Five ways women Veterans benefit from Whole Health

At VA, we put you at the center of your care with a personalized Whole Health approach that considers your unique values, needs and goals. VA’s Whole Health program creates positive, lasting changes in the lives of women Veterans, addressing your physical, mental, emotional and social well-being.

With today’s VA, you can use the complimentary offerings that go above and beyond what is available through most private health care plans.  

Here’s how our Whole Health approach can support you.

Whole Health puts you at the center of your VA health care

VA’s Whole Health approach focuses on you as a whole person, not just what’s on your medical chart. This includes self-care resources for your well-being, complementary and integrative health therapies, and individualized support in areas like fitness, mindfulness, nutrition, stress management, sleep, relationships and personal development.

Whole Health also considers everything that impacts your wellness like your lifestyle choices, access to resources (like transportation), and even social, racial and gender-related factors.

Whole Health improves physical health outcomes

Whole Health programs like MOVE! are designed to empower you to improve your physical health. MOVE! offers support on nutrition, exercise and weight management, leading to sustainable lifestyle choices, better heart health and a reduced risk of obesity-related illnesses.

Whole Health supports chronic pain and mental health

Managing chronic pain and stress is easier with Whole Health resources, which include integrative treatments like acupuncture, yoga, tai chi and art therapies. Many women Veterans find these approaches help with pain and reduce the need for medications like opioids.

Read about how Veteran Sabrina Jacobs found ways to manage her pain and improve her health with acupuncture, better food choices and meditation. Through mindfulness, relaxation techniques and creative therapies, Whole Health also strengthens your mental resilience and stress management.

Whole Health builds purpose and satisfaction

A sense of purpose can make a difference, especially for women navigating life after service. Whole Health encourages you to set and pursue your personal goals, whether in fitness, career or life, helping you reconnect with your purpose and identity.

Veteran Tammy D’Alesandro felt lost after she separated from the Navy and felt she needed a new mission in life. Her primary care provider referred her to Whole Health, which helped her develop a relationship with herself, set new goals and thrive.

Women Veterans with a strong sense of purpose report higher satisfaction and many younger women Veterans see significant improvements in well-being when they engage in personalized health plans aligned with their values and life goals.

Whole Health creates a community of support

At VA, you’re part of a powerful community. Whole Health fosters connection through peer support, VA-led programs and resources that bring women Veterans together to share experiences and motivate each other. Social support is essential to mental health, and Whole Health gives you a built-in support system with a committed care team and a network that values your journey.

Accessing Whole Health at VA

Don’t wait until something is wrong to start improving your well-being. Invest in yourself today with VA’s Whole Health services and resources. Your VA care team is here to listen and guide you toward what matters most to you.

There are several Whole Health tools you can explore on your own, like the Personal Health Inventory, #LiveWholeHealth self-care tips, the Live Whole Health mobile app and VA’s Whole Health podcasts covering topics like pain management, mindfulness and stories from other Veterans.

For more information, visit the Whole Health Veteran Resources page, or connect with the Women Veterans Call Center at 1-855-VA-WOMEN to speak to a live person and get your questions answered.