Health and wellness

Veteran orientation

Patient Orientation Group Class

Want to better understand VA programs and services? This one-time patient orientation group class will help you better understand your VA health benefits, how to contact the VA, and set up your online My HealtheVet account. This class is ideal for patients new to VA Puget Sound as well as established patients wanting to learn more. Each Veteran may bring up to 2 guests.

Topics: VA overview, primary care, specialty care, mental health care, pharmacy and medication refills, emergency care, urgent care, community care options, copayments, social work programs, and so much more.

When: April 12, May 22, June 26, or July 24, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT
Where: Seattle VA Medical Center, building 101, 1st floor classroom
Contact:  walk-ins welcome or RSVP to PUGPatientEducation@va.gov

Post 9/11 Military2VA (M2VA) care management program

The Post 9/11 Era Veteran Orientation Briefing assists Veterans who have recently separated from military service with navigating the VA health care system and understanding the overall VA structure, programming and time-sensitive benefits. The Post 9/11 Military2VA (M2VA) Care Management Program staff is available to answer individual questions following the briefing related to the topics addressed.

When: select Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. and select Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
Contact: 253-583-1165

Return to the top of this web pageCaregiver support

Caregivers FIRST

Caregivers FIRST is a caregiver skills training program with the goal of connecting caregivers to resources to help them feel more confident, capable and supported in their caregiving role. The program is designed to help caregivers build coping, support-seeking and hands-on skills and strategies. 

When: call for information
Contact: Caregiver Support Program 206-277-6696

REACH VA caregiver program

REACH VA Caregiver Program improves the emotional and physical well-being of caregivers and enhances quality of care for their loved ones. Caregivers are taught problem-solving skills and stress and mood management techniques and provided information on disease related concerns that are customized for each caregiver. There are four sessions between the caregiver and a Program Coach (more if needed).

When: call for information
Contact: Caregiver Support Program 206-277-6696

REACH VA caregiver telephone support groups

REACH VA Caregiver Telephone Support Groups for caregivers teach valuable skills in a group format to help with problem solving, stress management and positive thinking. The Telephone Support Group Leader works with a group of caregivers to learn better ways to deal with challenges and find time to care for you as well.

When: call for information
Contact: Caregiver Support Program 206-277-6696

Return to the top of this web page

Health education and support

ABCs of long-term care seminar

If you are enrolled at the Mount Vernon CBOC, come join us to learn about Long Term Care resources both in the Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as in your local county.

When: offered 1-2 times per month on Mondays, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. PT
Contact: Ann Stewart, LICSW 360-419-3698

Advance Care Planning Workshop (American Lake)

This group engages Veterans and their loved ones in a small group discussion about the process of planning for future health care needs and the completion of Advance Care Directives (Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney). Pre-registration is required.

When: 3rd Tuesday of the month, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT
Where: American Lake VA Medical Center
Contact: call 253-583-1174 to pre-register

ALS support group

When: first Wednesday of every quarter (January, April, July, October), 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Derek Anderson, PhD 253-583-1896 or Maddi Werhane, PhD 206-277-4604

Amputee support group

When: first and third Mondays of the month, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Jenny Bambara, PhD 206-277-4264 or Christina Frankel-Barton, PT 206-277-3721

Asian & Pacific Islander American (AAPI) Veteran Support Group

This rolling admission group is for Veterans who identify as members of the Asian and Pacific Islander American (AAPI) communities. This group aims to provide a safe space for AAPI Veterans to come together and provide mutual support.

This group is meant to be Veteran-driven, which means that we hope to talk about topics of greatest interest to our participants. Potential topics may include, but are not limited to: AAPI identity development during and since the COVID-19 pandemic, AAPI identity and stereotypes, celebration of heritage, feelings of being othered, AAPI immigrant culture and attitudes towards mental health, and being an AAPI Veteran.  

When: 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
Where: VA Video Connect (VVC)
Contact: Miji Um, PhD 206-762-1010 ext 67210

Cancer caregiver support and education group (Seattle)

This weekly support group is for all caregivers of Veterans with a past or present cancer diagnosis.

