HELM Recovery

Navigating Healing Together.

For VA Providers

Collaborative care for California veterans

Welcome, VA Healthcare Professionals

Thank you for considering HELM Recovery as a treatment partner for your veteran patients. We understand the challenges you face - long waiting lists, limited IOP capacity, geographic barriers for rural veterans, and the unique needs of veterans with co-occurring substance use and trauma disorders.

HELM Recovery was built to address these challenges through accessible telehealth delivery, veteran-focused treatment, and evidence-based approaches specifically designed for substance use and PTSD.

Why Refer to HELM Recovery?

✓ Immediate Access - No waiting lists. Intake completed within 1 week of referral. Your veteran can begin treatment quickly.

✓ Geographic Flexibility - Serves veterans throughout California via telehealth. No transportation barriers, no missed appointments due to distance.

✓ Evidence-Based Approach - Matrix Model (30+ years of research) combined with Seeking Safety (trauma-informed care) - proven effective for substance use and PTSD.

✓ Veteran Cultural Competency - Founded by a Navy veteran. Veteran-only groups. Counselors trained in military cultural competency.

✓ VA Authorized Provider - Accepts VA Community Care authorizations. Experienced with VA processes and documentation requirements.

✓ Collaborative Care Model - Regular progress updates, standardized outcome tracking, crisis communication protocols, and comprehensive discharge planning.

✓ California-Certified Counselors - All counselors hold current California CADC 2 or CADC 3 certification and receive ongoing training.

Our Treatment Model

Matrix Model + Seeking Safety

Matrix Model: Structured, Proven Effective

The Matrix Model provides a structured 16-week intensive outpatient treatment approach with over 30 years of research demonstrating effectiveness:

Research Outcomes:

  • Program completion rates >70%

  • Sustained abstinence at 6 and 12-month follow-up

  • Reduced substance use severity

  • Improved psychosocial functioning

  • Cost-effective treatment delivery

Key Components:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy

  • Relapse prevention planning

  • Family education

  • 12-step facilitation

  • Social support development

Seeking Safety: Trauma-Informed Care

Seeking Safety addresses co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders simultaneously - critical for veterans:

Research Outcomes:

  • Significant PTSD symptom reduction

  • Decreased substance use

  • Improved quality of life

  • Reduced depression and anxiety

  • High client satisfaction

Key Components:

  • Four areas of safety focus

  • Present-focused (no trauma processing required)

  • Coping skills for trauma and addiction

  • Grounding and emotion regulation

  • Empowerment and safety planning

Why This Combination Works

Research shows 44.6% of individuals with PTSD also meet criteria for substance use disorders. Treating one without the other often leads to poor outcomes. Our integrated approach addresses both simultaneously using evidence-based methods specifically designed for co-occurring disorders.

Program Structure

16-Week IOP Delivered Via Telehealth

Format:

  • 3 group sessions per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)

  • 3 hours per session

  • 8-10 veterans per cohort

  • Secure SimplePractice telehealth platform

Phase 1 (Weeks 1-4): Stabilization

  • Assessment, safety planning, trigger identification, and early coping skills

Phase 2 (Weeks 5-12): Skills Development

  • Core recovery skills, relapse prevention, family involvement, relationship skills

Phase 3 (Weeks 13-16): Transition Planning

  • Relapse prevention finalization, community reintegration, and continuing care planning

Referral Process

Simple, Fast, Collaborative

Step 1: Submit Referral

  • Choose your preferred referral method - phone discussion or written form submission

Contact Us

Step 2: Authorization Verification

  • We verify VA Community Care authorization (we handle all authorization coordination and paperwork)

Step 3: Veteran Contact

  • We contact the veteran within 24 hours to schedule an intake assessment

Step 4: Intake & Assessment

  • Comprehensive intake completed within 1 week, including:

    • Addiction Severity Index (ASI)

    • PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)

    • Depression and anxiety screening

    • Suicide risk assessment

    • Treatment plan development

Step 5: Treatment Initiation

  • Veteran placed in appropriate cohort and begins treatment (next available Monday)

Step 6: Provider Communication

  • You receive the intake summary and treatment plan within 48 hours of assessment completion

What We Provide to You

Comprehensive Clinical Communication

Initial Contact:

  • Confirmation of referral receipt within 24 hours

  • Updates on intake scheduling and completion

Treatment Updates:

  • Intake assessment summary and treatment plan

  • Progress reports at Week 4, 8, and 16

  • Standardized outcome measures (ASI, PCL-5, BDI-II, GAD-7)

  • Attendance and participation tracking

  • Crisis notifications (immediate)

Discharge Planning:

  • Comprehensive discharge summary

  • Continuing care recommendations

  • Community resource connections

  • Relapse prevention plan summary

  • Final outcome measurements

Ongoing Collaboration:

  • Available for case consultation

  • Crisis communication protocols

  • Care coordination as needed

  • Treatment modification discussions

Clinical Documentation

Standardized Outcome Tracking

We use evidence-based assessment tools to track veteran progress:

  • Addiction Severity Index (ASI) - Comprehensive assessment of substance use severity and psychosocial functioning

  • PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) - DSM-5 aligned PTSD symptom measurement

  • Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) - Depression symptom severity tracking

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7) - Anxiety symptom measurement

  • Treatment Engagement & Satisfaction - Participation, homework completion, client satisfaction

  • Days of Abstinence - Self-reported substance use tracking

Download Resources

Referral Form - PDF referral form

Program Brochure - Detailed program information

Outcome Data Summary - Research and outcomes overview

Frequently Asked Questions

  • A: We specialize in serving veterans through VA Community Care authorizations. We are exploring private insurance credentialing and may consider other arrangements on a case-by-case basis - contact us to discuss your specific situation.

  • A: Intake is completed within 1 week of referral. Treatment typically begins the following Monday (start of new or ongoing cohort).

  • A: We have clear attendance policies (3 unexcused absences triggers program review). We notify referring providers of attendance concerns.

  • A: Yes. We have crisis protocols including suicide risk assessment, immediate intervention, and coordination with VA crisis services and emergency services.

  • A: Yes. Family education sessions are included in Weeks 5-12. Family members are invited to participate.

  • A: Computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet, camera, microphone, and private space. We provide technology orientation and support.

  • A: Currently we serve only California veterans due to licensing requirements. Our counselors hold California CADC certification.

  • A: We provide continuing care planning, community resource connections, and optional ongoing support groups for alumni.

Contact Us

Questions about referring a veteran?

Contact Us

Lawrence Librando, MSL Founder & CEO, Navy Veteran (Ret.)

Request a Meeting

We welcome opportunities to meet with VA providers, present at team meetings, or discuss collaborative care approaches.

Request a Meeting