE CBT-i Coach App on your mobile. Available though App Store or Google Play.
Pain
Chronic Pain Management Class
A two-part class for Veterans wanting to better manage their pain.
1st and 3rd Wednesday, 9 - 11 a.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: Call Dr. Caroline Prouvost
Quitting Tobacco
Quitting Tobacco by Phone, Text, and Online
Phone: 1-
Text: Text VET to 47848
Online: smokefree.gov
Get tips to quit from VA's Tobacco and Health website
Install VA FREE Stay Quit Coach App on your mobile.
Available though App Store or Google Play.
Other FREE Apps: QuitGuide and quitSTART
Weight Management
MOVE! Weight Management – Introduction
For Veterans wanting to lose weight. This class is required before the 7- week program listed below.
Dates and times vary
To enroll: call
MOVE! Weight Management Class
For Veterans wanting to lose weight. Please take Move! Weight Management-Introduction before enrolling in this class.
Dates and times vary, one class per week, 7-weeks
To enroll: call
Install VA FREE MOVE! Coach App on your mobile.
Available though App Store or Google Play.
Stress Management and Relaxation
Stress Management & Relaxation Group
6- weeks long. For Veterans seeking ideas and help with stress management and relaxation. Now that we are virtual, Veterans from any VA Long Beach location can enroll!
Tuesdays, 9:30 – 11 a.m. (Long Beach, currently virtual)
Wednesdays, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (Santa Ana, currently virtual)
To enroll: request consult from provider or call Dr. Sonika Ung at
Install VA FREE Mindfulness Coach App on your mobile. Available though App Store or Google Play.
Relaxation/Meditation Group
Join to practice relaxation and meditation exercises.
Thursdays, 11 - 11:50 a.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: Contact Dr. Huang at
Mantram Repetition for Rapid Relaxation (Long Beach)
For Veterans to learn a technique to calm the mind, reduce unwanted emotions. For more information call Gina DeOcampo, RN CCM, at
Tuesdays, times vary, 6-weeks long.
To enroll: Ask provider to place a consult (location: Primary Care → PC Behavioral Health → Mantram Repetition for Relaxation
Mantram Repetition for Rapid Relaxation (Santa Ana VA Clinic)
For Veterans to learn a technique to calm the mind and handle stressful situations better. While virtual, Veterans from any VA Long Beach location can enroll!
Tuesdays, 3 - 4 p.m. Dates vary, 7-weeks long, VA Video Connect
To enroll: call Dr. Messinides
Mental Health
Grief Support Group
For Veterans who have experienced loss of a loved one by helping Veterans find healthy ways to honor and incorporate grief in their lives.
1st and 3rd Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: call Dr. Savana Krysiak
Drop-In Mindfulness Group
Learn sitting meditation techniques to help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and/or pain.
2 nd and 4th Thursdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: call Dr. Savana Krysiak
Install VA FREE Mindfulness Coach App on your mobile. Available though App Store or Google Play.
BHIP Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group
For Veterans currently in treatment in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic only. MBSR is an intensive, experiential introduction to mindfulness meditation. Joining requires a commitment to attend all sessions and to practice mindfulness meditation at home for 45 minutes to one hour daily.
Fridays, 8 a.m. - 10:50 a.m., 10 weeks long, 1 all day session, VA Video Connect
To enroll: ask your Mental Health Provider to place a BHIP Psychotherapy Consult for “BHIP MBSR group with Dr. Fayazmanesh”
Race-Based Stress/Trauma & Empowerment Group (RBSTE)
Veterans who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) and who are interested in addressing issues of race-based stress, trauma, resilience, and empowerment.
Tuesdays, 3 - 4 p.m., 10-session series, start dates vary, VA Video Connect
To enroll: ask your mental health provider to add Dr. Liz Welsh or Burgess Brown, Peer Support Supervisor to their note
Mental Health Pathways Recovery Center
Specialty Program for Veterans with Serious Mental Illness. Individual counseling and 21 groups are offered weekly. Most Veterans attend 3-5 days per week, but time spent varies.
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Bldg. 128, Room L209
To enroll: Ask your provider for a consult
Call
Install FREE SCI Adviser App on your mobile. Available though App Store or Google Play.
Coping Skills Bridge Group
For Veterans who could benefit from coping skills in a supportive group therapy setting while awaiting mental health consult appointments.
Tuesdays, 10 a.m., 12 weeks
In-person, masks required, Bldg. 128, 2nd floor, J-218
To enroll: Ask your health care provider to add Dr. Wesley Cook to note
Posttraumatic Stress Resources
PTSD Program for Combat Trauma
Each program offers many different groups, including some that are late afternoon, on topics that help Veterans address combat related trauma reactions.
Dates and times vary
To enroll: Veterans may ask for a referral by their provider to the Combat PTSD Team.
Women’s Combat Support Group
A group for women Veterans with combat-related stressors to 1) Give and receive support 2) Proactively cope with stress and transition back to the civilian world.