When: Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT, starting October 11
Where: Building 100, Room 6C-112 (6th floor, next to Cancer Care Clinic)
Contact: Ana DeVage, LICSW, OSW-C 206-764-2624 or Erin Schober, LMSW 206-277-6756

Veterans cancer support group (Seattle)

This weekly support group is for all Veterans with a cancer diagnosis in the past or present.

When: Wednesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT, starting October 11
Where: Building 101, Room 1W20
Contact: Ana DeVage, LICSW, OSW-C 206-764-2624 or Erin Schober, LMSW 206-277-6756

Chronic kidney disease nutrition class

This is a one-time, 60-minute introduction to nutrition recommendations for Veterans with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The goal is to learn how diet can slow the progression of kidney disease, minimize symptoms of kidney disease, and benefit long term dietary habits. This class is designed as an intervention for Veterans in earlier stages of CKD and provides an opportunity to connect with our Renal Dietitian Specialist for subsequent individual counseling as needed.

When: First Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. PT
Contact:  206-277-3012

Diabetes education program

This one-session virtual class provides education on diabetes and diabetes self-management. 

When: 4th Thursday of each month. Call to schedule. Link to join will
be emailed to you.
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
Contact: 253-583-3373 or 800-329-VETS Ext 73373

Diabetes self-management and care

This is a 6-session video conferencing group for Veterans with diabetes. This group helps empower you to thrive while managing diabetes by focusing on 7 health care behaviors: healthy eating, activity, taking medications, monitoring, problem solving, healthy coping, and reducing risks. This program runs quarterly.  

When: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT (tentative date this quarter: May 1 to June 5)
Contact: Elisabeth Daniels, MS, RD, CDCES 206-764-2103

Goals of care workshop (Mount Vernon)

What matters to you most should guide decisions about your medical treatment. This is a small group workshop that will provide valuable information as you determine your health care goals and wishes. Come explore:

• What is important to you as you think about your health care?
• What do you hope for with your diagnosis and prognosis?
• How to have conversations with your loved ones regarding your wishes
• Advanced Care Directives (Living Will and Health Care Power of Attorney)
• Physician Order for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST)

Pre-registration is required. Contact Ann Stewart or Susan Morgan to pre-register.

When: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
Where: Mount Vernon VA Clinic
Contact: Ann Stewart, LICSW or Susan Morgan, LCSW ext. 3808

HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Lifestyle) your liver support and education group

This is a 6-session group is for Veterans with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to learn about how the liver functions, the spectrum and stages of fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome, information on the diagnosis, symptoms and treatment of fatty liver disease and cirrhosis, exercise and nutrition. We will also discuss how to change self-defeating thoughts and use tools, such as food and activity logs and recipes, to help make these changes.

When: Tuesdays, March 26 to May 7 (no group on April 9), 1:30 p.m. to  3:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Walter Kopf, LICSW 206-277-4236

Living with stroke: a support group for stroke survivors

This is a support group for Veterans who have experienced strokes.

When: second and forth Wednesdays of the month, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
Contact: Derek Anderson, PhD 253-583-1896

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) support group

When: third Wednesdays of the month, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
Contact: Derek Anderson, PhD 253-583-1896 or Maddi Werhane, PhD 206-277-4604

Taking charge of my life and health

This 12-session Whole Health course is facilitated by VA staff and volunteers who are typically fellow Veterans. The group educates and empowers Veterans to be  active in their personal recovery. Join in all or any sessions. In this group, you will:

• Explore all aspects of your health
• Develop a plan of action based on your own personal mission
• Learn new skills; and 
• Gain support from others in the group

When: Fridays, 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
Where: Seattle VA Medical Center, building 101, room 2W-25
Contact: Lamont Tanksley 206-716-5797 

Veterans cancer support group

This weekly support group is for all Veterans with a past or present cancer diagnosis.

