#260: Benefits Breakdown, VA Mobile Apps

Borne the Battle

This week's Borne the Battle – a benefits breakdown – features VA Mobile Mental Health Apps, which provides free tools and information to support and help Veterans manage PTSD-related symptoms and stress, learn mindfulness practices, aim to reduce suicide risk and strengthen parenting skills. The apps were designed to meet the needs of Veterans; they are free, easy to download, and are available via VA App Store, Google Play and Apple App Store.

According to the 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, some hopeful data shows that 399 fewer Veterans died from suicide in 2019 than in 2018, reflecting the lowest raw count of Veteran suicides since 2007.

Navy and OIF Veteran Tim Avery, PsyD, is a clinical psychologist and readjustment counselor at the Peninsula Vet Center. These statistics are the reason why Avery’s work is so vital. In this episode of Borne the Battle, Avery answers these questions and more:

• How are the apps developed?
• How can Veterans access these apps via VA App Store/Google Play/App Store?
• How have these apps helped Veterans?
• What training is required to use these apps effectively?

The VA Mobile Mental Health Apps are available to and beneficial for all family members of Veterans as well. Avery delves into how apps such as Couples Coach and PTSD Family Coach provide a great source of information that can help enhance communication and improve relationships.

Having access to effective mental health care resources is important to improving quality of life after service. If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is experiencing a mental health crisis, call VA’s Veterans Crisis Line for immediate assistance. People like Avery are working for and alongside VA, and are committed to providing mental health care for all Veterans and their families, 24/7, and are ready to help at a moment’s notice.

Borne the Battle Veteran of the Week:

• Navy Veteran Michael Edwin Thornton

Additional Links:

• Borne the Battle #247: Irreverent Warriors
• VA Mobile Mental Health Apps Playlist
• National Center for PTSD Apps
• Digital Safety Plan YouTube introduction
• Vet Centers (Readjustment Counselling Services)
• Tech into Care site
• Millions in adaptive sports grants help disabled Veterans with rehabilitation goals
• VA improves quality of care for Veterans diagnosed with ALS