Rolling for Recovery: Orlando VA Program Uses Dungeons & Dragons to Support Veteran Wellness
By Joseph Nunez, Public Affairs Specialist
On the surface, dice, character sheets, and fantasy maps may seem an unlikely tool for mental health support.
But at the Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS), a growing group of Veterans are finding connection, creativity, and healing through the REVEAL Program, a unique initiative that uses tabletop role-playing games, including Dungeons & Dragons, to support emotional wellness.
REVEAL, which stands for Reimagining Veterans’ Emotions, Actions, and Life Skills, was launched in April 2023 through the Orlando VA’s Innovation Project. The program was developed and is led by Navy Veteran Victor Mitchell, who serves as the Access Program Support Assistant for Mental Health Leadership at the Lake Nona campus.
“I’ve been a gamer for more than 40 years, and gaming helped pull me out of a very dark place after my own traumatic experiences,” Mitchell shared.
Mitchell went on to say, “I realized it wasn’t just about playing a game, it was about reconnecting, using creativity, and breaking out of isolation. I wanted to bring that same opportunity to other Veterans.”
The program meets on the second and fourth Friday of each month at 1 p.m. (except holidays) in the Mental Health Conference Room, 2J714A. During sessions, Veterans participate in an ongoing Dungeons & Dragons campaign designed to encourage teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a supportive, low-pressure environment.
“Tabletop role-playing allows Veterans to practice skills like anger management, empathy, and decision-making without feeling like they’re in a traditional therapy group,” Mitchell explained. “It’s authentic, it’s engaging, and it meets Veterans where they are.”
For U.S. Army Veteran Jennifer Chester, who served during the Cold War era from 1985 to 1987, the program provides camaraderie and creative freedom.
“There’s a lot of laughter and teamwork,” Chester said. “You get to be creative, try new things, and just enjoy being around other Veterans. It’s fun, and there’s really no downside; you don’t have to spend money, and you’ve got nothing to lose.”
Air Force Veteran Brandon Sittler, who served from 2002 to 2008, joined after seeing a flyer at the VA. He says the program offers both enjoyment and connection.
Sittler expresses, “I was looking for a group of like-minded people, especially fellow Veterans.”
“It’s creative, it’s social, and it’s good for mental health. I’d tell other Veterans to come give it a try,” Sittler added.
Mitchell hopes REVEAL can serve as a model for other VA facilities nationwide.
“Gaming breaks down barriers,” Mitchell said. “It creates community without forcing Veterans to relive painful experiences. If other facilities listen to their Veterans and build programs like this, they’ll see the impact.”
Veterans interested in learning more about the REVEAL Program may contact Victor Mitchell at
For more information, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: @OVAHCS, follow us on Instagram at: @OVAHCS or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS.
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Established in October 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System (VAHCS) was designated a 1a facility (most complex) in 2021, with more than 5,660 employees and an annual budget of $1.5B and serves more than 131,000 Veterans in Central Florida. The Orlando VA Medical Center at Lake Nona provides outpatient, inpatient and emergency services. Lake Nona’s 65-acre medical campus encompasses 134 acute inpatient beds, providing complex Medical/Surgical/Mental Health specialty care, advanced diagnostic services, and a large multispecialty outpatient clinic as well as a 120-bed Community Living Center, two Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Programs/Domiciliaries (60-beds located at the Lake Nona Campus and 58-beds at the Lake Baldwin Campus). Outpatient services are provided at a Health Care Center in Viera, a Multispecialty Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Daytona Beach, and five Community-Based Outpatient Clinics located in Clermont, Lake Baldwin, Kissimmee, Deltona, Palm Bay and Tavares.