Virtual Care Programs
The Virtual Care programs offered by VA Salt Lake City Health Care System brings your VA care closer to you in your home through VA Video Connect (VVC), VA’s secure video platform. VVC enables Veterans and their caregivers to connect with their VA providers from a location of their choosing and do not require a co-pay when the Veteran is at home or another non-VA location. To find a class offered in person or virtually, or a program that supports your own goals and care plan, review the list below!
Check this page regularly as more classes may be added at a later time. You can also contact your VA care provider for other available programs that may not be listed here.
ATTENDING YOUR VA VIDEO CONNECT APPOINTMENT (VVC)
Expectations
Attend a VVC (video) appointment as you would any VA appointment. Ensure you are in a private and safe place, with good internet connection and by dressing appropriately. Review your care team’s guidance. You can also find this guidance from the email you receive or when signing into your VVC appointment.
It is suggested to test your device the day before or join at 10-15 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
Join via your Personal device
If you have your own personal device, join your VA Video Connect appointment online, https://www.va.gov/health-care/schedule-view-va-appointments.
You can also join your VVC appointment by downloading the VA Health and Benefits mobile app on your personal mobile device.
NOTE: Veterans will need a My HealtheVet (MHV) account to sign-in. For assistance with your My HealtheVet account, call the national MyHealtheVet hotline
For video or instructions, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
Join via your VA loaned tablet
If you have a VA loaned device, click on the VVC icon to view or join your scheduled VA Video Connect appointments.
For video instructions, visit mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect.
Need a VA loaned device to attend your VVC appointment?
Ask your VA provider for a Digital Divide tablet consult. A VA social worker will contact you. If you are found eligible, a device will be sent to your home address. If you only need access to your video appointment (no password, no email, no internet), remind your provider you need the device set up for Single Use mode.
Single Use Mode
VA’s Single Use Mode setting limits your VA-loaned tablet to only video calls, which means it will not have access to the internet and email. It will also not require a password to access your device.
VA-loaned tablets sent to Veterans will be in Standard Setting which will have access to email, internet, and require a password.
If Single Use Mode suits your needs, notify your VA provider or social worker who contacts you, to include your preference in the consult.
NOTE: To keep your VA-loaned tablet, you must use the tablet at least once every 90 days for your video appointment with any VA provider. Currently, VA’s security measures on VA-loaned tablets may limit access to various programs such as PDF Reader or the documents folder. Only approved VA apps may be accessible.
Return VA Loaned Tablet or for Technical Support
To return the device or for additional technical support, contact the Office of Connected Care Help Desk, which is available 24/7,
For local assistance, call VA SLC Telehealth Services at
To Cancel or Reschedule your VVC Appointment
Contact your VA provider directly via Secure Messaging or call the VA Salt Lake City Scheduling hotline at
For local assistance with Secure Messaging, contact the VA SLC Customer Service at ext. 1900.
Bridging the Digital Divide
Veterans enrolled in the VA for their health care lacking access to the internet or a digital device for their VA care, contact your VA provider and ask for a Digital Device Consult- a social worker will then contact you and determine the appropriate resource that meets your needs. If you qualify for a device, your local Telehealth team will then request for one to be sent to your mailing address.
Contact your VA Primary Care for a Digital Device Consult. For local assistance regarding this program, call 801-582-1565, ext. 4289
Caregiver Support Services
The virtual caregiver support group is sponsored by the Caregiver Support Program at the Salt Lake VA Medical Center. This group is open to all caregivers of enrolled Veterans and is held on the first and third Wednesday of each month. This is an opportunity for caregivers to connect and receive support and education. Variety of topics discussed: self-care, grief, setting appropriate care-giving boundaries, stress management, communication techniques, book reviews, etc. The group is facilitated by the Caregiver Support Program staff.
Contact a Caregiver Support provider if interested in using Annie app to support your self care! Annie promotes self care for Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare and their caregivers.
Programs currently available:
- Stress Management
- Bereavement Support
- Taking Care of You
- Dementia Behaviors & Stress Management
- PTSD Behaviors
- Parkinson’s Disease
Andrew.Wittwer@va.gov | Andrew Wittwer, LCSW/Program Coordinator
801-582-1565, ext. 2608
Complementary and Integrative Health
CIH is a specialty program within the Whole Health service that emphasizes patient empowerment, self-activation, preventative self-care, and wellness through mind and body practices. Veterans find that CIH services help them better manage certain conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, depression, anxiety/stress, insomnia, addiction, diabetes, GI disorders, and more. All classes are beginner friendly, trauma-sensitive, and accessible for a range of abilities.
