Family cohesion, PTSD, help-seeking, stigma reduction
Developed in collaboration with the Veterans Affairs of NY/NJ and adopted by more than five states, many non-profits, and VA/DoD entities, this evidence-based online solution drives sustainable changes in behaviors that support help-seeking, family cohesion, and stigma reduction.
TOPICS
TOPICS
Family cohesion, PTSD, help-seeking, stigma reduction
USERS
Military families and caregivers
USERS
Military families and caregivers
SETTING
Home, military units, Veterans Service Organizations
SETTING
Home, military units, Veterans Service Organizations
DURATION
60
minutes
DURATION
60
minutes
Product Walkthrough
A Veteran’s Return
Users meet their virtual coach and three virtual military families that will be the focus of the simulation’s conversation challenges. Users learn how expectations for post-deployment life sometimes don’t match reality.
Post-Deployment Stress
Users learn about warning signs of stress, when to be concerned, and how to act on concerns. The three virtual families share the stresses they felt following deployment. Users are then prompted to reflect upon signs of post-deployment stress they may have noticed in their veteran.
Conversation Challenge: Dave and Cindy
Users take on the role of Cindy as she speaks with her husband. He is experiencing PTSD and mild TBI and is very upset because of a misunderstanding with Cindy. Users practice how to de-escalating an argument and seek a respectful compromise.
Conversation Challenge: Terry and Alicia
Users assume the role of Terry as he talks to his wife Alicia, a member of the Army Reserves, who has been having a hard time reconnecting with her kids and returning to a civilian career. Users practice renegotiating family responsibilities and collaborating on solutions for problems.
Conversation Challenge: Chris and Silvia
Users assume the role of Silvia as she talks to her son, Chris, who recently left the Marines. He’s been isolating himself, drinking heavily, and acting recklessly. Users practice bringing up concerns, gathering information, and making a referral to mental health services.
Conclusion
Each virtual family shares how things have changed following the conversation challenges and how they’re overcoming their post-deployment challenges. The virtual coach emphasizes that the techniques users have learned can help them and their veterans transition to post-deployment life.
Local and National Resources
Throughout the simulation, users have access to a printable summary of best practices and a list of specific military and mental health resources available nationally and in their area. Kognito builds this list as a web page and customizes it for each client.
Program Evaluation and Usage Reports
The simulation is available online 24/7. Users are asked to complete a post-survey to assess changes in skills, attitudes, and behavior. Clients can access usage reports and evaluation data via the Kognito client portal.
Product Resources
Evidence-based
This simulation is listed in SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP).