VHA Whole Health Services and Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies: a Gateway to Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatment

Examining the Veterans Health Administration whole health model of care within the context of posttraumatic stress disorder.

“…Whole Health may also serve as an introductory and less-intensive gateway into the VA system of care (cf. Etingen et al, 2023). For example, stepped care approaches invite the patient to initiate care using the least intensive and least burdensome treatments available (Bair et al, 2015; Kroenke et al, 2013).…”

“…Moreover, patients may find the treatments themselves difficult to manage emotionally, thus leading to dropout (Hundt et al, 2020). Recent literature shows that Whole Health use among individuals with PTSD is associated with subsequent engagement in evidence-based psychotherapy (Etingen et al, 2023). This pathway from VA Whole Health to more traditional evidence-based PTSD care may result from self-empowerment through autonomy and self-efficacy, recognition and prioritization of their health goals, the experience of improvements in wellness, and engagement in less-intensive care that attenuates anxiety associated with beginning more intensive treatment.…”