When: Wednesdays , 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT
Where: Building 101 (Mental Health), Room 1W20
Contact: Ana DeVage, LICSW, OSW-C 206-764-2624 or Erin Schober, LMSW 206-277-6756

Live WholeHealth Roadshow

Want tips to live life to the fullest? Ready to make some changes in your life in areas that matter to you? Don’t know where to start? The road to better health and well-being starts here, so JOIN US!

VA Puget Sound is hitting the road with our Whole Health Roadshow. Our 30-minute live program focused on easy health and well-being steps you can take each month based on your personal health goals. You’ll be introduced to proven ways you can reduce anxiety and even diminish pain—from sound baths and mindfulness to tai chi. We’ll wrap up the program with a Whole Health Challenge—something you can do at home. After the program, you can spend time at our one-stop resource fair which brings together subject-matter-experts who can help navigate the VA in areas from housing assistance and VA health care enrollment to the process of filing a PACT Act claim and your care options after hours and on the weekends. Refreshments and swag will be available as well!

We’ll be hosting one Whole Health Roadshow each month from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., moving across Western Washington. Our initial event locations include:

April 11:

Seattle Campus
(Building 101, Basement Lobby)
1660 S. Columbian Way, Seattle

May 9:

American Lake Campus
(Auditorium)
9600 Veterans Drive Southwest, Tacoma

June 13:

Everett Community Clinic
220 Olympic Boulevard, Everett

July 11:

Silverdale Community Clinic
9177 Ridgetop Boulevard NW, Silverdale

And if you can’t make it to one of Whole Health Roadshows coming to a location near you, we’ll be streaming the program on https://www.facebook.com/vapugetsound

Whole health (introductory class)

This 2-hour educational and experiential session is based on a specific curriculum that exposes participants to the foundational concepts of Whole Health, allows time for self-care and self-exploration, and for initiation of a Personal Health Inventory (PHI).

Option 1: Primary Care

Day/Time: 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 10:00am – 12:00pm
Location:   Virtual
Contact: Contact your primary care team for a consult to Whole Health Introduction - Primary Care, or reach out to Linnea Werner, LPN via secure messaging available on https://www.myhealth.va.gov using the group name: Whole Health_SEA_Linnea_WH

Option 2:

Day/Time: Call for information
Contact: Lamont Tanksley 

Whole health Wednesdays!

Join us for the whole day or just part of it. Participate in the events you choose, in the way you can, and for the time that you have available. Just being here is a blast!

9:00 a.m. to 9:10 a.m.: Check-in with Peer Services. Meet at Seattle VA Medical Center, building 101, room 2W-25

9:10 a.m. to 9:25 a.m.: Group walk to Jefferson Park Community Center (Veterans may choose to meet at the community center).

9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.: Tai Chi for mind, body, and spirit. Dress in comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely.

11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.: Lunch by group consensus (together or alone). Veterans are responsible for meals and costs.

12:30 p.m. to 12:40 p.m.: Check in with Peer Services. Meet at Seattle VA Medical Center, building 101, room 2W-25

12:40 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.: Group walk to Jefferson Park Community Center (Veterans may chose to meet at the community center).

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Ballroom Dance Class. Come solo or with a partner. No experience necessary.

When: Wednesdays, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT
Where: Seattle VA Medical Center, building 101, room 2W-25
Contact: Lamont Tanksley 206-716-5797

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) – home telehealth

The Home Telehealth program helps you learn to better manage your health through daily questions and health tips in the comfort of your own home. Registered Nurse Care Coordinators routinely monitor the information that you are sending in and call you to talk about your symptoms and progress. There is no charge for these services.

