Somatic: Innovative approach to healing Veterans with trauma

The Orlando VA somatic treatment program is a new initiative that focuses on treating treatment-resistant mental health disorders using non-pharmacological techniques, such as electroconvulsive therapy and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. 

Esketamine and Ketamine infusions are also included in this program, along with other newer treatments.

Treatment resistance is defined as lack of adequate symptom response to at least two traditional pharmacological interventions and augmentation strategies with therapy or other types of medications.

Psychiatrist Dr. Roopa Chavda explained that “The somatic treatment program is comprised of three treatment regimens. Electroconvulsive Therapy, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Intranasal Esketamine, which are offered to patients who undergo a thorough psychiatric evaluation and who have received a medical clearance by their provider.”

Veterans in program report significant improvements

According to Chavda, the results of the Somatic treatment program have been promising. “Many Veterans who have participated in the program report significant improvements in their symptoms related to their mental health disorders. Overall, Veterans report that they feel able to improve previously debilitating symptoms and regain their social and occupational functioning in their life.”

“The somatic treatment program has been life-changing for me,” said Army Veteran Kurt Williams, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. “It helped me reconnect with my body and learn how to regulate my emotions. I feel like I finally have the tools I need to heal from my trauma.”

In the top photo,  Williams rides in the back of an MI-17 helicopter from the embassy in Afghanistan to Kabul to discuss special mission “Wing Performance” in 2019.

To learn about the facilities and services offered by OVAHCS, please visit: VA Orlando Health Care | Veterans Affairs.