The transition from military combat to civilian life brings profound physical and emotional shifts. For post-9/11 combat-injured veterans, true rehabilitation requires a holistic approach that mends both the body and the mind.
While the Catch A Lift Fund (CAL) has revolutionized veteran recovery through the power of physical fitness, their mission recognizes that a healthy physique is only half the battle. Through strategic mental health initiatives and resources like BetterHelp, CAL ensures their Veteran Members have the professional psychological support required to heal from the invisible wounds of war.
The Role of BetterHelp in CAL’s Ecosystem
As the world’s largest online therapy platform, BetterHelp serves as a vital tool in a veteran’s mental health toolkit. By removing traditional barriers to mental health care—such as long travel times, clinical waiting lists, and the stigma of walking into a physical clinic—BetterHelp makes professional therapy readily available from a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
Key Features of BetterHelp for Veterans:
- Diverse Formats: Veterans can connect with therapists via text, live chat, phone calls, or video sessions based on their comfort level.
- Specialized Care: BetterHelp’s vast network includes licensed, accredited professionals (LCSWs, LMFTs, PhDs) experienced in dealing with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and civilian reintegration.
- Convenience & Privacy: Therapy can happen anywhere, making it easier for veterans managing physical disabilities, tight schedules, or social anxiety to get help.
How CAL Offers BetterHelp to Its Members
Catch A Lift views fitness as a gateway to broader emotional healing. Mental health resources like BetterHelp are seamlessly integrated into CAL’s comprehensive Wellness Program, ensuring veterans treat their minds with the same dedication they give their bodies.
1. Inclusion in the “Wellness Toolbox”
When a combat-injured veteran is accepted into the CAL program, they gain immediate lifetime access to the CAL Wellness Program. Alongside physical coaching, veterans are introduced to mental health resources. BetterHelp acts as an accessible, specialized digital avenue for those who need professional counseling outside of peer mentorship.
2. Bridging the Gap in Veteran Care
Veterans often face frustrating bureaucratic delays or rigid structures when seeking mental health care through traditional channels. By providing information on and access to flexible telehealth platforms like BetterHelp, CAL empowers veterans to take immediate, autonomous control of their mental health journey without waiting on external approvals.
3. Complementing “Iron Therapy”
CAL veteran coaches—many of whom are veterans themselves—monitor their peers’ progress and mental well-being. When a member needs support that goes beyond diet and exercise, coaches can guide them toward structured therapy platforms like BetterHelp. Combining physical exertion (“iron therapy”) with professional cognitive behavioral therapy creates a highly effective, dual-pronged approach to overcoming trauma.
Please contact our Veteran Services Manager, Lisa Turner, LCSW-C, LTurner@catchaliftfund.com, with any questions about BetterHelp.