America Supports You: Group Offers Holistic Mental Health Treatments

By Samantha L. Quigley
American Forces Press Service

Jan. 16, 2008 - Servicemembers returning from deployment and their families can find help readjusting to their lives at home through traditional and holistic therapies offered by a long-established Colorado group. For more than 30 years, Lost and Found Inc. has specialized in providing intervention and rehabilitation treatment for families that have run out of options, said Linda Olson, the organization's development manager.

Recently, however, the organization developed a program geared toward military families.

"(We) launched a holistic mental health outreach to active military (personnel) and their families in fall 2007," she said.

The program focuses primarily on returning troops and their families before, during and after deployment, she added.

Among other issues, the program addresses post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and reintegration issues through a combination of traditional psychotherapy and "experiential" therapies, Olson said. Natural and alternative therapies also are employed.

Experiential therapies include art, music, poetry and play.

This "continuum of care" approach ensures clients receive the full compliment of services that will lead to full restoration, Olson said.

"Many military troops and their families are stationed far away from their families of origin. At Lost and Found Inc., these individuals will find a family spirit," she said. "By networking directly with Homefront Heroes, another military outreach nonprofit (organization), Lost and Found Inc. will make sure each troop and his (or) her family receives all the services they need."

In addition, the organization offers its services to servicemembers and their families regardless of Veterans Affairs disability status or the ability to pay.

Lost and Found Inc. is a new supporter of America Supports You, a Defense Department program connecting citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad.

"Exposure through (this affiliation) will mean that more individuals and families will access our services," Olson said. "Networking will benefit Lost and Found Inc. in several ways. We'll be able to support others who endeavor to help this population of military and their families, and we'll be able to share knowledge with fellow professionals."