Mindfulness Institute-Veteran Programs

VETERAN PROGRAMS
 

Mindfulness Training Orientation (Online/Virtual Only) - START HERE

Introductory class for ALL Veterans. This is the best starting point to learn more about current mindfulness programming at VA Portland, and to sign up to currently available programs (e.g. VA CALM, MBSR, MBCT).

When: Every Tuesday at 2:00 p.m., via Veteran Video Connect (VVC), approximately 60-75 minutes as a one-time opportunity.

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

"Incredibly helpful in so many ways I never expected." 

-- Veteran feedback from recent MBSR program

VA CALM (6-week) - Introduction to Mindfulness (Online/Virtual Only)

VA CALM is an adapted MBSR program, introducing a variety of mindfulness practices, shown to improve physical and mental well-being.

When: Wednesday, from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. for 6 weeks. Classes are provided on an ongoing basis.

Register: Please contact Timothy Wright 503-220-8262, ext. 55612 or alert a member of your healthcare team about your interest.

VA CALM (8-week) - Introduction to Mindfulness and Self-Compassion (Online/Virtual Only)

VA CALM is an adapted MBSR program, shown to improve physical and mental well-being, as described above. However the 8-week program introduces BOTH mindfulness AND self-compassion practices.

When: Tuesday, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. for 8 weeks

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

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) - Online/Virtual Only

MBCT is adapted from MBSR, and is an evidence-based program shown to reduce the likelihood of depressive relapse for individuals who have suffered from 3 or more depressive episodes.

When: Wednesday, from 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. for 8-weeks.

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

"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 recent MBSR program

Mindful Desensitization for Chronic Pain (MD-CP) – Online/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.

Register: Register: Please email vhapor-mindfulness@va.gov or nina.hidalgo@va.gov. Or alert a member of your healthcare team about your interest.

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 practice, as well as an opportunity to connect with a community of veteran practitioners, discuss current practice satisfactions/challenges and hear about upcoming mindfulness programs. Available for ALL veterans and graduates from prior mindfulness program. 

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

How to Join: Email vhapor-mindfulness@va.gov to receive a WebEx video link; or to join by phone: call 404-397-1596, and enter code #, on Tuesdays at 3:00 p.m. to participate.

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