THE BULLDOG Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center Health Education Catalog
Start your Whole Health journey today with Introduction to Whole Health class pg. 10 Grupo de Terapia Cognitiva Conductal para Depresión y Ansiedad (Spanish Speaking Therapy Group) pg. 25
FALL 2024 | V.1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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VA Clinics 05
Vaccination Information 06
Important Numbers
Veterans Care Resources 07
The Circle of Health 08
Whole Health and Wellness 10
Moving the Body 12
Tai Chi for Better Balance 13
Healthy Cooking 14
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16 Diabetes Resources
Weight Management
19 Home Telehealth/ Sleep
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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
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Hematology/Oncology
Quitting Tobacco
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23 Stay Safe During a Mental Health Crisis
Stress Management and Relaxation
24 Mental Health
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PTSD
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Substance Abuse
Harm Reduction
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Women’s Health
Intimate Partner Violence Assistant Program
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Caregiver Support
LGBTQ
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Peer Support and Social Resources
Creative Arts and Humanities
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Memory and Concentration
Speech Pathology
42 Veteran Social Connection
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Important Numbers
Main Phone 562-826-8000
Toll Free 888-769-8687
Press ‘ 0 ’ for the operator
Urgent Mental Health Ext. 1-2304 Bldg. 2, rm. N159 Walk-in 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday
Primary Care Appointments Ext. 1-5151
Pharmacy Ext. 1-5503
Nurse Advice Hotline (Available 24/7) 877-252-4866
VA Information 800-MyVA411 (800-698-2411)
VA CLINIC LOCATIONS For more information or to get directions, visit our location page on our website.
Cabrillo
Gardena
Laguna Hills
Main phone: 562-826-8414 VA health connect: 877-252-4866 Mental health care: 562-826-5603
Main phone: 310-851-4705 VA health connect: 877-252-4866
Santa Fe Springs Main phone: 562-347-2200 VA health connect: 877-252-4866 Mental health care: 562-347-2234 Main phone: 949-587-3700 VA health connect: 877-252-4866 Mental health care: 949-587-3717
Placentia
Santa Ana
Main phone: 714-223-6000 VA health connect: 877-252-4866 Mental health care: 714-223-6067
Main phone: 714-434-4600 VA health connect: 877-252-4866 Mental health care: 714-434-4640
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines Flu and COVID-19 shots free to enrolled Veterans. Appointments preferred. Please call 562-826-5151 from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM to schedule or ask for a flu shot at your next appointment. Flu vaccines are available at VA Long Beach in most clinics and all Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs). VACCINATION INFORMATION Vaccination information listed is subject to change. 06
Vaccination Center Appointments and drop-ins welcome for flu and COVID-19 shots
Location: VA Long Beach, Building 164, 3rd Floor, Conference Room 328 Hours: Open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM Closed for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00 PM daily. Closed Federal holidays. Closed weekends. VA is offering the updated COVID-19 vaccine to enrolled Veterans at: Long Beach: Vaccination Center, Primary Care, Spinal Cord Injury, & Specialty Clinic All Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) in limited supply
Yes, it is safe to get both the flu and COVID-19 shots at the same time.
Enrolled Veterans Can Also Get Free Flu and COVID-19 shots in the Community Please visit In-network locations and billing for more information
VETERANS CARE RESOURCES
VA Long Beach Healthcare System Health and Wellness Resource Center
Explore our libraries for trusted, easy-to-understand health and wellness education.
VA Video Connect Used for video appointments with VA providers on any device with internet. 24/7 Help Desk 866-651-3180 Tips for VA Video Connect
Patient Advocate Have a compliment, suggestion, or complaint? Email: VHALON Patient Advocate Office
Our Patients Are Important We want to improve, and you can help. You may receive a survey asking you about your visit. Please complete the survey. We will use your feedback to make improvements.
My HealtheVet
Refill prescriptions, see appointments, securely email providers, and view personal health records! Ask your provider for My HealtheVet Premium or enroll with IDme.com or DS Logon
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The Circle of Health Look for these areas throughout the Bulldog
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The Whole Health Approach is the VA’s approach to care that supports health and well- being. It centers around what matters to the individual, emphasizing personal health planning, empowerment, and seamless care by transdisciplinary teams. The Whole Health Approach
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Whole Health and Wellness
Introduction to Whole Health
Virtual/VA Video Connect 1st Monday 2:30-4:00 p.m. 2nd Friday 9:00-10:30 a.m. 4th Tuesday 10:00-11:30 a.m. In-Person 1st Wednesday 10:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. 3rd Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Learn more about VA’s Whole Health approach to Veteran care and how you can get started on your Whole Health journey at VA Long Beach.
