A nonprofit healthcare organization just launched a weekly online peer mental health support group to help veterans navigate the transition from military to civilian life.
AltaPointe Health launched the Veteran Peer Support Group, which offers a judgment-free space to talk about topics such as PTSD, depression, stress and other life challenges.
According to AltaPointe Veteran Program Coordinator Ron Olmsted, the meeting is a peer-led forum where participation is completely based on each individual's comfort level.
"This is a peer meeting where veterans are helping other veterans who may not want to come to a clinic," said Olmsted. "They can be anonymous, or they don't have to be. They can just listen to the forum and chime in with their comments, or just listen. One hundred percent of the participation level is going to be based on your comfort level."
The virtual group will meet every Wednesday from 6:00-7:00 p.m. CST via Zoom and is open to veterans who may not feel comfortable attending in-person appointments or visiting a clinic.
Meetings are confidential and veteran-only, allowing participants to engage at their own pace in a supportive environment.
Participants are not required to turn on their cameras or use their real names. Veterans can listen, share experiences or actively participate — whatever fits their comfort level.
"If you just want to sit and listen, that's fine. If you want to participate, that's great,” said Olmsted. “We're not trying to force anything on anybody. We're just trying to expose people to things that will hopefully make their lives a little bit better."
Benefits of the group include access to resources tailored to veterans’ needs, community connection to reduce feelings of isolation, mental health support and renewed purpose and engagement in civilian life.
To register or learn more, call (251) 450-5956 or email veteransupport@altapointe.org.