Home Telehealth is currently able to serve Veterans with the following conditions:

• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Diabetes (DM)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Pneumonia
• Post Hospital Discharge
• Weight Loss (TeleMOVE)

Contact: Ann Hoene, MSN, BSN, RN  206-764-2941

Return to the top of this web page

Women's health

Maternal health group

This is a 12-session videoconferencing group for Women Veterans between 16 weeks of pregnancy through 6 months after delivery. Social and informational support, along with stress management skills, can offset risks for problems in pregnancy and postpartum and can help make the experience of this time of life better. This group promotes physical and mental health by providing education, stress management skill development and a forum for peer support. Sessions focused on managing stress are alternated with informational sessions that bring in a member of the women’s health team (primary care doctor, nurse, social worker, psychiatrist, pharmacist, lactation consultant, physical therapist, and maternity care coordinator) to offer their special expertise and answer your questions.

When: Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
Contact: MJ Mariano, PhD 206-277-3027, your Primary Care Provider, or the Maternity Coordinator

Menopause 101

This is a shared appointment for women Veterans who want to learn about and share experiences. We will come together to discuss menopause, hot flashes and sweats, sexual health, sleep, mood, and body changes.

When: call for information
Contact: MJ Mariano, PhD 206-277-3027 or Janna Fikkan, PhD 253-83-1699

Momma bear club

Expectant and new parents get together virtually to talk about birth, lactation, parenting with love in the first 2 years and more!

When: every other Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Rebecca Theckston, RN, CLC, 253-583-3153

Pregnancy physical therapy class

This 2-hour educational and experiential class is for pregnant Veterans. You will learn about posture and positioning, exercise during pregnancy, and about the pelvic floor during pregnancy and the post-partum period. Class is held via VVC (video). For a consult, please speak with the maternity care coordinators or contact Maureen Wilson, PT.

When: second Wednesday of the month, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Maureen Wilson 253-583-1804

Women’s cancer support group

This videoconference monthly group is for women who have had or have cancer and centers around social support.

When: fourth Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. PT
Contact: MJ Mariano, PhD 206-277-3027

Women’s pain and health self-management group 

This 10-session group is for women with chronic pain and other chronic conditions. A wholistic approach sets the tone for work on body awareness through mindfulness and making small steps toward better health. Women Veterans commonly experience persistent health problems such as chronic pain, mood and anxiety difficulties, PTSD, and other health problems, sometimes all of these. Women Veterans provide mutual support in their understanding of the challenges and celebration of the successes in better managing their health.

When: Mondays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. PT
Contact: MJ Mariano, PhD 206-277-3027

Women’s Sexual Wellness Class

Let’s talk about sex because sex matters! This is a monthly class for women Veterans to explore sexual-wellness concerns related to overall sexual functioning, pleasure, and intimacy. This class offers an opportunity to discuss common sexual difficulties among women as well as strategies for managing them. Topics addressed include navigating bodily changes as they relate to sexual wellness (e.g., hormones, illness, disability, pain, medication), sexuality across the lifespan, available resources, and so much more!

Day/Time: 3rd Wednesday of the month, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
Where: VA Video Connect (VVC)
Contact: Desta Gebregiorgis, PhD  206-277-5131 or Samantha Eikenberg, PsyD 843-467-1362

Return to the top of this web page

Healthy aging

Aging resiliently 

This 6-session video-based class teaches skills to handle negative emotions and choose intentional behaviors while facing new challenges and life transitions associated with aging. The overarching goal of the class is to help Veterans to live life fully and engaged with values while getting older. Contact Dr. Hirschhorn if you’re interested.

When: call for information
Contact: Elizabeth Hirschhorn, PhD 253-583-1436

Gerofit exercise program

Gerofit is a supervised exercise program for Veterans 65 years and older from all VA Puget Sound locations. Gerofit exercise sessions aim to increase endurance, build strength, and improve balance. The program includes an individual physical fitness assessment and group classes. Gerofit exercise sessions are offered in several formats including both online classes over VA video connect as well as in person classes at the American Lake Gym. Request a Gerofit consult from your primary care provider.