Check out the free Live Whole Health App
Individual Health & Wellness Coaching
VA Video Connect or In-person At VA Long Beach
What matters most to you? Complete the Personal Health Inventory and develop an individualized Personal Health Plan to become a healthier you!
Date/time varies
Taking Charge of my Life and Health
Virtual/VA Video Connect Co-ed: Wednesdays1:00-2:30 p.m. Women's: Thursdays 10:30-12:00 p.m. In-Person Co-ed: Mondays 10:30 a.m. -12:00p.m.
A 6-week group focused on exploring what matters most to you in your life, setting goals, and developing a personal health plan to achieve your goals.
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Whole Health at the Veterans Resource Center
In-person, same-day services Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Veterans Resource Center Building 165, Room C-108 or call 562-826-8000 ext. 1-8670
Whole Health Staff are available to provide same-day education on Whole Health and connect Veterans with resources.
Gateway to Healthy Living
1st Thursday, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Gateway focuses on what is most important to you, skills to manage roadblocks, change routines, commit to changes, and create realistic goals.
To enroll: call Dr. Ung 562-826-8189 or call in! 1-404-397-1596 Entry Code: 1991681871#
OVING THE BODY M Yoga for Chronic Coditions 60-minute classes for Veterans learning and practicing gentle yoga. To enroll request consult from Primary Care team.
Monday 08:30 a.m. Tuesday 01:00 p.m.
Virtual (VA Video Connect)
Managing Chronic Conditions
Managing Chronic Conditions Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation Stress and Pain Management
Virtual (VA Video Connect) 02:30 p.m. Virtual (VA Video Connect) 03:00 p.m. Bldg. 150, Rm. U200
Wednesday
Chair Yoga
01:00 p.m. Virtual (VA Video Connect) 03:00 p.m. Virtual (VA Video Connect)
Managing Chronic Conditions
Thursday
Yoga Nidra Guided Meditation Managing Chronic Conditions Stress and Pain Management
01:30 p.m. Virtual (VA Video Connect) 03:00 p.m. Virtual (VA Video Connect) 03:00 p.m. Bldg. 150, rm. U200
Friday
Sleep Management
08:30 a.m. Bldg. 150, rm. U200 09:00 a.m. Virtual (VA Video Connect)
Managing Chronic Conditions
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Tai Chi for Better Balance Mondays 3:00 - 4:00 PM Thursdays 9:00 AM -10:00 AM
For Veterans interested in Tai Chi.
To enroll ask any provider to place a consult for Pain Management and Rehabilitation for Tai Chi
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Healthy Cooking
Virtual Healthy Teaching Kitchen
VA Video Connect
Join us for a VA Video Connect hands-on cooking class! Increase your skills in the kitchen while learning to making healthy meals.
To enroll : Call Nutrition Dept. 562-826-8000 ext. 1-2045
For more information, contact: Kristen Wood, MS, RD
Free Healthy Recipes from VA Healthy Teaching Kitchen Visit the Healthy Teaching Kitchen YouTube Channel for video recipes.
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Weight Management
MOVE! Weight Management – Introduction
VA Video Connect Dates and times vary
For Veterans wanting to lose weight. This class is required before the 7- week program listed below.
To enroll : call (562) 826-8000 ext. 1-6571
MOVE! Weight Management Class
VA Video Connect Dates and times vary, one class per week, 7-weeks
For Veterans wanting to lose weight. Please take Move! Weight Management-Introduction before enrolling in this class.
