Newsletter | South Central MIRECC
Fall 2019, Volume 21, Issue 4 - In this Issue
Meet the New Fellows
RtoP | Wearable Sensors for Assessing Frailty in Homebound Older Adults
Fall Stakeholder Forum
Highlights from Our Anchor Sites
New and Updated Clinical Education Products are Resources for CBT, Relaxation, Problem Gambling, and Veteran Wellness
Recent Publications
Pilot Study Grant Opportunity for VISN 16 and San Antonio Researchers
Research Methods and Analysis Consultation Services Available for VISN 16 and San Antonio Investigators
New and Updated Clinical Education Products are Resources for CBT, Relaxation, Problem Gambling, and Veteran Wellness
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Our Clinical Educator Grant program helps VISN 16 and 17 mental health providers create and share resources that positively impact treatment for rural and other Veterans who face barriers to care. We distribute these products to Veterans, VA providers, and the public for free. Visit https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn16/clinicalEducationProducts_topic.asp to view all of our products.

- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Strategies Guide
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This is a practical guide for clinicians who want to use cognitive behavioral therapy for depression (CBT-D) with Veterans. It can be used as an additional resource to "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression in Veterans and Military Servicemembers: Therapy Manual" (Wenzel A, Brown GK, & Karlin BE, 2011). The CBT Strategies Guide has sections for initial, middle, and later phases of CBT. It includes handouts for Veterans that can reinforce and validate ideas presented in session or serve as transitional objects as preparation for discharge and relapse prevention planning.

- Stress Less: Relaxation Enhancement Group Manuals
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This updated brief relaxation intervention is meant to provide short-term symptom relief for anxiety and stress. It is recommended as an adjunct to established first-line treatment approaches and includes manuals for therapists and Veterans. The therapist manual covers a comprehensive Relaxation Enhancement protocol that includes relaxation practices, resources, strategies, and a log. The Veteran manual can serve as a self-help resource.

- The Safest Bet: A Guide to Understanding Problem Gambling for Veterans and Clinicians
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This updated guide aims to help Veterans, VA clinicians, and others learn more about issues related to gambling and to locate additional resources for problem gambling. It can be used in sessions with a clinician, in a group with other Veterans, or as a self-help resource. Veterans using this workbook for self-help are encouraged to seek out a VHA provider or other helping professional to answer additional questions or address any concerns. It includes four modules that focus on readiness to change, thinking errors and tools, recovery, and Gamblers Anonymous.

- Veteran Wellness Guide
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This new guide is for Veterans who want to improve their well-being. It is self-paced and does not require a mental health professional to use. It includes practical approaches for sleeping well, eating healthy, stress reduction, and getting the most out of one’s life and is recommended by Veterans.
Last updated: October 31, 2019