Health and Wellness

VA Health and Wellness: Complete Guide for Veterans

VA health and wellness programs provide comprehensive support for Veterans to take charge of their physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The Whole Health approach centers on what matters to you, not just what is the matter with you . Over 1.7 million Veterans received mental health services at VA last year, and Whole Health services have shown a threefold reduction in opioid use among Veterans with chronic pain . To get started, contact your local VA medical center, visit VA.gov/wholehealth, or call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1) for immediate support.

Quick Facts

What Is VA’s Whole Health Approach?

Whole Health is VA’s comprehensive approach to care that puts the Veteran at the center of their health journey . Unlike traditional disease-focused care, Whole Health starts with what matters to you—your values, goals, and aspirations—then builds a personalized health plan around those priorities .

The Circle of Health

The Whole Health model organizes wellness into eight interconnected dimensions:

Whole Health in Action

In 2019, the Veterans Health Administration began implementing the Whole Health model system-wide . By 2024, the VA Fayetteville Coastal Health Care System alone treated over 67,000 Veterans through Whole Health services, a 49% increase from the previous year .

One Army Veteran described the impact: “Implementing Whole Health has allowed me to grow spiritually, socially, emotionally, and mentally. It has given me the coping skills to handle my anxiety. Simple tasks became available to me again, such as going to public places, the grocery store, playgrounds, etc.” 

Getting Started with Whole Health

Step 1: Complete the Personal Health Inventory

The Personal Health Inventory is a self-reflection tool that helps you identify what matters most to you . You can download the form or fill it out online through the Whole Health app .

Step 2: Connect with a Whole Health Coach

Whole Health Coaches partner with Veterans who want to enhance their well-being through self-directed, lasting changes aligned with their values . To get started:

• Call or secure message your Primary Care provider to request a consult 

• Ask your provider about Whole Health Coaching 

• Enroll in an Intro to Whole Health class 

Step 3: Explore Complementary and Integrative Health Services

VA offers a range of Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) services including :

• Acupuncture – Helps manage pain without drugs

• Massage Therapy – Relieves tension and supports recovery

• Yoga – Combines physical postures, breathing, and meditation

• Tai Chi – Gentle movement for strength, balance, and relaxation

• Meditation and Mindfulness – Reduces stress and improves well-being

• Biofeedback – Helps control bodily processes for pain and stress management

• Guided Imagery – Uses visualization for relaxation and healing

• Clinical Hypnosis – Promotes relaxation and symptom management

Step 4: Use Digital Resources

VA offers digital tools to support your Whole Health journey:

• Live Whole Health app – Guided tools for everyday wellness 

• Whole Health app – Personal Health Inventory and resources 

• Tele Whole Health – Connect with providers from virtually anywhere 

Mental Health Services at VA

VA provides comprehensive mental health care for a wide range of needs, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma (MST), grief, and readjustment challenges . Over 1.7 million Veterans received mental health services at VA last year .

Crisis Support (Available 24/7)

If you’re a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, confidential help is available immediately :

• Call: 988 and select 1

• Text: 838255

• Chat: VeteransCrisisLine.net

• TTY: Call 711 then 988

You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care to use crisis services .

Getting Started with Mental Health Care

If you’re already using VA medical services:
Ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment with a VA mental health provider .

If you’re not enrolled in VA health care:
Contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center . You can use some VA mental health services even if you’re not enrolled .

Same-day services are available, including:

• Face-to-face appointments

• Telehealth appointments

• Phone consultations with VA nurses

• Secure messaging with VA providers 

Mental Health Treatment Options

VA provides mental health services at multiple levels :

Support for Specific Needs

• Military Sexual Trauma (MST) – Specialized counseling and care coordination 

• PTSD – Evidence-based treatments including Cognitive Processing Therapy 

• Substance Use – Medication-based and therapy-based treatment options 

• Caregiver Support – Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274 

Additional Mental Health Resources

• Veteran Training portal – Self-help tools for anger management, parenting, and problem-solving 

• Mental Health Apps – Tools for PTSD, stress, mindfulness, and depression management 

• BeThere Peer Assistance – Talk to peer coaches who are Veterans or military spouses at 800-342-9647 

• Coaching into Care – Speak with licensed psychologists or social workers at 888-823-7458 

MOVE! Weight Management Program

MOVE! is VA’s comprehensive lifestyle intervention designed to help Veterans self-manage their health and weight using evidence-based tools and strategies . Losing 5%-10% of body weight can significantly improve health and quality of life .

MOVE! Program Options

MOVE! Groups – Clinician-led 12-week sessions offered virtually or in-person . Groups follow the 16-module MOVE! curriculum and help you set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Action-oriented, Realistic, Time-based) .

TeleMOVE! – A 90-day in-home messaging program for those who prefer reviewing materials independently with periodic clinician check-ins .

MOVE! Maintenance – Available after completing a 12-week group or 90-day program to reinforce concepts and support long-term weight management .

Be Active and MOVE! – An 8-week virtual group led by a Physical Therapist providing supervised physical activity .

Support Tools

• MOVE! Coach app – Weight management education, exercise trackers, calorie tracking, and stress management tools 

• Annie – VA text messaging service with automated self-care reminders 

Veteran Success Story

Ramon Melendez, a Veteran at the San Juan VA Medical Center, lost over 40 pounds through MOVE!, combining weight management medication with healthy lifestyle changes. “My quality of life is increasing,” he shared. “I can put on my socks and shoes without help, I started playing softball again, I was in size 48 and now I’ve bought pants in size 40.” 