To enroll : call 562-826-8000 ext. 1-6571
MOVE! Coach Free VA App
Diabetes Resouces Living Low Carb Class Virtual Class: First two Mondays of the month* 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
In-Person Class : First Monday of the month*1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Bldg. 164, Room 228
For healthier eating habits, weight loss or to lower blood sugar and triglycerides. Learn to identify and count carbs and use better choices for high carb items. Taught by a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner. Diabetes Prevention Class Virtual Class: 3rd and 4th Monday of the month* 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. In-Person Class: Third Monday of the month* 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Bldg. 164, Room 228 For Veterans with Pre-Diabetes. Includes your diabetes related blood tests and proven ways to prevent or at least delay getting Type 2 Diabetes. Taught by a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner. Required to enroll for Living Low Carb, Diabetes Prevention, and/or Diabetes Basic Training with please call 562-826- 8000 ext. 1-3795
*dates may vary due to holidays, etc.
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Diabetes Basic Training Class Virtual/VA Video Connect
For Veterans with Diabetes. Includes your diabetes related blood tests, what to eat, when to move, and how to take pills and insulin to lower your sugar. Taught by a Diabetes Nurse Practitioner.
First four Tuesdays of the month* 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
In-Person 1st Tuesday of the month* 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Required to enroll for Living Low Carb, Diabetes Prevention, and/or Diabetes Basic Training with please call 562-826-8000 ext. 1-3795 Diabetes Wellness Group VA Video Connect Days/Times vary
Managing difficulty with motivation for lifestyle changes, and distress that is common among people who have diabetes.
To enroll : Ask provider for consult or call Dr. Sonika Ung at 562-826-8189.
Nutrition: Diabetes Prevention Class VA Video Connect 3rd Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m.
For Veterans with prediabetes and/or are trying to prevent progression to diagnosed diabetes. Includes education on healthy lifestyle such as healthy eating, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, and increasing physical activity. For Veterans with diabetes lead by a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist. Includes education on managing glucose through nutrition and activity while still enjoying your favorite foods
To enroll : Please ask your provider to place a Nutrition Outpatient consult
Eating with Diabetes Class VA Video Connect 1st Friday of the month at 10:00 a.m.
To enroll : Please ask your provider to place a Nutrition Outpatient consult
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Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Nutrition and Lifestyle Management of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) or Fatty Liver Class taught by Johnathon Primmer
VA Video Connect 1st and 3rd Monday 1:00 p.m.
To enroll : Please ask your provider to place a Nutrition Outpatient consult
Veterans with MASLD (previously known as Fatty Liver). This class will cover how to change and develop long lasting nutrition habits that will help manage, mitigate symptoms and disease progression.
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Home Telehealth
Sleep
Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) VA Video Connect Dates/times of group appointments vary To enroll : By consult only. Please contact your provider.
This is a 6-week group therapy to manage insomnia.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Adherence Group
VA Video Connect Tuesdays 3:30 – 4:45 PM Thursdays 10:30-11:45 AM
Home Telehealth Dates/times vary
To enroll : By consult only. Request Medical or MH Provider place the CPAP/PAP-SA (outpt).
To enroll : ask for Primary Care team
This is a 7-week group designed to support more effective use of CPAP therapy.
Accessible with phone or internet
From the comfort of your home, check blood pressure, blood sugar, or weight and send in your information. Receive support and information to help you manage your health in real time!
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Hematology/Oncology
Women's Virtual Coping with Cancer Support Group Open to Women Veterans newly diagnosed, undergoing cancer treatment and survivors of cancer VA Video Connect Tuesdays 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
To enroll : Ask your provider to contact Emily Faustini, LCSW or Lauren Wakabayashi, Psy.D.
Veterans Coping with Cancer Support Group
VA Video Connect Thursdays 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Open to all Veterans with a diagnosis of cancer (including those in remission), where focus is on emotional adjustment to different phases of illness.
To enroll : Ask your provider to contact Emily Faustini, LCSW or Lauren Wakabayashi, Psy.D.
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Quitting Tobacco
Tobacco Cessation Group
VA Video Connect Wednesdays 9:30-10:30 a.m.
A six-week group for Veterans interested in quitting tobacco. Held every other month.
To enroll : ask your provider to place a Pharmacy: Tobacco Cessation consult or call 562-826-8000 ext. 1-3841
Quitting Tobacco by Phone, Text, and Online Visit Smoke Free for information on how to quit and staying quit.
Quit VET: Free telephone smoking quitline 1-855-784- 8838
Smokefree for Veterans: Text VET to 47848 from mobile phone
Visit the Public Health website for Tips to Quit
Stay Quit Coach
quitSTART
& STRESS MANAGEMENT RELAXATION Stress Management and Relaxation Group
VA Video Connect Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
6- weeks long. For Veterans seeking ideas and help with stress management and relaxation. Now that we are virtual, Veterans from any VA Long Beach location can enroll!
