Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness

05/27/2026

The MVSWS Supplemental Analyses Report reveals a complex picture for parents. Parents report lower anxiety and depression than non-parents. However, parents overall report lower relationship satisfaction than non-parents, and parents of young children report lower social support than other respondents.

Together, these findings suggest that while parenthood can be protective for mental health, it may also come with relational strain and reduced support, especially for parents of young children.

Read more: https://na2.hubs.ly/H054nnz0

05/20/2026

🌟 Discover the Missing Link in Mental Health Care 🌟

Join Veteran Spouse Network for a virtual EmpowerEd seminar: Healing PTSD Through Nutrition: The Missing Link in Mental Health Care with Dr. Leslie Korn.

🗓️ June 3
⏰ 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT

Learn how dietary, nutritional, and herbal strategies can support PTSD recovery and improve sleep, digestion, mood, and chronic pain. Plus, take home a recipe booklet to start your journey toward better mental wellness today!

This free event is open to all military and veteran-connected community members.

👉 Register now to reserve your spot!

05/13/2026

New data from the Military & Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey Supplemental Analyses Report show that military and veteran spouse caregivers are carrying a heavier load.

Caregivers report lower relationship satisfaction, experience more sleep disruption, and exhibit higher depression and anxiety than non-caregivers.

These findings underscore the need for targeted supports that ease caregiver burden and strengthen social connection.

📄 Explore the Supplemental Analyses Report: https://na2.hubs.ly/H04VxrP0

05/13/2026

New opportunity to join our team!

Texas-based social work and human services professionals: we are hiring! Join the Veteran Spouse Network at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work to:

- Review participant intake forms to identify support needs and risk factors
- Conduct follow-up assessments and connect participants to mental health and veteran/military family resources
- Serve as a support resource during group sessions on sensitive or potentially triggering topics
- Reinforce su***de prevention practices, escalation pathways, and wellness efforts

We're looking for candidates with a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, public health, or a related field and at least 5 years of experience. If you've worked in intake, screening, or case management and have a passion for serving military and veteran families, we'd love to hear from you!

Apply now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H05rMW40

04/20/2026

New insights are here! We’re excited to release the new supplemental report to the Military & Veteran Spouse Wellness Survey, created in partnership with InDependent. This report takes a closer look at the experiences of military and veteran spouse caregivers, parents, and those navigating loneliness. It highlights critical challenges related to mental health, financial stress, sleep, and social support and offers actionable insights to help strengthen military families. And these findings directly inform and guide our programming at Veteran Spouse Network.

View the supplemental report now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H04ZBHb0

04/15/2026

We’re excited to share that Dr. Kelley Glover—a postdoctoral fellow at the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, adjunct assistant professor within The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, and new Veteran Spouse Network Peer Leader—is leading a transformative workshop for military and veteran spouses this April 🎶

With over three decades of experience in music pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching, Dr. Glover brings a unique perspective to this two-part series. The workshop blends the science of sound with the art of storytelling, offering participants practical techniques to calm the nervous system and connect through shared musical experiences.

Join us on April 29 to explore wellness through music and storytelling! https://na2.hubs.ly/H04G-2r0

04/07/2026

How can we better support military spouses? Dr. Elisa Borah and Emily Neimeyer recently presented findings from the REACH Study at the U.S. Army Fort Hood Community Services Council. The presentation highlighted early outcomes showing improvements in quality of life, social support, and wellbeing among participating military spouses. Presented to senior leadership, including the Garrison Commander and Commanding General of III Armored Corps, the discussion emphasized the importance of turning research into actionable strategies to support military families. Together, we’re strengthening military families through research-driven solutions.

04/01/2026

April is Month of the Military Child! Military families are incredibly resilient, but parenting in a military family comes with unique challenges. From frequent moves to balancing caregiving and work, military parents often face added stress while raising children.

Our research shows that 76% of military spouses are parents, and many experience challenges with emotional and physical wellness, as well as finding community and support. These pressures can impact the entire family.

This Month of the Military Child, let’s celebrate the strength of military families and recognize the critical need to support their wellness 💜

03/30/2026

March is Professional Social Work Month, and at VSN, we’re proud to celebrate the transformative impact of social work in supporting military and veteran families.

Operating out of the Institute for Military & Veteran Family Wellness at The University of Texas at Austin School of Social Work, we’re part of a broader effort rooted in advancing research, creating evidence-based programs, and fostering community well-being. Guided by these values, we design programs that foster trust, connection, and resilience, empowering families to overcome challenges and thrive.

It’s through the lens of social work that we improve quality of life, strengthen support networks, and create meaningful change for military and veteran families. This month, we honor the profession that continues to inspire and guide our work every day.

03/24/2026

Through our Veteran Spouse Network, we’re offering a NEW virtual, skills-focused training for individuals who have completed foundational su***de prevention training and are ready to advance their skillset. Through real-world scenarios, role-play, and coaching, you’ll build practical tools to turn your knowledge into action!

What you’ll gain:

✔️ Assess su***de risk using the Columbia-Su***de Severity Rating Scale
✔️ Create personalized safety plans with coping strategies and crisis resources
✔️ Respond with confidence using the Mental Health First Aid ALGEE Action Plan

📅 From Knowledge to Action: Responding to Su***de Risk upcoming dates:

April 16 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM CT
April 23 | 2:45–4:45 PM CT

Free, virtual, and open to all!

Register now: https://na2.hubs.ly/H03Zrpr0