Whole Health

Many Veterans encounter a range of interconnected challenges after their military service, including chronic pain, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and difficulties with reintegration into civilian life. Others may struggle with feeling disconnected from a sense of purpose or identity, especially after the structured environment of military service. While traditional models of care often prioritize symptom management and diagnosis-driven treatment, Whole Health offers a more comprehensive and person-centered approach. It empowers Veterans to explore what truly matters to them, such as relationships, purpose, or personal goals, and aligns their care with those values to support long-term well-being and self-directed healing.

Whole Health is a personalized, proactive, and patient-driven model of care that equips and empowers Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being. Through a variety of evidence-based Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) interventions and wellness-oriented programming, Whole Health supports Veterans in making meaningful lifestyle changes that reflect their goals and values by focusing on “WHAT MATTERS” NOT “WHAT’S THE MATTER.”

Suicide prevention remains a high priority across the VA. Whole Health CIH interventions target risk factors that contribute to suicide and offer Veterans alternative paths to wellness that may feel more accessible than traditional mental health treatment. These programs also support smoother transitions into mental health services when appropriate.

This model benefits not only Veterans enrolled in VA care but also caregivers, VA staff, and clinical teams by strengthening Veteran-provider relationships and promoting shared decision-making. All Veterans are welcome and encouraged to participate in Whole Health activities, regardless of their background or current health status. Whole Health programs are particularly effective for at-risk or isolated Veterans who are managing ongoing stressors and seeking new strategies for coping and personal growth.

THRIVE: Therapeutic Horticulture for Rehabilitative Intervention for Veteran Engagement
GROW: Garden for Resilience and Optimal Wellness
Mindfulness Classes (Online and In-Person)
Physical Activity Classes (Tai Chi, Healthy Movement, Chair Yoga)
Pain Management and Wellness Coaching
Healthy Nutrition Classes
Female/Male/Unisex Veterans’ Whole Health and Wellness Group
Mindfulness Photography Classes
Individualized and Group Coaching
Taking Charge of My Life and Health (Virtual and In-Person)
African Drumming and Conga Lessons

Whole Health Program Offerings

Highlighting the Impact of Whole Health: THRIVE

While Whole Health is a national directive of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, certain programs within it are tailored to meet the specific needs and strengths of the surrounding communities. One of those programs is THRIVE, Therapeutic Horticulture for Rehabilitative Intervention for Veteran Engagement. Thrive is uniquely offered through the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in partnership with the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG).

THRIVE represents a powerful integration of nature-based therapy into the VA’s Whole Health approach. It uses therapeutic horticulture as a vehicle for healing, engagement, and personal growth. Set within a serene garden environment, the program encourages Veterans to reconnect with themselves, their peers who uniquely understand their experiences, and the natural world.

Over the course of four intensive and intimate weeks, participants engage in hands-on horticultural experiences. Veterans who participate in THRIVE have shared that their experiences in the program have led to reduced symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, while also improving mood and emotional regulation. These positive changes have, in turn, fostered greater social connection, peer support, and a renewed sense of community.

The program concludes with a graduation, where Veterans gather to honor their growth and shared journey. Upon completion, participants receive a one-year membership to the New York Botanical Garden, which includes access for their families. This benefit supports a continued connection to nature and overall well-being.

How You Can Support Whole Health

Recent shifts in public funding priorities have resulted in reductions to key grant funding, directly impacting long-standing partnerships such as the one between Whole Health and the New York Botanical Garden. As a result, program capacity can be reduced, access for Veterans and their families would become limited, and the continuity of nature based therapeutic services will be at risk, potentially disrupting the progress and well-being of those who benefit most from these innovative approaches to care.

Funding is critically needed to:

Stabilize and strategically expand the work of programs like Thrive, ensuring their sustainability through the expertise of horticulture professionals at the New York Botanical Garden.
Support key program components, including Veteran transportation, nutrition, engagement platforms, memberships, and the development of culturally responsive materials that reflect the diverse identities and needs of the communities we serve.
Evaluate long-term impact, supporting research that measures outcomes and guides the implementation of evidence-based practices to improve Veteran well-being.

To support Whole Health initiatives and programs like Thrive, you can contribute to ongoing fundraising by making a one-time gift, becoming a recurring donor, or leading a fundraising campaign. Funders can support general program growth or donate to specific initiatives. You can also partner with us as a campaign ambassador, sponsor organization, or help us connect with communities that are ready to lead this initiative.

Your support directly impacts the quality of life for the Veterans who have selflessly served to protect our freedoms. Together, we can ensure they continue to receive the holistic, culturally informed care they deserve.

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