To enroll : request consult from provider or call Dr. Sonika Ung at 562-826-8189
Mindfulness Coach App
Mantram Repetition for Rapid Relaxation (Long Beach)
Tuesdays (times vary)
To enroll : Ask provider to place a consult
6-weeks long. For Veterans to learn a technique to calm the mind, reduce unwanted emotions.
For more information call Gina DeOcampo, RN CCM at 562-826-5527
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Stay Safe During a Mental Health Crisis
During a crisis, it can be hard to think clearly. If you ever experience suicidal thoughts, having a Safety Plan can help keep you safe. Safety Plan
The Safety Plan app is for anyone who has experienced suicidal thoughts. The app helps you identify personal coping strategies and sources of support – giving suicidal thoughts time to decrease and become more manageable.
With Safety Plan you can: Create a custom step-by-step action plan to keep yourself safe during a crisis Make a list of your own personal reasons to live (and add photo and video reminders!) Try different coping strategies when you feel like you're heading towards a crisis Access crisis support resources, like the Veterans Crisis Line Track your mood and other mental health symptoms Set personal goals and track your progress
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Mental Health
Coping Skills Bridge Group
In Person Tuesdays 9:00 a.m. 12 weeks, Bldg. 128, Rm. A227
For Veterans who could benefit from coping skills in a supportive group therapy
setting while awaiting mental health consult appointments.
To enroll : Healthcare provider add Dr. Heather Nelson to note
No appointment reminders are sent for this group
BHIP Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group For Veterans currently in
VA Video Connect Fridays 8:00 – 10:50 a.m. 10 weeks long, 1 all day session To enroll : ask your Mental Health Provider to place a BHIP Psychotherapy Consult for “BHIP MBSR group with Dr. Fayazmanesh”
treatment in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic only. An intensive, experiential introduction to mindfulness meditation. Requires a commitment to attend all sessions and to practice mindfulness meditation for 45-60 minutes daily.
Mental Health Pathways Recovery Center Specialty Program for Veterans
Monday-Friday 09:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Bldg. 128, Room L209
with Serious Mental Illness. Individual counseling and 21 groups are offered weekly. Most Veterans attend 2-3 days per week, but time spent varies.
To enroll : Ask your provider for a consult
Call 562-826-8000 ext. 1-5602 for more information
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Grief Support Group
VA Video Connect 1st and 3rd Thursdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
For Veterans who have experienced loss of a loved one by helping Veterans find healthy ways to honor and incorporate grief in their lives.
To enroll : call Dr. Savana Krysiak 928-830-8811
Grupo de Terapia Cognitiva Conductal para Depresión y Ansiedad (Spanish Speaking Cognitive Behavior Therapy Group for Depression and Anxiety )
VA Video Connect Los Martes/Tuesdays 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Groupo de 12 semanas para depression y ansiedad/12- week group for depression and anxiety
Contacte/To enroll : Dr. Duran 562-347-2202
Drop-In Mindfulness Group
VA Video Connect 2nd and 4th Thursdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Learn sitting meditation techniques to help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, and/or pain.
To enroll : call Dr. Savana Krysiak 928-830-8811
Multidisciplinary Eating Disorder Treatment Program
Date/Time will vary
For screening only. Full program entry depends on availability and clinical indication. Psychology, dietician, and physician team for treating disordered eating diagnoses.
To enroll: ask your provider to tag Marlena Thorpe, RD; Terisha Simmons, Ph.D., Alita Lombardo, Ph.D., Dr. Lareina Pedriqez & Dima Lababidi, MD in a medical note.
Posttraumatic Stress Resources
Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT-PTSD) Couples Group
Wednesdays 4:00-5:30 p.m. 8-session, closed group
For couples experiencing the impact of PTSD on their relationship. CBCT- PTSD brings together communication skills, relationship skills, and aspects of gold standard treatments for PTSD to help couples understand and manage PTSD together.
