PTSD Update: Build a Care Plan That's Right for You

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 07/24/2025 10:00 AM EDT

female physical therapist helps female patient stretch

Support Your PTSD Recovery with a Whole Health Approach

VA is expanding the ways Veterans can manage PTSD symptoms. Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) includes practices that are not currently part of mainstream medicine. These approaches support overall well-being and can be used along with effective PTSD treatments to support recovery. CIH practices include:

Dietary Health: Nutrition and supplements
Physical Practices: Massage, chiropractic care, hot/cold therapy, and acupuncture
Psychological Practices: Mindfulness and spirituality practices
Mind-body Practices: Yoga, meditation, tai chi, and qigong

While these alternative therapies are not a substitute for evidence-based PTSD treatments like therapy or medication, they can be a valuable addition to your recovery plan.

What makes CIH different? CIH expands the focus beyond PTSD-specific care to whole person well-being. Whether you want to reduce chronic pain, manage anxiety, sleep better, or simply feel more in control of your health.

Complementary and integrative health offers flexible tools and practices that fit your lifestyle. VA facilities provide these services alongside trauma-focused treatments. Ask your provider how CIH could support your care plan.

Explore CIH for PTSD

PTSD Bytes Podcast

Learn How Veterans Inform VA Mental Health Apps

In this episode of PTSD Bytes, experts discuss the importance of feedback from Veterans to guide the development of comprehensive and effective mental health apps. Learn how Veterans can share their input or volunteer to participate in user testing initiatives. Help shape targeted resources and improve care for the Veteran community.

Listen to the Podcast

VA Mobile App Spotlight

Take the Next Step in Care with the WellWithin App

WellWithin Coach is a mobile app designed specifically for Women Veterans, offering self-care tools, mental health check-ins, and guidance for life transitions. Topics include PTSD, parenting, caregiving, and menopause support.

Whether used on its own or alongside professional care, WellWithin can help you stay grounded, reflect daily, and access resources tailored to your needs.

Download WellWithin

Research Study Opportunity

Join VA Boston's Study for Veterans

Veterans struggling with the effects of a traumatic experience are invited to participate in VA Boston's therapy research study.

Call or text "Interested" to 617-459-9527 for more information.

Who can participate
Veterans of any age, sex, and service area who are interested in therapy for trauma-related difficulties. Visits can take place virtually, and there is a compensation incentive of $280 - $310 for full participation. To be eligible you must complete the following tasks:

Complete an initial interview/questionnaire about your mental health to determine your eligibility
Participate in 12 or more weekly, one-hour, individual therapy sessions
Have an assessment of your symptoms halfway through therapy, at the end of therapy, and three months after your last session to track your progress
Perform a series of learning and memory tasks before and after treatment

Join VA Boston's Study

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Produced by VA's National Center for PTSD - Executive Division

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