Veterans Initiatives
Kindbridge Research Institute (KRI) is currently engaged in a nationwide research project that studies gaming and gambling addictions within the active military and veterans community. Through evidence-based research, it is our aim to provide the most effective resources to help inform and treat service people.
An exciting step in this journey is the Colorado Military Veterans Project. In partnership with the State of Colorado, KRI will be delivering three programs that provide active military personnel and veterans with access to addiction therapy, peer support, post-secondary fellowships and career training:
1
Free Online Mental Health Care for Family Members and Service People
2
Online Peer Support Groups for Family Members and Service People
3
Colorado Military Research Fellowship
4
ROTC Education Program
It is our hope that the Colorado Military Veterans Project will help us deliver treatment faster to service members who need it, as well as help us to segue to deliver similar programs across the United States.
Free Mental Health Care for Veterans, Active Duty Personnel and Family Members
This program is the first-of-its-kind and is designed to provide treatment for both family members and individuals who are living with a gaming or gambling behavioral addiction. Veterans and their families will have access to peer support and virtual treatment with a licenced clinical counselor.
Key Program Features:
1
Up to 100 Veterans and/or their family members will also receive access to a virtual treatment program that will be executed by our partner care clinic.
2
The program will enable comprehensive research on veterans receiving treatment for gambling disorder and other mental health conditions in Colorado.
3
Research topics include the clients who begin treatment, other treatments sought before entering the program, the efficacy of the telehealth treatment received, and any co-occurring addictions and/or comorbidities of the clients.
Eligibility Form for Veterans and Family Members
Free Peer Support Groups for Veterans, Active Duty Personnel and Family Members
Under the Veterans Recovery Program, we will be providing open-ended access to a variety of Peer Support Groups virtually on a weekly basis that can host an unlimited number of Veterans, Active Duty Personnel and their family members. These weekly support groups will start on July 1st, 2023, and will run for 12 months. Members must be veterans, active duty, or a family member of a military person (spouses or children).
Veterans' Mindfulness and Stress Reduction Group
This group aims to help veterans develop skills and strategies to cope with stress and anxiety through mindfulness practices. Participants will learn various mindfulness techniques, meditation, and breathing exercises that can improve mental well-being and enhance daily life.
Veterans’ Peer Connection and Social Engagement Group
This group aims to foster a supportive community where veterans can form meaningful connections and engage socially. Recognizing the potential social isolation after military service, the group focuses on enhancing social skills, providing opportunities for social interaction, and exploring ways to get involved in the wider community.
Veterans’ Gambling Recovery Support Group
The Veterans’ Gambling Recovery Support Group is a peer-facilitated intervention designed specifically for veterans who struggle with gambling issues. The group aims to provide a safe and confidential space where veterans can discuss their experiences, explore the impact of gambling on their lives, and develop strategies for managing and overcoming their gambling habits.
Colorado Military Research Fellowship
The Colorado Military Research Fellowship is a unique program that gives veterans the opportunity to transition their careers through mental health research training in an academic environment.
Background:
One of KRI’s cornerstone initiatives is the Military Research Associate Program (MRAP). MRAP assists veterans transitioning from military service to advanced training in mental health treatment and research with the aim of placing participants in top-tier psychiatry, psychology, or public health University degree programs.
Key Program Features:
1
Up to four Military Research Fellows will receive training in gambling disorder and military mental health using the same instructors and materials as the MRAP.
2
The Military Research Fellows will have access to the Colorado-specific data collected by KRI from all work undertaken in Colorado.
Become a Program Participant
Kindbridge Research Institute is dedicated to making a difference in the mental health and well-being of veterans through research, engagement and knowledge sharing. If you are interested in becoming a participant in the MRAP program, fill out the following contact form below and we will get in touch with you and provide application details.
ROTC Education Program
The ROTC Education Program is another first-of-its-kind program which endeavors to educate and train Colorado-based reserve officers and corps members about gaming and gambling addictions.
Key Program Features:
1
In-person presentations and training.
2
Online curriculum that is self-directed.
Mental Health Screening Tool
At KRI we believe that Mental health is something that everyone needs to be aware of and participate in. Learn more about our mental health assessment and find a link to take a formal screening.
Learn More