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VA Healthcare Network Upstate New York - VISN 2
Women Veterans Residential Program – A Place of Healing for Women Veterans
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VA Western New York Healthcare System at Batavia
222 Richmond Ave., Batavia, NY 14020
(877) 705-5860
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Trauma
Some women have experiences
that hurt them and continue to bother
them for some time. If these experiences
are particularly painful and traumatic,
the woman might experience depression,
anxiety, and/or substance use. However,
recovery is possible. Trauma specialists,
as well as support from other women
with similar experiences can make a
tremendous difference in healing.
The Program
The Women’s Residential Program
(WRP) provides state-of-the art treatment
for women veterans who have
experienced military-sexual and/or
combat trauma. The all-female in-house
treatment team includes a psychologist,
social worker, and social service assistants.
The team works closely with other
VA clinicians and makes referrals to Vet
Centers, veterans’ organizations, and
other federal, state, and local agencies
to ensure that the needs of the female
veteran are met. The program is a drug
and alcohol-free environment.
Location
The WRP is located in a six bed, residential-style house on the
grounds of the Batavia VA. Staff and residents have the entire house to
themselves, providing a warm and quiet atmosphere. Meals are provided
and the house also has a full kitchen for the residents’ use. The beautiful
and spacious grounds contribute to a renewed sense of personal safety
and security. The veteran and her family are treated with respect and
understanding. This type of support helps the veteran share how trauma
has affected her and her family.
Treatment Options
Veterans in the WRP receive a complete clinical assessment of their
trauma. Treatment is tailored to each person’s needs. This treatment might
include: individual psychotherapy, family and group therapies, skills
building, recreation, and medication management. There are also classes
in relaxation, assertiveness, anger management, family and relationship
issues, parenting, and the effects of trauma
on the body.
Staff guides veterans in treatment
to use other VA services that may help
in their treatment, such as: vocational
rehabilitation, substance abuse, weight
management, smoking cessation, pain
management, and medical primary care.
The WRP offers both residential and
outpatient care. The veteran and her health
care team work together to find the most
appropriate level of care.
Residential Program
The residential program provides treatment for women who need
to understand their trauma, stabilize their symptoms, develop skills for
day-to-day life and relationships, and/or work through trauma-related
memories and thoughts. Depending on the needs and goals of the
veteran, the program can range from five days up to 70 days. There are
structured daily activities, individual therapy, and group therapy.
Outpatient
The WRP also has an outpatient program that offers individual
and group therapy sessions. Treatment is tailored to the specific needs
of the veteran in areas such as: education, psychotherapy, medication
management, and/or individual therapy.
What to Expect
The WRP helps women veterans develop the skills they need
to re-build and maintain a healthy life. Through education and group
therapy, the women learn how trauma has impacted their lives.
In group therapy, women share their feelings and receive honest,
supportive feedback. They provide the same feedback to the other
members of the group.
The small, safe, and warm environment helps the women feel
more comfortable in a group setting. Skill building activities help them
learn to share life experiences and manage stress without going back
to unhealthy behaviors, such as over/under eating, alcohol or other
drug use. The women work closely with their treatment coordinator
to design a program that will help them continue to progress after they
leave.
The program cannot fix all of the problems a veteran may have.
However, it provides ways to deal with these problems, and helps
veterans move forward in recovery.
Things to Know
- You should bring all of your medication
with you. Medication management
is supervised by staff; however,
you are responsible for taking it
yourself. Clinicians may recommend
medication evaluation and/or adjustments
when needed.
- We recommend bringing casual
clothing. There are free laundry
facilities in the building and linens,
towels, and washcloths are provided.
- Three daily meals are provided. You
are responsible for your own snacks,
treats, or sodas.
- You should also bring your own
toiletries, stationery, envelopes,
stamps, phone cards, and cigarettes.
Bedside phones are provided for local
calls. A lock and key are also provided
to secure valuables. VA is not
responsible for lost or stolen items.
- The facility is handicapped accessible.
Travel
Reimbursement for travel is based on VA regulations and rates.
However, it may be less than incurred expenses. Parking is available
on VA grounds at no charge.
Questions about the
Women’s Residential Program
can be directed to the
program assistant at
(585) 297-1200
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| Reviewed/Updated Date: December 3, 2007 |
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