HELM Recovery
Navigating Healing Together.
Services
Comprehensive substance abuse treatment for California veterans
16-Week IOP
Proven Treatment, Flexible Delivery
HELM Recovery's core service is a 16-week intensive outpatient program (IOP) delivered via secure telehealth. This evidence-based program combines Matrix Model and Seeking Safety approaches to address both substance use and trauma simultaneously.
Program Structure
Phase 1: Stabilization (Weeks 1-4)
Goals: Assessment, engagement, safety planning, basic coping skills
What You'll Learn:
Understanding addiction and its effects on veterans
Identifying personal triggers and warning signs
Developing early coping strategies
Creating safety plans for emotional, physical, behavioral, and thinking safety
Managing cravings using proven techniques
Building daily structure and routines
Developing support networks
Key Activities:
Comprehensive intake assessment
Individual treatment planning
Group therapy focused on stabilization
Homework assignments to practice skills
Introduction to grounding techniques
Phase 2: Skills Development (Weeks 5-12)
Goals: Core recovery skills, relapse prevention, family involvement
What You'll Learn:
Changing thinking patterns that support addiction
Managing difficult emotions without substances
Problem-solving skills for recovery challenges
Communication skills for healthy relationships
Setting appropriate boundaries
Understanding family dynamics in recovery
Advanced relapse prevention planning
Addressing work and life purpose issues
Key Activities:
Group therapy sessions three times per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
Family education sessions (optional for family members)
Individual progress monitoring
Practice exercises and homework
Development of comprehensive relapse prevention plan
Family Involvement:
We invite family members to participate in educational sessions during this phase, helping them:
Understand addiction as a disease
Learn communication skills
Support recovery effectively
Address their own needs and healing
Phase 3: Transition Planning (Weeks 13-16)
Goals: Relapse prevention, community reintegration, continuing care
What You'll Learn:
Creating your personal relapse prevention plan
Identifying high-risk situations and developing management strategies
Building ongoing support systems
Connecting with community resources
Maintaining recovery long-term
Planning for challenges and setbacks
Celebrating progress and planning for the future
Key Activities:
Finalization of comprehensive relapse prevention plan
Discharge planning and continuing care coordination
Connection to community support resources
Program completion and graduation
Development of long-term recovery action plan
Session Format
What to Expect Each Week
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: Group Therapy Sessions
Each 3-hour session includes:
Opening Check-In
Share how you're feeling, rate your recovery motivation, discuss challenges and successes since last session
Education Component
Learn about specific recovery topics using Matrix Model and Seeking Safety curricula, with military-relevant examples and applications
Group Discussion
Process the education component with fellow veterans, share experiences, provide peer support and feedback
Skills Practice & Homework
Practice specific techniques, receive homework assignments, clarify questions about assignments
Who We Serve
Eligibility Criteria
HELM Recovery serves California veterans who meet the following criteria:
✓ Substance Use Disorders - Any substance including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, marijuana, prescription medications, or multiple substances
✓ Intensive Outpatient Level of Care - Appropriate for IOP level - not requiring residential or inpatient care, but needing more than standard outpatient
✓ Co-Occurring Conditions Welcome - We specialize in co-occurring PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma-related disorders
✓ California Residents - Must be located in California during treatment sessions
✓ Technology Access - Must have computer, tablet, or smartphone with internet, camera, and microphone
✓ Private Session Space - Must have private location for confidential sessions
✓ VA Authorization - We accept VA Community Care authorizations. Additional payment options may be available - contact us to discuss your situation.
Clinical Approach
Evidence-Based, Trauma-Informed, Military-Culturally Competent
Matrix Model Foundation
The Matrix Model provides the structural framework for our program:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Change thinking patterns that support addiction
Relapse Prevention: Identify triggers, develop coping strategies, create action plans
Family Education: Involve and educate family members in recovery process
12-Step Facilitation: Introduction to mutual support groups and community resources
Social Support: Build healthy support networks for sustainable recovery
Seeking Safety Integration
Seeking Safety provides trauma-informed components throughout the program:
Safety Focus: Create safety in four areas - emotional, physical, behavioral, thinking
Coping Skills: Teach skills that work for both trauma and addiction
Present-Focused: Address current functioning without requiring trauma processing
Grounding Techniques: Manage flashbacks, triggers, intense emotions, and cravings
Empowerment: Help veterans reclaim power and control in their lives
Military Cultural Competency
All treatment is delivered with understanding of:
Military values, culture, and language
Deployment experiences and combat trauma
Transition challenges from military to civilian life
Loss of military identity and purpose
Barriers to asking for help in military culture
Military discipline as a recovery asset
Technology Platform
Simple, Secure, Accessible
SimplePractice Telehealth
We use SimplePractice, a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform designed for healthcare:
For Veterans:
No account needed - just click the link in your email
Works on computer, tablet, or smartphone
No software to download
Simple, intuitive interface
Waiting room feature for privacy
Screen sharing for worksheets and handouts
Security & Privacy:
Fully HIPAA compliant
Encrypted video and audio
Secure data transmission and storage
Private, confidential sessions
No recording without consent
Technical Support:
Available during all sessions
Troubleshooting guides provided
Outcome Tracking
Measuring Your Progress
We use standardized assessment tools to track your progress:
At Intake (Week 1):
Addiction Severity Index (ASI)
PTSD Checklist (PCL-5)
Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7)
Suicide risk assessment
At Week 4, 8, and 16:
Repeat assessments to measure change
Treatment engagement evaluation
Recovery self-efficacy measurement
Client satisfaction survey
Outcomes We Track:
Days of abstinence
PTSD symptom reduction
Depression and anxiety improvement
Program completion rates
Client satisfaction
Quality of life improvements
Continuing Care
Support Beyond 16 Weeks
Recovery doesn't end at program completion. We offer:
Ongoing Support Groups - Weekly alumni groups for program graduates
Booster Sessions - Individual check-ins as needed
Community Resource Connections - Linkage to 12-step meetings, veteran support groups, VA services
Care Coordination - Ongoing collaboration with VA providers and other treatment teams
Getting Started
Your Path to Recovery Begins Here
Step 1: Contact Us
Step 2: Initial Screening
Brief phone conversation to determine if our program is right for you
Step 3: Authorization
We verify your VA Community Care authorization or discuss payment options
Step 4: Intake Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation to create your personalized treatment plan
Step 5: Group Placement
You're placed in an appropriate cohort starting on the next available Monday
Step 6: Begin Treatment
Your 16-week recovery journey begins
Questions?
Crisis Support:
Veterans Crisis Line: 988, Press 1 (24/7)