VA Fitness and Exercise Programs

VAFit Program

VAFit is a free, VA-sponsored exercise and wellness program led by experienced physical and occupational therapists . The program offers virtual classes including:

• Seated general fitness

• Strength and conditioning

• Cardiovascular exercise

• Back pain management

• Female Veteran exercise classes 

To participate:

• Get a referral from your primary care provider

• Have access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet 

Additional Exercise Options

• GeroFit – Supervised exercise program for Veterans age 65+ 

• VA2K Walk and Roll – Community events promoting physical activity 

• Yoga classes – Chair, mat, and Yin yoga for all skill levels 

Nutrition Support at VA

Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK)

The Healthy Teaching Kitchen teaches nutrition skills and basic cooking through guided practice . Veterans learn to cook with healthy, minimally processed foods and can attend virtual or in-person classes .

Nutrition Services

VA offers various nutrition support services including :

Evidence Supporting VA’s Health and Wellness Programs

VA’s Whole Health approach is backed by research demonstrating significant benefits :

• Reduced opioid use – Veterans with chronic pain who used Whole Health services had a threefold reduction in opioid use compared to those who did not 

• Improved stress management – Veterans using Whole Health report better ability to manage stress 

• Better chronic condition management – Improvements in high blood pressure, diabetes control, and smoking cessation 

• Weight loss success – Veterans report weight loss as a benefit of Whole Health participation 

• Improved mental health – Better depression and anxiety symptoms 

• Reduced suicidal ideation – Approximately 10% of Whole Health participants reported reduced suicidal ideation 

Common Questions

1. What is VA’s Whole Health program?

Whole Health is VA’s approach to care that centers on what matters to you, not what is the matter with you . It combines conventional medicine with complementary therapies like acupuncture, yoga, and mindfulness, and helps you create a personalized health plan .

2. Who is eligible for VA health and wellness programs?

Most VA health and wellness programs are available to Veterans enrolled in VA health care. However, some services like mental health crisis care and Vet Center counseling are available even if you’re not enrolled . Contact your local VA medical center or call 877-222-8387 to determine your eligibility .

3. How do I start Whole Health services?

Start by completing the Personal Health Inventory, then ask your primary care provider for a Whole Health consult . You can also enroll in an “Intro to Whole Health” class at many VA facilities or download the Whole Health app .

4. Can I get mental health care if I’m not enrolled in VA health care?

Yes. You can use some VA mental health services even if you’re not enrolled . Call or walk in to any VA medical center or Vet Center anytime, day or night . The Veterans Crisis Line is also available 24/7 at 988 (press 1) .

5. What is the MOVE! weight management program?

MOVE! is VA’s comprehensive lifestyle intervention designed to help Veterans manage their health and weight . It offers group classes, at-home programs, and digital tools focused on nutrition, behavioral counseling, and physical activity .

6. Does VA offer complementary therapies like acupuncture?

Yes. VA offers acupuncture for pain management, along with yoga, tai chi, massage therapy, meditation, biofeedback, and other complementary and integrative health services .

7. Can I access VA health services online?

Yes. VA offers Tele Whole Health, telemental health, and VA Video Connect appointments . Digital resources include the Live Whole Health app, Veteran Training portal, and mental health apps .

8. Is there support for caregivers of Veterans?

Yes. VA offers caregiver support through the Caregiver Support Line (855-260-3274), caregiver support coordinators, peer support mentoring, and Coaching into Care for family members who want to help a loved one seek treatment .

9. How do I find VA wellness programs near me?

Contact your local VA medical center, use the VA facility locator at VA.gov, or ask your primary care provider about wellness programs in your area . Many programs are also available virtually .

10. What happens if I’m in crisis?

Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988 (press 1), text 838255, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net . You can also call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care for crisis support .

11. Can I get help with nutrition and cooking?

Yes. VA offers the Healthy Teaching Kitchen program, one-on-one nutrition counseling with Registered Dietitians, and group nutrition classes . Topics include general healthy eating, diabetes management, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and women’s health nutrition .

12. What exercise programs does VA offer?

VA offers VAFit (free virtual exercise classes), GeroFit (for Veterans 65+), yoga classes, tai chi, and the VA2K Walk and Roll events . A referral from your primary care provider is required for some programs .

Key Takeaways

• VA’s Whole Health approach centers care around what matters to you, offering personalized health plans combining conventional and complementary therapies .

• Over 1.7 million Veterans received mental health services at VA last year, with services available even to those not enrolled in VA health care .

• Whole Health services have shown a threefold reduction in opioid use among Veterans with chronic pain .

• The Veterans Crisis Line (988, press 1) provides confidential crisis support 24/7, and you don’t need to be enrolled in VA health care .

• MOVE! is VA’s evidence-based weight management program offering group classes, at-home programs, and digital tools .

• VA offers complementary therapies including acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation, and biofeedback .

• Digital resources include the Live Whole Health app, Tele Whole Health, and the Veteran Training self-help portal .

• Caregiver support is available through the Caregiver Support Line (855-260-3274) and Coaching into Care .

Official Resources

• VA Whole Health: va.gov/wholehealth

• VA Mental Health Services: va.gov/health-care/health-needs-conditions/mental-health

• Veterans Crisis Line: veteranscrisisline.net – 988 (press 1), text 838255

• MOVE! Weight Management Program: move.va.gov

• Vet Center Locator: vetcenter.va.gov

• VA Health and Wellness: va.gov/health-care/wellness-programs

• Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274