Dates and times Vary PTSD Program for Combat Trauma To enroll : Veterans may ask for a referral by their provider to the Combat PTSD Team. Each program offers many different groups, including some that are late afternoon, on topics that help Veterans address combat related trauma reactions. VA Video Connect Mondays 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. Women’s Combat Support Group To enroll : Ask your provider to add Dr. Melissa Stewart- Buret as cosigner. A group for women Veterans with combat-related stressors to 1) Give and receive support 2) Proactively cope with stress and transition back to the civilian world.
To enroll : Please ask your provider to inform Dr. Leela Farina, Staff Psychologist of your interest.
PTSD Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Group
For Veterans currently in treatment in the Combat PTSD Program or with a diagnosis of non-combat PTSD. Mindful Self- Compassion (MSC) is an experiential introduction to loving-kindness and self- compassion meditation practices for self, based upon the work of Dr. Christopher Germer and Dr. Kristin Neff.
VA Video Connect Fridays 1:00 – 3:50 p.m. 9 weeks long To enroll : ask your Mental Health Provider to alert Dr. Fayazmanesh directly.
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VA Video Connect and in-person (hybrid) Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. To enroll : Contact Dr. Larry Albers at ext. 1-2150 Combat Medics Group
A support group for all military medical personnel.
Tai Chi for Combat Veterans with PTSD
Thursdays 9:00-10:00 a.m.
For Veterans currently in treatment in the Combat PTSD Program in Mental Health only.
To enroll: Inform your Combat PTSD Program provider of your interest in Tai Chi for Combat Veterans.
Apps for Posttraumatic Stress
AIMS for Anger Management
PTSD Coach
PTSD Family Coach
Beyond MST
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Substance Use
Substance Abuse Cognitive Behavior Therapy-Overcoming Your Alcohol or Drug Problem Fridays 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Buprenorphine Group VA Video Connect Tuesdays, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Thursdays, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
To enroll : Call Emma Martin, RN or Ricardo Restrepo-Guzman, MD (562) 826-8000ext.1-4344 or ext.1-4881 Learn strategies to manage cravings and thoughts of using. Develop ways to cope with stress and reduce risk of relapse. Improve communication and assertiveness. Increase social support
To enroll : call Theodore Jones/Emma Martin RN ext. 1-4881
All patients on Suboxone maintenance.
Attitude Adjustment and Patients in Recovery
Call the Substance Use Treatment Program (SATP) at 562-826-8000 ext. 1-5610 to enroll.
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Harm Reduction Groups
Thursdays 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. To enroll : Call Randy Young 562-826-8000 ext.1-4338 VA Video Connect or In-Person
Wednesdays 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. To enroll : Call Maria Alcazar 562-832-2738 WebEx (virtual)
For Veterans who want to learn skills to reduce or quit drinking or other substance use with the support of a Veteran peer. Free Self-Help Resources for Substance Abuse Veterans Health Library National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) VHA National Center for PTSD
VetChange
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WOMEN’S HEALTH
Women Owning Wellness Tuesdays 1:00 – 3:00 PM (in-person) and Thursdays (one-hour Individual sessions on VA Video Connect) 12-week program Building 166, Room F235 To enroll : Ask your provider to place a “PM&R Kinesiotherapy Women Owning Wellness Consult” Improve your physical and mental well-being in an all-Female group class, learning through group discussions, Tai-Chi, Physical Activity, and Mindfulness.
For more information, please call Gladys Yu at 562-966-2875
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Women’s Mental Health Clinic (WMHC) The WMHC offers gender-specific, sensitive care to Veterans. Individual and group services available. Get connected through the Urgent Mental Health Clinic or with a consult from a provider or prescriber.
Groups Include:
Healthy Relationships Happiness & HOPE Managing Emotions Trauma Skills Race & Resilience Walking Group Pursuing Happiness WoVeN in VA Resilience Under the Rainbow LGBTQ+ Cognitive Behavioral Coping Skills Group for Substance Use Disorder (CSG-SUD) ROSE (Pregnancy) ROSE II (Motherhood) Next Steps (Mid-Life) Women’s Trauma and Sexual Health.
Inner City Law Center is legal partners with the Women’s Mental Health Clinic and can provide additional services
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Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Assistance Program
Strength at Home
VA Video Connect Dates/times vary, 12 weeks
Supports male Veterans and service members of any conflict era improve anger management skills and prevent arguments and conflicts in intimate relationships.