Mondays, 4:30 - 6 p.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: Ask your provider to add Dr. Jessica Naughton as cosigner.
Combat Medics Group
A support group for all military medical personnel.
Tuesdays, 11 a.m. - 12 p.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: Contact Dr. Larry Albers at ext. 1-2150
PTSD Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group
For patients currently in treatment in the Combat PTSD Program in Mental Health only. MBSR is an intensive, experiential introduction to mindfulness meditation. Requires a commitment to daily 45–60-minute practice.
Fridays, 1 - 3:50 p.m., 10 weeks long, 1 all day session, VA Video Connect
To enroll: ask your Mental Health Provider in Combat PTSD to place a BHIP Psychotherapy Consult for “PTSD MBSR group with Dr. Fayazmanesh
Cognitive Processing Therapy Trauma Group
For Veterans currently enrolled at the Santa Ana VA Clinic. Veteran will need to be screened first by the group provider.
Tuesdays, 8:30 - 10 a.m., Cisco Webex Video platform
To enroll: Ask provider to add Dr. Juliet Hung as cosigner.
Providers: do not place a “San Psychology” consult
FREE VA Mobile PTSD Apps
Available though App Store or Google Play.
Substance Use
Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Overcoming Your Alcohol or Drug Problem
Learn strategies to manage cravings and thoughts of using. Develop ways to cope with stress and reduce risk of relapse. Improve communication and assertiveness. Increase social support
Fridays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
To enroll: Call Emma Martin, RN or Ricardo Restrepo-Guzman, MD
Harm Reduction Group
For Veterans who want to learn skills to reduce or quit drinking or other substance use
Thursdays, 10 - 11 a.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: Call Randy Young
Alcoholics Anonymous
For Veterans and community members. No referral or appointment needed.
Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.
To enroll: Call Substance Use Treatment Program (SATP)
Narcotics Anonymous
For Veterans and community members. No referral or appointment needed.
Thursdays, 7:30 p.m.
To enroll: Call Substance Use Treatment Program (SATP)
Attitude Adjustment and Patients in Recovery
To enroll: Call Substance Use Treatment Program (SATP)
Buprenorphine Group
All patients on Suboxone maintenance.
Tuesdays, 2 - 3 p.m.
Thursdays, 5 - 6 p.m.
To enroll: call Theodore Jones/Emma Martin RN ext. 1-4881
Free Self-Help Resources for Substance Use
Install VA FREE VetChange App on your mobile. Available though App Store or Google Play.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
Women’s Mental Health Clinic
Individual and group services available
The Women’s Mental Health Clinic (WMHC) offers gender-specific, sensitive care.
Veterans can be connected to WMHC by the Urgent Mental Health Clinic or with a consult from their provider or prescriber.
Groups Include:
- Healthy Relationships
- Happiness & HOPE
- Mind Freedom
- Managing Emotions
- Skills Training in Affective & Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR)
- Trauma Skills
- Race & Resilience
Inner City Law Center is a legal partner with the Women’s Mental Health Clinic and can provide additional services.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Assistance Program
Strength at Home
Designed to help male Veterans and service members of any conflict era improve their anger management skills and prevent arguments and conflict in intimate relationships.
Dates/times vary, 12-weeks, VA Video Connect
To enroll: contact Danielle Daniels
Crisis Drop-In Group for Individuals who Experience IPV
Our mission is to implement a comprehensive person centered, recovery-oriented assistance program for Veterans, their families and Caregivers and VHA employees who use or experience intimate partner violence.
Women: Tuesdays, 1 - 3 p.m., VA Video Connect
Men: Thursdays, 1 - 3 p.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: contact Danielle Daniels
National and Local IPV Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
24/7 confidential support, local referrals, safety planning, housing options, & legal resources.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Women’s Health
855-VA-WOMEN
LA County Domestic Violence Hotline
1-
LA County Human Services Hotline
Dial “211” (24/7, bilingual)
Women’s Shelter of Long Beach Hotline
1-562-437-HOME (4663)
For more information about IPV, call IPVAP Coordinator Danielle Daniels, MPA, LCSW,
Women’s Health Services
Improve your physical & mental well-being in an all-Female group class, learning via group discussions, Tai-Chi, Physical Activity, & Mindfulness.
Thursdays, 1 - 2:30 p.m., 12-week program, Building 46, Child Development Center –North
To enroll: Ask your provider to place a “PM&R Kinesiotherapy Women Owning Wellness Consult”
For more information, please call Gladys Yu at
Memory and Concentration Skills
Virtual Cognitive Education Class for Aging Veterans
A three-part series for aging Veterans. Learn ways to improve memory, concentration, and organizational abilities. Learn how to keep your brain healthy as you age and reduce risk factors for cognitive impairment.
Select Mondays, 1 - 3 p.m., Connect virtually or dial in
To enroll: Contact Dr. Lauren Dill at
Virtual GEM Dementia Education Group
A four-part series for dementia caregivers. Educational series led by geriatrician, psychologist, social worker, and nurse. Topics include the medical care of dementia, hygiene, safety tips, behavioral management, communication, caregiver burden, resource utilization, and future planning.
