Addiction & Mental Health Treatment For Veterans and First Responders
Connect with fellow veterans, first responders and public safety professionals in a specialized track to overcome addiction, co-occurring trauma and behavioral health issues so you can regain your fortitude and return to work.
What FORTITUDE Can Help With
Difficult calls or deployments can be traumatic and take a toll over time. Seeking help is a sign of strength. The FORTITUDE program is here to assist veterans and first responders coping with trauma and behavioral health challenges like:
Substance Use and Addiction
Substance misuse, addiction, and dependence on alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and more
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Intrusive memories, flashbacks and nightmares
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Depression, anxiety, trauma, stress, burnout, grief, injury, or suicidal thoughts
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Support for Veterans and First Responders
Leveraging years of experience in treating these populations, we have become industry experts in trauma-informed care for first responders and veterans.
The FORTITUDE specialty track promotes healing through:Â
Exclusive group therapy
FORTITUDE-specific group therapists undergo specialized training in CPT for PTSD therapeutic interventions. These groups aim to normalize trauma reactions, process experiences, and replace dysfunctional thoughts.
EMDR treatment for eligible clients
EMDR offers relief to individuals who have endured trauma and other difficult events. This therapy alleviates mental distress and emotional setbacks, which can also improve outcomes for substance use disorders.
A full continuum of care
The FORTITUDE track works hand-in-hand with medical detox, residential, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs, individualizing patient care to accommodate their distinct needs.
Experienced staff
FORTITUDE program therapists are licensed mental health professionals trained in clinical interventions for veterans and first responders. Our curriculum draws on years of experience with these groups, enabling us to understand their unique perspectives, emotions, and work dynamics.
Family therapy
Family therapy sessions explore the roles family members assume in addiction and PTSD, equipping them with tools to support their loved ones and foster personal healing.
Vetted aftercare network
Our database of therapists and aftercare resources is properly vetted to ensure that veterans and first responders have access to qualified care post-treatment.
Who FORTITUDE Can Help
The FORTITUDE program accepts all veterans and active or retired public safety personnel grappling with substance abuse and co-occurring mental health concerns.
- Military Veterans
- Law enforcement
- Fire service members
- Correctional officers
- Paramedics and EMTs
- Emergency dispatchers
- Emergency room personnel
The Recovery Village Facilities Offering FORTITUDE
The Recovery Village Columbus
3964 Hamilton Square Boulevard
Groveport, OH 43125
The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper
761 Cuthbert Boulevard
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
Accessing Care via the VA Community Care Network
Veterans can use their VA health insurance to receive high-quality, specialized addiction and co-occurring mental health treatment at our facility.
FAQs About FORTITUDE
Which parts of the FORTITUDE program are specific to veterans and first responders?
FORTITUDE participants benefit from some exclusive group sessions, along with personalized individual and family therapy sessions. Mealtimes, recreational activities such as yoga, and free time are integrated with civilians.
How long does the FORTITUDE program last?
The duration of stay varies for each client, determined by their recovery requirements, treatment level, progress, and various other factors. However, the average residential stay is approximately 35 days.
Can I detox in the FORTITUDE program?
Yes, we provide onsite drug and alcohol detoxification, which serves as the initial step toward recovery for most of our clients.
Can you enter FORTITUDE for mental health needs only?
Currently, the FORTITUDE program welcomes clients who require treatment for substance use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions but cannot serve clients with only mental health needs and no addiction. We are happy to refer these clients to a high-quality treatment partner that can meet their needs.
Will I room with other veterans or first responders?
We make every effort possible to place FORTITUDE participants together. However, this cannot be guaranteed, per state regulations on level of care housing requirements. Each residential room has two beds.
We make every possible effort to ensure FORTITUDE participants are placed together. Nevertheless, this cannot be guaranteed due to state regulations on level of care housing. Each residential room is furnished with two beds.
Will my insurance cover the FORTITUDE program?
Several insurance companies offer full or partial coverage for substance abuse treatment expenses, including treatment within the FORTITUDE program. Our Recovery Advocates can verify your insurance benefits. Veterans can also ask for a dedicated Veteran Advocate to work with the VA on their behalf.
Does the FORTITUDE program work with workers compensation claims?
Yes, in many cases. Our admissions department and outreach team have extensive experience in handling more than 100 different worker’s compensation cases for clients. We are happy to guide you through this process.
We can help answer your questions and talk through any concerns.