To enroll, contact Danielle Daniels 562-632-2620
For more information about IPV, visit VA Long Beach IVP page
Resources
National Domestic Violence Hotline
1-800-799-SAFE (7233), 24/7 confidential support, local referrals, safety planning, housing options, & legal resources.
National Sexual Assault Hotline
1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
National Center for PTSD
802-296-6300
VA Mental Health
800-273-8255
Women’s Health
855-VA-WOMEN
LA Country Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-978-3600
LA County Human Services Hotline Dial “211” (24/7, bilingual)
Women’s Shelter of Long Beach 1-562-437-HOME (4663)
Resources are for Caregivers enrolled in the Caregiver Support Program
REACH VA Individual Coaching Program for Caregivers of Veteran Loved ones with ALS, Dementia, MS, PTSD, SCID for All Eras
Mindfulness Group Virtual/VA Video Connect Wednesdays 10:30-11:00 a.m.
To enroll : Erin McCuan 562-837-5338
Drop-in group that promotes Caregiver well-being through mindfulness, breathing, and self-care strategies for everyday life. Caregivers FIRST Dates & times vary
Dates & times vary 60-minute coaching sessions
To enroll : Contact Kristy Kleiman 562-583-5558
R esources for E nhancing A ll C aregivers H ealth. Individual coaching for Caregiver such as problem solving, self-care, stress management, and positive thinking. Caregiver Health and Well- Being Coaching
For more information or to enroll: Contact Kristy Kleiman 562-583-5558
A 4-session, 90-minute structured support group covering VA Resources and Support available, self-care, support seeking skills and strategies for Caregiving.
Dates & times vary 90-minute individual coaching for
To enroll : Contact Kristy Kleiman 562-583- 5558
Implement a plan to enhance your overall physical, emotional, and mental health using the Circle of Health.
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Tibor Rubin VAMC LGBTQ+ Veterans Care Coordinator
Megan Mortensen, LCSW 562-305-5053 Resilience Under the Rainbow
Wednesdays 2:00-3:30 p.m.
Ask your provider to tag Kayla Costello, Ph.D. on note where referral is discussed and message via Teams or email. A 12-week group for LGBTQ+ women identifying Veterans to support feeling good, coping with negative messages, and forming a positive community. VA National Healthcare Resources VHA LGBTQ+ Health Program - Patient Care Services (va.gov) VA National Mental Health Care Resources LGBTQ+ Veterans: Veteran Resources - Mental Health (va.gov)
Peer Support and Social Resources
Group Coffee Talk VA Video Connect Tuesdays 09:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Hikes for Heroes Every 1st Saturday
To enroll : contact Jeanine McGuinness at 562-355-5445
To enroll : contact Marilse Palma 562-335-8983
For more information,
A co-ed self- motivation group to cultivate a positive mindset, build optimism and resilience in a supportive atmosphere. Women’s Book Club 3rd Tuesday 2:00 p.m.
Mindfulness Beach Walk Wednesdays 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
To enroll : contact Maria Theresa Alcazar at 562-832-2738
To enroll : contact Jeanine McGuinness at 562-355-5445
For Veterans to take a low impact mindfulness walk at the corner of E. Ocean Blvd. and Junipero Avenue in Long Beach CA 90803
For Veterans to connect and share some inspiring stories. Fun, friendship & refreshments included. Books provided.
Sports Talk VA Video Connect or In-Person P.I.E.R. Center Bldg. 136 Tuesdays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Women Veterans Network (WoVeN) VA Video Connect/WebEx Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
To enroll : contact Maria Theresa Alcazar at 562-832-2738
To enroll : Marilse Palma 562-335- 8983, Ivan Leo 562-681-2951
8-week group for women Veterans and led by women Veterans that explores life transitions, balance, connections, and more! Baseline Adjustment from Military Functioning (BAMF) Mondays: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM To enroll: ask mental health provider to add Dr. de Sa Pereira to note. Virtual Only Provides Veterans with a greater understanding of the set of circumstances associated with military service that may be impede a path to wellness following end of active service.
Let’s talk everything sports, share personal experience and connect with other Veteran through your favorite team or sport. Whether your team is winning or losing. Anger Management Tuesdays 2:30 – 3:30 PM To enroll: contact Maria Theresa Alcazar at 562-832-2738 or mariatheresa.alcazar@va.gov WebEx (Virtual) Supports Veterans who easily get angry to determine probable situations that upset them and how to more effectively cope with anger.