When: Call for information
Contact: Bethany Kidd, RN, MSN 206-764-2723

Healthy aging project: BRAIN

Are you interested in keeping your mind sharp? This 6-week class provides skills that help promote healthy brain aging. Learn ways to help you feel more supported, rested, energized, and engaged in your everyday life. Be ready to participate in class and practice these skills at home to help meet your personalized goals. We are gauging interest for in-person and all-virtual classes.
Please call the number below if you are age 50+ and interested in participating. Please leave your name and last four and indicate your interest in in-person, all-virtual, or either.

When: to be determined (TBD)
Contact: Emily Trittschuh, PhD 206-277-6283 (secure voicemail, not for urgent issues)

Moving freely: falls prevention class

Have you had a recent fall in your home or around town? Do you feel weak, unsteady on your feet, or concerned about having a fall? Would you like to learn more about balance and strength? Discover ways to prevent falls in your home and on the go. This 6-week interactive class includes a weekly education session and a separate exercise session. You will need adequate space in your residence (at least 3 feet by 3 feet), wi-fi and technology (tablet or computer with camera and microphone).

When: Thursdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT and a separate exercise session weekly
Contact: Benson Wong, OTR/L or Amanda Olney, DPT, GCS at 206-764-2202

Return to the top of this web page

LGBTQ+ 

LGBTQ+ Community-Building Skills and Support Group

This group meets for 16 sessions. Veterans must be referred by a mental health provider through primary care or the Mental Health Clinic.

When: Starting June 4, first and third Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. PT
Where: Virtual
Contact: Bridget Reposa (She/Her) or Dr. Alvaro Garcia (He/Him) 206-277-3233

Pride in All Who Served Psychoeducation Group

This group meets for 10 sessions. Veterans must be referred by a mental health provider through primary care or the Mental Health Clinic.

When: starting June 11, second and forth Tuesdays of each month at 3:00 p.m. PT
Location: Virtual
Contact: Bridget Reposa (She/Her) or Dr. Alvaro Garcia (He/Him) 206-277-3233

Psychotherapy group for gender gdiverse and transgender Veterans

Monthly goal-oriented group where veterans who are gender diverse work on personal challenges associated with their gender experience. Specific screening is needed for participation. Maximum of 12 participants.

When: Either the First Tuesdays of the month, 11:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m. PT
or the Second Mondays of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PT
Contact: MJ Mariano, PhD 206-277-3027

Support group for LGBTQ+ Veterans

When: second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Kyle Czeh, LICSW 206-277-6020 

Learn more how the Veterans Health Library provides a no-hassle way to get answers to your health questions

Return to the top of this web page

Nutrition and physical activity

Chronic kidney disease nutrition class

This is a one-time, 60-minute introduction to nutrition recommendations for Veterans with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). The goal is to learn how diet can slow the progression of kidney disease, minimize symptoms of kidney disease, and benefit long term dietary habits. This class is designed as an intervention for Veterans in earlier stages of CKD and provides an opportunity to connect with our Renal Dietitian Specialist for subsequent individual counseling as needed.

When: first Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. PT
Contact: 206-277-3012

Gentle yoga (virtual class)

This is a gentle yoga class offered with modifications to meet your needs taught in a trauma-informed way. Yoga can improve flexibility, strength, teach you to move within your limits, and improve your overall sense of well-being. The class meets for 1 hour, twice a week for 8 weeks. There is an initial evaluation with an Occupational Therapist prior to group enrollment. Requirements for participation: wi-fi and technology (tablet or computer with camera), 5’ x 5’ space in your residence, consult from a physician to outpatient Occupational Therapy for Yoga.

When: Call for information
Contact: Rehabilitation Care Services 206-764-2202

Gerofit exercise program

Gerofit is a supervised exercise program for Veterans 65 years and older from all VA Puget Sound locations. Gerofit exercise sessions aim to increase endurance, build strength, and improve balance. The program includes an individual physical fitness assessment and group classes. Gerofit exercise sessions are offered in several formats including both online classes over VA video connect as well as in person classes at the American Lake Gym. Request a Gerofit consult from your primary care provider. 