Virtual group modalities include:
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Qigong
- iRest Meditation
- Clinical Hypnosis
- Mind-Body Bridging
- Mind-Body Skills
Ask your VA provider for a “CIH Wellness Consult” to enroll.
Enhanced Fitness Group
A virtual fitness class set to music for all abilities to enjoy. This virtual class is 3-times/ week, focusing on stretching, flexibility, balance, low-impact aerobics, and strength training supporting you in a healthier, more active life.
For more information contact: 801-582-1565, ext. 2691
Healthy Teaching Kitchen (Demo)
Enjoy cooking demonstrations with a dietitian! Learn cooking skills and nutrition information simultaneously. Virtual and hands-on courses are offered every week for 6-weeks
Connect with a VA dietitian: 801-582-1565, ext. 1368
Home Telehealth
Home Telehealth offers goal oriented, short-term programs to help Veterans achieve better self-management of chronic conditions, providing Veterans with health care in the least restrictive environment, their home.
Contact your VA Primary Care provider directly for more information about this program.
Intuitive Eating Group for Women Veterans
Join a 12-week virtual group with other women Veterans for a non-diet approach connecting the mind and body with our physical and emotional cues, awareness, and acceptance relative to nutrition.
To learn more contact: 801-582-1565, ext. 2894 or 801-582-1565, ext. 5447
Living Well with Chronic Conditions
This course offers a 2-hour class held weekly for six weeks. Join fellow Veterans to learn self-management tools and skills for the day-to-day management of chronic health conditions. Learn skills to improve your wellbeing and quality of life.
Contact Whole Health: 801-588-5991
Military Sexual Trauma (MST) programs
Co-Ed Military Sexual Trauma DBT Skills Group—“Skills lab”
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- Who: Any Veteran who identifies as female and has experienced MST
- What: Ongoing, drop-in group, teaches:
- Emotional resilience
- Distress tolerance
- Relationship building
- Valued living
- When: Meets for 60-min, 1x/week (Tues 1-2 pm)
- Where: VA Video Connect (VVC) (live groups to be available)
- How: Ask your VA provider to place a consult
Men’s Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Courage Group
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- Who: Any Veteran who identifies as male and has experienced MST
- What: 12-week program, teaches:
- Thinking strategies to help with effects of trauma
- Behavioral strategies to manage stress
- Ways to improve quality of life
- Techniques to improve anxiety, depression
- When: Meets for 90-min, 1x/week (Thurs 1-2:30 pm)
- Where: VA Video Connect
- How: Ask your VA provider to place a consult
Warrior Renew Program
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- Who: Any Veteran who identifies as female and has experienced MST
- What: 12-week program, teaches:
- Thinking strategies to help with effects of trauma
- Behavioral strategies to manage stress
- Ways to improve quality of life
- Techniques to improve anxiety, depression
- When: Meets for 90-min, 1x/week (Thurs 10:30-12 pm)
- Where: VA Video Connect (live groups to be available)
- How: Ask your VA provider to place a consult
Women’s Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Courage Group
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- Who: Any Veteran who identifies as female and has experienced MST
- What: 12-week program, teaches:
- Thinking strategies to help with effects of trauma
- Behavioral strategies to manage stress
- Ways to improve quality of life
- Techniques to improve anxiety, depression
- When: Meets for 90-min, 1x/week (Thurs 10:30-12 pm)
- Where: VA Video Connect (live groups to be available)
- How: Ask your VA provider to place a consult
Women’s Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Group
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- Who: Any Veteran who identifies as female and has experienced MST
- What: Ongoing, drop-in group, teaches:
- General support
- Coping with triggers
- Connection to VA/Community resources
- When: Meets for 90-min, on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month, 10:30am-12 pm
- Where: VA Video Connect (live groups to be available)
- How: Ask your VA provider to place a consult
*All groups do NOT involve discussion of specific traumatic events, as to avoid triggering other group members.
**Individual psychotherapy, referrals to PTSD Clinical Team, Outpatient Mental Health, Addiction Treatment Services, and MedPsych Clinics are also available for survivors as needed.