& Creative Arts
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Humanities
Veterans Digital Photography Program
Story Corps
Operation Art
Virtual/VA Video Connect Tuesdays 1:30-3:30 p.m. To enroll : 562-826-8000 x1-8670 or ask your healthcare team to place a Story Corps consult (under Whole Health) Share stories (writing, photography, video, etc.) with fellow Veterans. Requires a computer with WiFi.
Virtual/VA Video Connect Thursdays 10:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. To enroll : To enroll call 562-826-8000 x1- 8670 or ask your healthcare team to place an Operation Art consult (under Whole Health) Gain insights & be heard as you share your stories via writing, artwork, video and more.
Wednesdays 3:00 PM (virtual) Thursdays 2:00 PM Bldg. 2 Pantages Theater
To enroll: contact Linda Hicks, hickslin@yahoo.com
Presentations and workshops for all Long Beach Veterans from beginners to experts interested in photography. Cell phone photographers welcome!
Women Veteran Mobile Phone Photography Club Virtual/VA Video Connect Tuesdays and Wednesdays 10:00 a.m.
“Good photographers can take beautiful images. A great photographer can tell a story with an image.”
To enroll : contact Terry Soliz womenveteransphotoclub@gmail.com
Drum Circle In-person, Patriot Park Fridays 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Open to all Veterans to drop-in for percussion & drums.
Wood Working Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m., 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Learn basic woodworking skills in a therapeutic group setting. Availability of dates and times may vary.
To enroll : Ask for consult to “PM&R Creative Manual Arts”
For more information, please call Jose Coronado 562-826-5588
Gardening/Horticulture Therapy Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Learn gardening skills and knowledge while helping to maintain our Patients' Garden in a therapeutic group setting.
To enroll : Ask for consult to “PM&R Creative Manual Arts”
For more information, please call Scot Moon at 562-583-5095.
Ceramics Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Experience working with a variety of clays allowing creative tactile expression in a therapeutic group setting. Availability of dates and times may vary.
To enroll : Ask for consult to “PM&R Creative Manual Arts”
For more information, please call Ruth Matos Gomez at 562-826-5590
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Memory and Concentration
Virtual Cognitive Education Class for Aging Veterans
Select Mondays, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 3-part series for aging Veterans.
To enroll : Contact Geta Cojucar at 562-335- 9460, 562-826-8000 ext. 1-4370 or 1-4550
Learn ways to improve memory, concentration, and organizational abilities. Learn how to keep your brain healthy as you age and reduce risk factors for cognitive impairment. Virtual Dementia Support Group Virtual/Cisco Webex Video Platform Fridays Bi-monthly 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
To enroll: contact Andrea Dawkins, LCSW at ext. 15735
Caring for a loved one with dementia can be a lonely and painful process. This is a safe place for caregivers to support each other and learn more about resources and interventions.
Parkinson's Disease Support Group
VA Video Connect Every other Friday 1:00-2:30 p.m.
To enroll : Dr. Megan Gomez, Staff Psychologist 562- 706-0740
For Veterans w/ Parkinson’s and family caregivers. Learn about the invisible symptoms of Parkinson’s: sleep problems, pain, fatigue, sexual changes, cognitive changes, depression, anxiety, apathy, and more. Connect with other Veterans and families.
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VA Video Connect Held monthly, time/dates vary. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment Maintenance Group
Stroke Support Group
VA Video Connect Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 PM
To enroll : Ask your provider for a referral to Speech Pathology.
To enroll : Ask provider for Speech Pathology consult.
Weekly support group for Veterans recovering from stroke.
A monthly maintenance group for those who have completed the LSVT LOUD Program.
For more info call ext. 1-3280
For more info: Call 562-826- 5415
To enroll : Ask your provider for a referral to Speech Pathology for College Connection. A series of classes that teach the study skills needed to succeed in college: reading, note-taking, time management, essay writing, studying, and test taking. College Connection Study Skills Workshop
For more info: Call 562-826- 5415
Speech Pathology
Veterans Social Connection
4th Friday of the month 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Come socialize with fellow Veterans at the VA Long Beach Canteen Patio!
Proudly Sponsored by: Tibor Rubin VA Medical Center Veterans Connection Committee Food and coffee will be served
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