#United States #mental health #Stamford #Cohen Veterans Network #Military Couples

Cohen Veterans Network's Campaign for Military Couples

Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) has unveiled a new initiative titled Love in Action: A Military Couples Challenge, specifically tailored to support military couples whom face unique challenges in their relationships. With a mission to empower these couples, CVN outlines practical tools and resources that can help strengthen bonds amidst the demands of military life. This challenge is part of a broader commitment that CVN has been upholding since its establishment in 2016, having already assisted over 17,000 individuals through couples therapy.

The Challenges Faced by Military Couples

Military couples often deal with distinct challenges, including lengthy separations and frequent relocations. On average, service members must move every two to four years, which can contribute to additional stressors that may threaten their relationship stability. This reality is particularly pertinent given the over one million active duty service members and 15 million veterans, many of whom experience the strain of separations and relocations frequently.

Dr. Anthony Hassan, CEO of CVN, shared insight on this pressing issue, stating, "Military couples form the backbone of resilient families. However, they encounter unique hurdles that can severely affect their partnerships. Through this campaign, we aim to provide them with the practical tools necessary for navigating life's stressors together."

Highlighting the Love in Action Challenge

At the core of the Love in Action Challenge is a Relationship Checklist, a tool designed for couples to evaluate crucial relationship dynamics like communication and conflict resolution. Couples will be 'challenged' to identify specific areas that require attention and to implement actionable strategies bolstering their connection. An emphasis is placed on the notion that maintaining healthy relationships is vital for overall mental wellness. Dr. Hassan remarked, "CVN is dedicated to supporting military couples in ways that will enhance their ability to thrive, both as individuals and as a unit."

Since its inception, CVN has conducted over 700,000 clinical sessions, addressing not only relationship dynamics but also a broad spectrum of mental health challenges including depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, PTSD, and family-related issues. This extensive care network operates through 22 clinics spread across 20 states, offering services both in-person and through CVN Telehealth, a video therapy option designed to ensure accessibility for all.

Initiatives by Cohen Veterans Network

The efforts by CVN are part of a wider mission to improve mental health outcomes for post-9/11 veterans and their families. Established by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen in 2016 with a $275 million investment, CVN's goal is to deliver holistic, evidence-based care tailored to the needs of military families.

Further information about the initiative and available resources can be found on CVN's website cohenveteransnetwork.org/couples. Through proactive measures that encourage love and connection, CVN continues to forge paths to stronger relationships for military couples during their unique journeys.

Conclusion

The Love in Action Challenge serves as a reminder of the resilience found within military families and the importance of mental health support in nurturing those foundational relationships. By equipping couples with the right tools, CVN is helping them turn the challenges of military life into opportunities for growth and connection, ultimately strengthening the fabric of our nation’s veterans and their families.