As a national leader in suicide prevention and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, the Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans (STRIVE) has moved its programs and research to the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Founded in Utah by program director Craig Bryan, PsyD, ABBP, STRIVE has plans to expand its programs to diverse and underserved populations across the country.

Among STRIVE’s successes is a two-week R&R intensive treatment program for veterans with PTSD. Since its start in 2013, the program has helped more than 75% of participating veterans resolve the effects of PTSD by the end of the two-week program. More than half of the participants maintain improvements when re-evaluated six months later. During the COVID-19 pandemic, participation takes place via telehealth.

Dr. Bryan thinks a key to the program’s success is that its concentrated format is uninterrupted by responsibilities and distractions of everyday life. Participants are more likely to stick with the program, as they meet virtually with clinicians every morning for cognitive processing therapy for PTSD. They have afternoons free to pursue their own activities and work on newly acquired skills.

“With this trauma-focused therapy, we go right to thought processes and emotions of a person’s trauma,” Dr. Bryan says.

The program is supported by a grant from the Boeing Company, so there is no fee for participants. Those interested are evaluated and, if accepted, start the program with little or no delay. Dr. Bryan hopes to accept 100 to 150 veterans into the program annually.

As a retired military veteran myself, I am honored to bring the STRIVE to the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to provide innovative treatment that helps people rediscover and create a meaningful purpose for their lives. We feel privileged to work with those who have a heart for service themselves, and we invite you to learn more about STRIVE and how we can support you or someone close to you who might need assistance.