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Kindbridge Research Institute's Bold Moves to Tackle Military Mental Health Stigma

On September 8, 2025, the Kindbridge Research Institute (KRI), known for its significant contributions to behavioral addiction research, proudly unveiled a state-wide initiative in Colorado named "Stigma Stand Down" (SSD). This initiative is specifically aimed at military personnel, veterans, and their families, addressing critical gaps in mental health support and gambling-related challenges.

Understanding the Need for SSD

The military community often grapples with the hidden burdens of service. Stigma, particularly surrounding mental health like PTSD and gambling-related disorders, can deter individuals from seeking necessary help. Research indicates that gambling disorders are remarkably more prevalent within active-duty military populations—up to 3.5 times the rate found in civilians. For Colorado, where over 60,000 active-duty, guard, and reserve members live, SSD launches at a pivotal moment as the state witnesses a rapid expansion in legalized sports betting since 2018.

Mark Lucia, Director of Programming at Kindbridge, emphasized the initiative’s importance: "Stigma is a silent enemy that leaves our service members and veterans isolated, harming their families, units, and mission readiness. SSD is our frontline response dismantling shame and delivering free, confidential, evidence-based care designed for military realities." KRI's approach seeks not just to provide support but also to foster resilience within the military community.

Key Components of Stigma Stand Down

SSD is comprehensive, offering various resources and outreach methods designed to reach military personnel effectively.

1. Education and Resources: SSD provides practical, jargon-free webinars, videos, and courses focused on gambling disorders, mental health, and stigma reduction available via a dedicated and mobile-friendly website. This ensures that leaders, families, and providers have access to valuable information without the complexities of academic language.

2. Free Mental Health Support: In conjunction with Kindbridge Behavioral Health—a specialized telehealth provider—military families can access free and confidential virtual therapy sessions. This step is crucial for offering immediate aid without additional burdens often associated with seeking mental health services.

3. Statewide Outreach: To reach underserved areas, the SSD initiative includes multimedia campaigns, on-base distributions, and veteran-led storytelling that emphasize seeking help as a sign of strength, not weakness.

4. Self-Assessment Tools: An anonymous Gambling Self-Check screener is integrated into the initiative, encouraging early intervention by providing personalized feedback immediately after completion.

The Future of Mental Health Support for Military Communities

SSD represents a significant evolution in approaching mental health within military circles by using insights from KRI’s previous initiatives, such as the 50x4 Vets program, which aimed to understand and reduce the impacts of mental health stigma among veterans.

It is important to highlight that the success of this initiative relies heavily on collaborations with various organizations, including the University of Nevada Las Vegas and the University of New Mexico. Support has also come from grants awarded by the Colorado Division of Gaming and FanDuel, ensuring that SSD is grounded in community partnerships and the latest research.

If you are part of the military community and need support, or if you want to learn more, the SSD website offers additional resources and services at www.stigmastanddown.com. For immediate psychological assistance, individuals can reach out directly by calling 1-844-FREEVET (1-800-373-3838).

About Kindbridge Research Institute

The Kindbridge Research Institute is distinguished for its dedication to advancing research, education, and evidence-based treatment methods to address behavioral addictions, including those linked to gaming and gambling. By launching initiatives like Stigma Stand Down, KRI not only provides essential support but empowers communities to combat stigma and gain access to transformative resources efficiently. To discover more about their mission and work, visit www.kindbridgeinstitute.org.