When: Call for information
Contact: Bethany Kidd, RN, MSN 206-764-2723

Heart healthy living

This one-session virtual nutrition class helps Veterans reduce cholesterol, improve blood pressure, and prevent or manage heart disease. Topics include: basics of heart disease and prevention, American Heart Association recommendations for heart health, Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes (TLC) to reduce cholesterol, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH), sodium, dietary fat, vegetarian nutrition, Mediterranean Eating Pattern, and support with SMART goal setting.

When: April 19, May 31, July 12, August 23, September 20, October 18, November 15, December 13, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Bonnie De Leon, RDN: 253-583-3237

Intuitive eating

Have your efforts at dieting and weight loss been unsuccessful? Have you repeatedly lost weight on a diet, just to regain it all back, plus some? Did you know one of the strongest predictors of weight gain IS dieting?

As a participant in this 8-week interactive class, you will experience becoming an intuitive eater – a way of approaching nutrition with a focus on developing a healthier relationship with food and your body that isn’t focused on weight. Instead of focusing on weight loss and dieting to direct your food choices, Intuitive Eating will teach you how to increase trust in your body’s natural cues and signals in guiding how, when, and what you choose to eat.

When: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PT
Contact: Alexandra Bright, MD 206-549-7992 or Audrey Perkins, RDN 206-277-4142 x64142 

MOVE! program

MOVE! is a weight management, health promotion program designed to improve your life. MOVE!’s core ideas—encouraging healthy eating behavior, increasing physical activity, and promoting even small weight losses—are easy to follow and based on the latest in nutrition science. The program guides you to make lifestyle changes through goals YOU set. MOVE! is not a diet; it is a life-changing program. All of our support options are offered virtually via VA Video Connect or Telephone.

• Group Education and Support
• Home Telehealth TeleMOVE! – Technology Linked Care
• Print and digital resources for self-management

When: call or send a Secure Message in MyHealtheVet for information
Contact: 253-583-3183 or MOVE!_Puget Sound_HPDP
Access www.move.va.gov for general weight management information. 

Silverdale VA Clinic MOVE! with peer support

Join in any or all 16 sessions of this in-person weight management program that includes wellness check-in, mindfulness, MOVE! manual work and group discussion, behavioral activation, and goal setting. VA has developed a Peer Support Mentoring Program to link Veterans to a peer —someone who has experienced similar challenges and situations —who can provide support and guidance along their journey. An important goal of VA care and MOVE! is for Veterans to provide support to one another. Let’s get healthy together!

When: Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to noon
Where: Silverdale VA Clinic
Contact: Rehabilitation Care Services 206-764-2202

Tai Chi inspired fundamentals

This is an adapted Tai Chi program based on traditional Yang style Tai Chi performed while standing. Tai Chi can build strength and balance, improve posture and improve your overall sense of well-being. The class meets for 1 hour 2x/week for 12 weeks. There is an initial evaluation with an Occupational Therapist prior to group enrollment. Requirements for participation: wi-fi and technology (tablet or computer with camera), 5’ x 5’ space in your residence, consult from a physician to outpatient Occupational Therapy for Tai Chi Fundamentals.

When: Call for information
Contact: Sarah Punshon, OTR/L; Certified Instructor Tai Chi Fundamentals 206-764-2202

Return to the top of this web page

Sleep improvement

CPAP desensitization 

This 1-time class provides Veterans with information about sleep apnea and helps them become more comfortable with their CPAP machines. 

When: first Wednesday of the month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PT
Contact: Joshua Breitstein, PsyD 253-583-2571

Sleep improvement group

Learn behavioral strategies to improve your sleep.

When: second Wednesday of every month, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. PT
Contact: Joshua Breitstein, PsyD 253-583-2571

Return to the top of this web page

Stress management and emotional well-being

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

This 6-session class teaches Veterans how to deal with negative emotions, get unstuck from unhelpful patterns of behavior, and develop skills to live more fully and engaged with values.

When: Mondays, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., via VA Video Connect
Contact: Jennifer Benson, PhD  253-589-4241

Cognitive behavioral therapy

This 6-session group is focused on using cognitive and behavioral strategies to improve overall functioning and wellbeing. 

