Start With One Step: A New Path Forward for Veterans Living With PTSD

The Orlando VA Healthcare System (OVAHCS) offers a range of effective, evidence-based PTSD treatments helping Veterans rediscover hope, rebuild relationships, and reclaim their lives.

“PTSD happens when the natural recovery process after trauma gets blocked—usually through avoidance,” explained Dr. Laura Meyers, program coordinator for the Trauma Recovery Team at the Orlando VA.

“For many, the trauma feels like it’s still happening. Our goal is to help them start living again.”

Core treatment options at OVAHCS include Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Written Exposure Therapy (WET). Each therapy addresses PTSD differently and is tailored to the Veteran’s specific needs.

“If a Veteran is struggling with beliefs like, ‘I can’t trust anyone,’ CPT may help most,” said Meyers. 

“If they avoid crowded places or activities, PE can address those behaviors. EMDR is often preferred by Veterans with multiple traumas because it adapts to the brain’s natural healing process.”

One Veteran’s story shows how impactful the right therapy can be. After witnessing an IED blast during deployment, he carried deep guilt, believing he could have done more. 

“But around the sixth session, something clicked,” Meyers said. “He looked up and said, ‘It wasn’t my fault.’ From that point, his life changed.”

Dr. Camellia Westwell, a psychologist at the Viera Outpatient Clinic, emphasized that recovery is not just about reducing symptoms.

“For every Veteran, success looks different,” she said. “It might be playing with their kids, going to a graduation, or just feeling peace again. We build treatment goals around what brings them joy and meaning.”

Long-term resilience is a key focus of treatment at the Orlando VA. “We’re not just working on the past,” said Westwell. “We teach coping skills Veterans can use going forward. Some may continue with group therapy or booster sessions to stay on track.”

In addition to trauma-focused therapies, Veterans can access support for related challenges such as insomnia, nightmares, and emotional regulation.

Options like CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) offer further tools for wellness. Whole Health programs also provide holistic support.

Treatment is available in person or virtually. Veterans can be seen the same day as their primary care appointment through primary care mental health integration to get connected.

“Virtual care has been a game changer,” said Westwell. “Some Veterans feel more comfortable at home. It removes barriers like transportation, pain, or work conflicts, and opens the door for those who might otherwise avoid care.”

Dr. Meyers noted that about 90% of Veterans on her team now choose virtual sessions. “It’s helped so many engage in treatment who might have otherwise never walked in the door,” she said.

Still, stigma remains a barrier—particularly among male Veterans. “There’s a belief that asking for help makes you weak,” Meyers said. “But if you’d be honored to help someone else, why not let others be there for you?”

Her message to Veterans who are unsure: “Ask yourself—has what you’ve been doing been working? If not, give us a try. Start with one step. You don’t have to commit to months of therapy. Just get the information. You deserve a life worth living.”

                                                                                                          ###

Established in 2006, the Orlando VA Healthcare System is one of the leading healthcare systems serving more than 142,000 Veterans in the VA Sunshine Health Care Network offering healthcare services at 11 locations serving east central Florida. Recently recognized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the healthcare system received 5 out of 5 stars in overall hospital quality. The healthcare system has also been given 5-star recognition for patient experience by Becker’s Hospital Review and was awarded the 2024 Patient Safety Program of Excellence designation from the Veterans Health Administration’s National Center for Patient Safety.

To learn more about the facilities and services offered by the OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs, subscribe to receive email updates by clicking here, like us on Facebook at: Orlando VA Healthcare System | Facebook, follow us on Instagram at: Orlando VA Healthcare System (@ovahcs) • Instagram photos and videos or on Twitter at: @OVAHCS / Twitter. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Office of Public Affairs

Orlando VA Health Care System

407-840-6967 I vhaorlpublicaffairs@va.gov.