Acadia Healthcare Creates Specialized Programs for Military Members and Veterans
Military service members and veterans face unique mental health challenges stemming from their service experiences. Recognizing this distinct population’s needs, Acadia Healthcare has developed specialized programs and resources specifically designed to support those who have served our nation and their families.
The Service Resiliency Unit: A Dedicated Resource
At the heart of Acadia Healthcare’s military-focused initiatives is the Service Resiliency Unit (SRU), a specialized team dedicated to connecting active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their dependents with appropriate behavioral health treatment options.
“The transition from military to civilian life can present significant challenges,” explains Michael Torres, a veterans’ mental health advocate. “Having a dedicated team that understands the military culture can make all the difference in helping service members access appropriate care.”
The SRU team serves as a crucial bridge between those needing help and the treatment facilities best equipped to provide it. They handle every aspect of the process, from collecting clinical documentation and verifying insurance coverage to identifying appropriate treatment providers and preparing for successful admissions.
This centralized referral process simplifies what can otherwise be an overwhelming experience for individuals already struggling with mental health or substance use disorders. By removing barriers to entry, Acadia Healthcare ensures that those who have served our country can access the care they need without unnecessary delays.
Strategic Placement of SRU Liaisons
Acadia has thoughtfully positioned SRU liaisons throughout the United States, particularly near military installations and in communities with significant veteran populations. This strategic placement ensures that the team is ready to identify trusted providers closest to each military member, veteran, or family member seeking care.
These liaisons serve as local experts, maintaining relationships with military units, veterans’ organizations, and community resources. Their on-the-ground presence allows them to stay attuned to the specific needs of military communities in their regions and connect patients with the most suitable treatment options.
“Having representatives who are physically present in military communities helps build trust,” notes former military psychologist Dr. James Wilson. “Service members often hesitate to seek help, but seeing Acadia Healthcare representatives actively engaged with their community can help reduce stigma and encourage treatment-seeking.”
Trauma-Informed Treatment Approaches
Many veterans and active-duty personnel have experienced trauma, whether from combat, training accidents, sexual assault, or other service-related events. Recognizing this reality, Acadia Healthcare facilities offering specialized military programs employ trauma-informed care approaches tailored to address these experiences.
Treatment programs often include evidence-based therapies specifically developed for military-related trauma, such as:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
“What makes these programs effective is their explicit recognition of military culture and experiences,” explains clinical psychologist Dr. Sarah Chen. “Therapists working with this population receive specialized training in military terminology, rank structure, and service-specific stressors that civilian providers might not fully grasp.”
This cultural competence extends beyond clinical interventions to the entire treatment environment. Many Acadia facilities employ veterans on their staff, creating an atmosphere where service members feel understood without having to explain military contexts or experiences.
Addressing Co-Occurring Disorders
For many veterans and service members, mental health challenges often accompany substance use disorders. The phenomenon of “self-medication” – using alcohol or drugs to cope with symptoms of PTSD, depression, or anxiety – is common in this population.
Acadia Healthcare’s military-focused programs are designed to address these co-occurring disorders simultaneously, rather than treating them as separate issues. This integrated approach recognizes that substance use and mental health conditions often fuel each other and require comprehensive treatment.
“One of the strengths of Acadia’s approach is their recognition that you can’t effectively treat PTSD while ignoring a drinking problem, or address substance use without considering underlying trauma,” notes veteran peer support specialist Marcus Johnson. “Their programs tackle both issues together, which gives veterans a much better chance at sustainable recovery.”
Continued Support After Treatment
Recognizing that recovery extends beyond the initial treatment period, Acadia Healthcare’s SRU liaisons remain engaged with patients throughout the process and help coordinate aftercare planning.
This ongoing support might include connecting veterans with local VA resources, outpatient providers, peer support groups, or other community organizations that can provide continued assistance. For those requiring a transition to a different level of care, the SRU team helps ensure a smooth handoff between providers.
“The transition back to everyday life after intensive treatment can be challenging,” says military family therapist Amanda Garcia. “Having dedicated professionals who can help navigate that transition and ensure continued support makes a tremendous difference in long-term outcomes.”
Through its specialized programs and dedicated Service Resiliency Unit, Acadia Healthcare demonstrates a deep commitment to serving those who have served our nation, providing them with the specialized care they need to heal from the invisible wounds of military service.