For questions about these programs, contact:
Amber Martinson, PhD
MST Coordinator
(801) 582.1565 ext 3497.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices, including breath awareness, body scan, self-compassion, and mindful movement, will give you the skills to bring mindfulness to all aspects of your daily life. Come take a class and learn how to find greater ease and peacefulness with life just as it is.
Contact Whole Health, or the Mindfulness Center: 801-582-1565, ext. 3100
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction LGBTQ Affinity (MBSR LGBTQ) Course
An affinity group is a group formed around a shared interest, goal, or identity. Join an 8-week, virtual, mindfulness course that teaches foundational mindfulness practices including breath awareness, body scan, and mindful movement; cultivates attitudes of non-judgment, letting go and acceptance; Research finds MBSR can improve immune system functioning, lower high blood pressure, decrease inflammation in the body which can mitigate chronic pain, and improve sleep and quality of life.
Ask your provider to place a “Mindfulness Center” consult to enroll.
Mindful Self-Compassion Affinity Class of Veterans of Color (MSC VOC) Course
An affinity group is a group formed around a shared interest, goal, or identity. Join an 8-week, virtual, mindfulness course that help Veterans to build inner resilience by strengthening their ability to navigate difficult emotions; have less self-judgment; increase sense of connectedness with others; reduce anxiety, depression, stress, rumination, perfectionism, and shame; increased their immune response; increase ability to effectively deal with emotions.
Ask your provider to place a “Mindfulness Center” consult to enroll.
MOVE!
MOVE! is a weight management and health promotion program designed to improve the lives of veterans. 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.
Contact: 801-582-1565, ext. 2149 or ask your VA provider for a MOVE! consult.
Primary Care programs
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain Group
Learn how to:
- Relax
- Get restful sleep
- Manage stress
- Think about pain
- Improve mood
- Optimize quality of life
- Live life fully with pain
- Enhance physical function
Who: Men and Women Veterans seen in Primary Care
What: Six-weekly one-hour sessions
Where: VA Video Connect (VVC) appointments
When: Tuesdays, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. / Wednesdays, 3 to 4 p.m.
How: Ask your VA provider to place a consult
For more information, contact: Clinical Health Psychologist, 801-582-1565, ext. 3497
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia Group
Learn how to:
- Take control of your sleep schedule
- Improve your sleep quality
- Quiet your mind at bedtime
- Improve the quality of your life and your daytime functioning
Who: Veterans seen in Primary Care
What Five-weekly one-hour sessions
Where: VA Video Connect (VVC) appointments
How: Ask your VA provider to place a consult
Tele-Tobacco Cessation
The series of workshops hosted weekly at VA Salt Lake, virtually and by telephone. If you cannot attend classes, we recommend the national VA quit smoking hot line (855-QUIT-VET) and talking to your primary care provider. Connect with VA Salt Lake Smoking Cessation classes and other resources.
To learn more contact: 801-582-1565, ext. 5587
Tinnitus Management Program
This two-class series provides an overview of the anatomy of the ear and the causes of tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Additionally, the workshop offers management strategies along with stress relief and healthy living techniques. Veterans receive information about additional resources and a workbook. This class is available in-person, in person group, telehealth at VA Community Clinics, and VA Video Connect.
Schedule your appointment by contacting the Audiology Department: 801-584-1285
Veterans of Color (VOC) Support Group
Join this virtual support group specifically created to discuss topics or interest and issues surrounding veterans who identify as person of color. The support group meets to solve problems, discuss familiar challenges, and share education on mental health.
Ask your provider to place a VOC Group consult in CPRS, located under Mindfulness Center.
Veteran's Corner
VA Connected Care Telehealth services offer additional programs and services to support Veterans’ access to internet along with the latest updates to technology and national programs.
Visit Connected Care Veterans Corner to learn more about these services.
Walk with Ease
Safely make physical activity a part of your everyday lifestyle. Join this virtual group for one hour twice a week. Enjoy improved mobility, function, and confidence in exercising.
To learn more contact: 801-582-1565, ext. 6292
Whole Health Coaching
Partner with a VA Whole Health Coach to help you work towards what’s important to you! Appointments are held in-person, virtually, or by telephone.
Visit Whole Health's website or call them directly for more info 801-588-5991.
Visit the national Veterans Health Library for educational resources on topics regarding your health and well-being.