When: Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. PT
Where: VA Video Connect
Contact: Ron Miyatake, PhD 360-419-3668

Military Racial Trauma

A significant number of Veterans will have reported racial discrimination that occurred during their military service and even more will have reported experiencing discrimination in their lifetime. The purpose of the Military Racial Trauma group is to help unpack these experiences in a safe space amongst Veterans of color and learn coping strategies while sharing in communal healing.

Topics: Identify trauma and psychological resilience, cultural identity development and cross-cultural communication, overview of institutional discrimination in U.S. and military history, and regulating overwhelming emotions and practicing self-care.

When: Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. PT
Contact: Jacob Manuel, PhD 253-583-1651

Dealing with irritability

Topics discussed in this 8-session series include mindfulness, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. Veterans can start any time.

When: Fridays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Jessica Slagg, LICSW 253-583-1606

Depression management

This 4-session class is intended for Veterans with mild-to-moderate symptoms
of depression, as well as for Veterans experiencing difficulties after a recent life
change (e.g., retirement, divorce, separation from the military, moving, death
of a loved one). Information covered includes practical, evidence-based coping
skills to help reduce symptoms of depression and increase life satisfaction.

When: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Evelyn Larsen, LICSW 253-589-4241

Power of the mind: skills program for stress, anxiety, and chronic pain

This is a 7-session in person group where we will explore mind-body approaches, such as meditation, progressive relaxation, and self-hypnosis to decrease stress and increase well-being.

When: Mondays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. PT
Where: Everett VA Clinic
Contact: Tammy Todd, LICSW 206-762-1010 ext. 67779

Return to the top of this web page

Relationship health and safety

Strength at home

This 12-week group is designed for Veterans who have used or are concerned about using aggression in intimate relationships. Group topics include defining abusive behaviors, understanding the connection between trauma and abusive behavior, learning de-escalation strategies, managing stress more effectively, communicating more assertively, and expressing emotions.

When: Call for next start date
Contact: 206-716-5784

Windows

This 9-week group is for female-identified Veterans who have or are still experiencing intimate partner violence in any form. This group is a mix of education, support, and skills. Topics include understanding abusive dynamics and the impact on your health, exploring barriers to leaving, coping with stress, safety planning, and learning about resources.

When: Call for next start date
Contact: 206-716-5784

New horizons

This 8-week group is for male-identified Veterans who have or are still experiencing intimate partner violence in any form. This group is a mix of education, support, and skills. Topics include understanding abusive dynamics and the impact on your health, exploring barriers to leaving, coping with stress, safety planning, and learning about resources.

When: Call for next start date
Contact: 206-716-5784

Return to the top of this web page

Tobacco cessation

Quit smoking group 

Get support through your journey to be nicotine free. Learn a variety of behavioral strategies while receiving support from other Veterans becoming nicotine free.

When: Wednesdays, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PT
Contact: Deanna Sohler Rosenlind, RN, MPH  253-583-3286

Quit tobacco class (for Veterans enrolled in Seattle primary care)

Get support for quitting vape, cigarettes, chew, etc. The first two sessions are group-based via VA Video Connect (VVC). Then Veterans will attend two follow up individual sessions that are tailored to their needs and available through in person, VVC, or phone options.

When: Second and third Tuesdays, 11:00 a.m. to noon PT
Where: Virtual via VA Video Connect for group sessions; In-person, VA Video Connect or phone for individual follow up sessions
Contact: Hideki Scherb, PsyD HSPP

Quit VET telephone Quitline

VA’s free telephone Quitline offers tobacco cessation counseling to any Veteran who receives their health care through VA. Quit VET is staffed by trained counselors who will help you during any phase of quitting—whether you are thinking about it, you started your quit attempt, or you are trying to get back on track after a slip or relapse to tobacco.

When: Quitline is open Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT
Contact: 855-784-8838

Return to the top of this web page