Mindfulness Institute-Veteran Programs

VETERAN PROGRAMS

Please email vhapor-mindfulness@va.gov or alert a member of your healthcare team about your interest.

Mindfulness Training Orientation – Virtual

This is a required class for ALL Veterans entering the program.  This is the starting point to learn more about mindfulness, the evidence-base for mindfulness, as well as current mindfulness programming at VA Portland (e.g., VA CALM, MBCT, MDCP).

When: Every first and third Tuesday at 1pm., via Veteran Video Connect (VVC), for approximately 45-60 minutes. This is a one-time group that leads into other classes.

"Incredibly helpful in so many ways I never expected."  --Veteran feedback from recent MBSR program

VA CALM (6-week) - Introduction to Mindfulness

VA CALM is VA-wide mindfulness introduction class VA CALM is VA-wide mindfulness introduction class, guiding Veterans in a variety of mindfulness practices, shown to improve physical and mental well-being.  

When: Wednesday from 9:30-11am (virtual) or Tuesday from 10:30-noon (In-person at Vancouver campus & virtual).

VA CALM (8-week) - Introduction to Mindfulness and Self-Compassion – Virtual

VA CALM is VA-wide mindfulness introduction class, shown to improve physical and mental well-being, as described above. However, the 8-week program introduces BOTH mindfulness AND self-compassion practices and lasts 8 weeks.

When: Tuesday from 1-3pm.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) – Virtual

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), adapted from Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Is an evidence-based program that incorporates mindfulness meditation along with cognitive awareness strategies to reduce the likelihood of depressive release for individuals with chronic clinical depression.

When: Wednesday from 1-3pm for 8 weeks.

"I learned how a lifetime of reactions has led to much of my physical pain… I discovered that by taking a pause… I can respond rather than react to the situation." ​-- Veteran feedback from a recent mindfulness program class.

Mindful Desensitization for Chronic Pain (MD-CP) – Virtual Only

MD-CP is a trauma-informed mindfulness program designed to re-train the brain to improve chronic health conditions, stress, and anxiety. Veterans will learn mindfulness meditation practices, chair-based body awareness practices, and pain self-management skills; approaches that have been shown to improve pain and day-to-day functioning.

When: Thursday, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. for 6 weeks. Classes are provided on an ongoing basis.

Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention (MBRP)

MBRP is an adapted MBSR program, for individuals with substance use difficulties, who are motivated to break the connection between cravings and substance use behavior.

When: Groups are provided through VA Portland's Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP).

How to join: Veterans need to be registered with, and meet criteria for SATP to participate. Please contact 503-220-8262, ext. 31841, to schedule an intake for SATP. Or alert a member of your healthcare team about your interest and the possibility of a SATP consult to explore appropriateness.

Veteran Mindfulness Community Practice Call

The call offers a weekly guided mindfulness practice, as well as an opportunity to connect with a community of seasoned practitioners, discuss current practice satisfactions/challenges, and hear about upcoming mindfulness offerings.  Available Veteran who have graduated from one of the mindfulness classes listed above. 

When: Every Tuesday at 3:00 p.m., approximately 45-60 minutes, via WebEx video platform and phone.

If you have any additional questions about Veteran Mindfulness Programs, please email: vhapor-mindfulness@va.gov