VIP Boot Camp: Expanding the Impact of VA Primary Care Mental Health With a Transdiagnostic Modular Group Program.

BACKGROUND

Veterans' Intensive Primary Care Mental Health Integration (PCMHI) (VIP) Boot Camp is an evidence-informed group psychotherapy program that provides comprehensive mental health treatment to veterans. Launched in 2022, VIP Boot Camp uses a rolling, modular stepped-care model to address common challenges faced by veterans: sleep difficulties, chronic pain, and emotion regulation.

OBSERVATIONS: The program aims to improve access to mental health treatment and reduce wait times by increasing the number of veterans treated within the PCMHI program and reducing reliance on specialty and higher-level mental health services. Beginning within the Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISN) 9 Clinical Resource Hub, VIP Boot Camp has expanded to 8 virtual VISN 9 Boot Camps, with plans for continued growth. A 3-day intensive education program trains clinicians to launch a VIP Boot Camp. To date, PCMHI clinicians have been trained in 3 additional VISNs.

CONCLUSIONS

VIP Boot Camp addresses interconnections among multiple presenting issues, veteran empowerment, social group engagement, and a holistic transdiagnostic approach. A training program helps health care professionals establish a VIP Boot Camp. This model of integrative mental health treatment in PCMHI offers benefits to veterans, clinicians, and the Veterans Health Administration system.