Intensive Treatment Program

In January 2016, UCLA Health and Operation Mend launched an intensive, structured treatment program for service members/veterans who have suffered service-related mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The six-week program begins with three weeks on the UCLA campus and is designed for patients who require more than regular outpatient care as part of their treatment plan.

Prior to referral into the program, potential participants will spend two-to-five days at UCLA consulting with a multidisciplinary team of TBI and PTSD specialists to ensure the intensive program is the most appropriate treatment option.

Participants in the program will receive the personalized care for which UCLA Operation Mend is known. All care, travel and accommodations are arranged for and provided at no cost to Operation Mend patients and their families. In addition, patients and family members will be picked up at the gate of the airplane upon arrival and transported to and from their hotel and all activities and appointments. Following the onsite three-week program, participants will take part in an additional three weeks of provider-facilitated peer-to-peer support via telehealth to continue refining skills and building community.

Our three-week intensive clinical program onsite is designed to provide support, education, healing and wellness, and includes:

• Evidence-informed treatments for PTSD and TBI
• Comprehensive evaluation
• Customized treatment plan
• Daily wellness program
• Healing arts therapy
• Life tools sessions
• Caregiver support groups
• Patient support groups
• Social activities

UCLA Operation Mend Intensive Treatment Program Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible?
2. Are family members included?
3. How much does it cost?
4. What will be the plan for care?
5. What is the telehealth follow-up program?
6. What happens after the program?
7. How do I start?
8. Does Operation Mend still provide reconstructive surgery and other subspecialty medical care?

1. Who is eligible?
   We welcome military service members/veterans with symptoms related to or who have received a diagnosis of TBI and/or PTSD, and who qualify for eligibility in accordance with the current guidelines for UCLA Operation Mend program participants. After an initial evaluation, our team will determine if the intensive treatment program meets an individual’s needs.
2. Are family members included?
   Our intensive program is a family-focused approach to treatment. Family members are included as participants in our program.
3. How much does it cost?
   All expenses, including travel and housing at UCLA, will be provided at no cost to qualified service members/veterans and participating family members.
4. What will be the plan for care?
   Each participant in the intensive clinical care program will receive a customized treatment plan.
5. What is the telehealth follow-up program?
   Following the three-week intensive program onsite, participants will also receive an additional three weeks of provider-facilitated peer-to-peer support via telehealth to continue refining skills and building community.
6. What happens after the program?
   A social worker or caseworker will help with follow-up services.
7. How do I start?
   Please call (310) 267-2251.
8. Does Operation Mend still provide reconstructive surgery and other subspecialty medical care?
   Absolutely! We continue to provide reconstructive surgery and other subspecialty medical care along with social and psychological support at no cost to the patient. Call (310) 267-2110.

 About Warrior Care Network™ (WCN)

 

Warrior Care Network™ is a groundbreaking collaboration between Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) and its academic medical center partners, Emory Healthcare, Massachusetts General Hospital, Rush University Medical Center, and UCLA Health, to create a nationwide, comprehensive care network that will enhance access and provide clinical and familycentered treatment to warriors suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other related conditions. WCN will offer specialized clinical services through either a regionalized Outpatient Program (OP) and/or an innovative Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP). Through this cutting-edge initiative, WWP and its partners plan to serve thousands of wounded veterans and family members over the next three years.