Whole Health in VA Mental Health: Omnis Salutis

Recent Veterans of the Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts are presenting in VA care with high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Difficulties with social relationships and community reintegration are common functional impairments with these disorders. VA is transforming to a Whole Health, patient-centered system of care that will address these issues as part of health care. In a previous study, Omnis Salutis (OS) was developed with Veteran and clinician input. OS is a three-session intervention in which Veterans learn about Whole Health and practice communicating their health mission to providers and social supports. OS was shown feasible to deliver, acceptable to Veterans, and preliminarily effective at improving physical, mental, and social functioning. This study will use a large, multisite randomized controlled trial to test the impact of OS on Veterans' social and physical functioning and Veteran engagement in mental health care. Results will support broad delivery of OS throughout the VA.