Select Mondays, 10:30 –12:30 p.m., Connect virtually or dial in
To enroll: Contact Dr. Lauren Dill at
Virtual Dementia Support Group
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a lonely and painful process. This is a safe place for caregivers to support each other and learn more about resources and interventions.
Bi-monthly on Fridays, 1 - 2 p.m.
Cisco Webex Video platform
To enroll contact Andrea Dawkins, LCSW at
Speech Pathology
Stroke Support Group
Weekly support group for Veterans recovering from stroke.
Wednesdays, 10 - 11 a.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: Ask your provider for a referral to Speech Pathology.
For more information call 562-826- 8000, ext. 1-3280
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Maintenance Group
A monthly maintenance group for those who have completed the LSVT LOUD Program.
Held monthly, time/dates vary, VA Video Connect
Ask your provider for a referral to Speech Pathology. For more info: Call
Caregiver Support Resources
Caregiver-Family Support Group
An ongoing support group for official VA caregivers enrolled in the Family Caregiver Support Program and caring for Veterans with mental health needs. Helps caregivers learn about mental health issues, identify ways to support loved ones, and practice self-care.
Contact the Family Caregiver Support Program for information:
(Kristy) Phuong Khanh Le, LCSW
Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator
Approved family caregivers may ask their Family Caregiver Support Program social worker for a consult.
REACH VA, Individual Coaching Program
Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers Health is a structured approach to address challenges faced by caregivers of Veteran with ALS, Dementia, MS, PTSD, SCID. Reach out if you are interested in individual coaching to learn valuable skills such as problem solving, stress management, positive thinking, and find time to care for you as well.
Dates & times of appointments vary
For more information or to enroll: Contact Kristy Kleiman
REACH VA Telephone Support Group Program
Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers Health teaches valuable skills throughout 6 bi-monthly sessions including:
- Taking Care of Yourself
- Problem Solving
- Mood Management
- Asking for Help
- Stress Management
Dates & times of appointments vary
For more information or to enroll: Contact Kristy Kleiman
Creative Arts and Humanities
Veterans Digital Photography Program
For all Long Beach Veterans interested in Photography. Presentations and workshops "Seeing the World Creatively"
Wednesdays and Fridays at 3 p.m., Virtual
To enroll: contact Linda Hicks at hickslin@yahoo.com
Story Corps
Share stories (writing, photography, video, etc.) with fellow Veterans and create a story about a "challenge" from your life that may help others.
90 minutes, dates/times vary, group or Individual
Virtual - Requires a computer with WiFi
To enroll: contact Aarin Bowen at
Operation Art
For all Long Beach Veterans interested in exploring their creative side through the arts, utilizing different mediums, and finding connections through creating together.
Mondays, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Virtual and/or socially distanced
To enroll: contact Aarin Bowen at
ReImaging as Service: The Peer Specialist as Listener and Teller of Stories
From interviews conducted by peer Veterans and recorded on smartphones, the Veteran reconstructs their story from the perspective of serving fellow Veterans along their individual paths.
Dates/times vary
Virtual platform to be determined
To enroll: contact Burgess Brown at
Help Heal Vets
While not part of the VA, Help Heal Veterans is an organization that provides craft kits to Veterans
Peer Support Resources
Group Coffee Talk
A self- motivation group to cultivate a positive mindset, build optimism and resilience in a supportive atmosphere.
Tuesdays, 9 - 10:30 a.m., 90 minutes, VA Video Connect
To enroll: contact Marilse Palma at Marilse.Palma@va.gov or
Veterans Social Group
For Veterans that would like to connect and socialize with other Veterans
Fridays, 10 - 11:30 a.m., VA Video Connect
To enroll: contact Burgess Brown at
Women’s Book Club
For Veterans to connect and share some inspiring stories. Fun, friendship & refreshments included. Books provided.
3rd Tuesday at 2 p.m.
To enroll: contact Jeanine.McGuinness@VA.gov or
Intro to Mindfulness Meditation
The course is designed to provide an overview of the fundamentals, principles, and practice of mindfulness and meditation. The overall objective is to find ways to live a happier, be more present, more mindful and live a peaceful life.
Thursdays at 1 p.m., 4-weeks, virtual only
To enroll: contact Burgess Brown
Veterans Benefits
VA Disability Compensation and Pension Benefits Seminar
Learn more about VA Disability Compensation and Pension Benefits. Anyone is welcome to join.
Join on the 4th Monday of the month via WebEx
Meeting number (access code): 2762 041 8530
Meeting password: RQa4hpc8a*2
College Support Resources
College Connection Study Skills Workshop
A series of classes that teach the study skills needed to succeed in college: reading, note-taking, time management, essay writing, studying, and test taking
To enroll: Ask your provider for a referral to Speech Pathology for College Connection.
Call