1. What is the Application Process to come to The Pathway Home?

   The Pathway Home is providing an online admission packet, which can be found on the Pathway Program Application page. The admission packet can be printed, filled out, and faxed to (707) 948-3029; or e-mailed to Kathy.Loughry@thepathwayhome.org with all necessary documents completed. We are committed to a 48-hour business day turn around, so you can expect a Pathway Home staff member to contact you and begin to expedite your referral as quickly as possible. If you have any questions, please contact The Pathway Home at (707) 948-3031. The application must be filled out by a clinical provider.

2. Why do I have to go through an evaluation process of my military-related stress in order to be able to come to The Pathway Home?

   The Pathway Home strives to ensure the best possible treatment for each and every Associate Member who entrusts their care to us. As such, we need know about you and your unique experiences, symptoms, and situation to make sure that we are a “good fit” for you. It is our mission to provide the most appropriate treatments to support your resiliency, recovery, and transition.

3. Who is eligible to come to The Pathway Home?

   The Pathway Home is a residential recovery program that has been specifically created for our nation’s “New Warriors” who have served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) in Iraq and Afghanistan and other areas in the nation’s Global War on Terror.

4. How long will my stay be at The Pathway Home?

   In general, the average length of stay is four months. However each Associate Member’s progress will be re-evaluated two weeks prior to graduation from the program.

5. Can family members also come to stay at The Pathway Home?

   Yes. Families can be accommodated for a brief stay at The Pathway Home to support their warrior’s treatment. Families are accommodated on a case-by-case basis.

6. What kinds of treatments and activities are available at The Pathway Home?

   Treatment for military-related stress reactions and recovery focuses on helping the Warrior reduce fear and anxiety; gain control over their traumatic stress reactions; make sense of combat or other traumatic experiences; function better at work, in their family and in other related roles and functions.

   A standard course of treatment usually includes:

   • A thorough assessment of each member and development of an individual treatment plan
   • Education for Warrior (and his/her family) about traumatic stress and its many effects
   • Training in relaxation methods to help reduce physical response to tension and stress
   • Practical instruction in skills for coping with anger, stress, and other ongoing problems
   • Detailed discussions and explorations of feelings of anger or guilt (which are very common among survivors of military-related stress events)
   • Detailed treatment to help change distressing beliefs about self and others (e.g., self-blame, guilt)
   • If appropriate, careful, repeated discussions of the trauma (exposure therapy) to help the service member reduce the distress and symptoms of hyperarousal (e.g. anxiety, fear, anger) associated with memories of distressing or traumatic events
   • Medication to reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, nightmares, and other symptoms associated with traumatic stress responses
   • Group support from other members (traumatic stress survivors)
   • Couples, parenting, or family therapy as indicated
   • A variety of physical activities (e.g. yoga, swimming, biking, hiking, golf, fitness center, musical/theatrical events), which can be used as part of each Warrior’s therapeutic treatment plan or during recreational/leisure time
   • The use of technology to support treatment (e.g. use of Program laptops, podcasts)
7. How do I know if I am having problems with military-related stress reactions?

   The experiencing or witnessing of traumatic events can lead to psychological (emotional) problems and to physical problems (in addition to any that occurred at the time of the trauma). These symptoms can last for a relatively short time after the event, or can last for months or years, or can "surface" months or even years later.

   You may find it helpful to talk with your primary care physician (or a mental health professional) about your experience(s) and any symptoms you have. You can help your doctor understand you and plan your treatment better by sharing this crucial information about yourself.

   At first, many individuals find it hard to discuss their trauma experiences. Because it may be difficult to discuss the trauma and your symptoms, it may be helpful to show your health care professional the checklist below.

8. What are some of the symptoms of Trauma?

   Please see our Brief Checklist of Trauma Symptoms

9. What are the typical effects of operational deployment?

   Almost everyone has strong reactions (mental, emotional, physical) to the demands and stressors of Warfighting.

   • Even Normal Stress Reactions may persist long after the deployment/stress has ended
   • The stressors of warfighting can potentially lead to positive (or negative) effects
   • Most Warriors heal from negative effects
10. What Are Some of the Normal Reactions to Traumatic Stressors?

    Some of the normal reactions to combat or other traumatic stressors include symptoms such as:

    • Shock
    • Disbelief
    • Horror
    • Rage
    • Feeling “numb”
    • Fear
    • Anger
    • Having unwanted memories or vivid images of the traumatic event
    • Feeling “on edge”
    • Being constantly watchful/wary “on guard”

    These symptoms usually start to minimize within a few weeks to months after the traumatic stressor ends.

    However, some people can have distressing symptoms, that can cause them problems in life that last for months (or even years) after a traumatic event. These kinds of symptoms include:

    • nightmares about the event (or something similar)
    • trouble falling asleep
    • trouble staying asleep
    • feeling depressed
    • feeling very anxious
    • feeling very angry or full of rage
    • not wanting to interact with other people (isolation)
    • always being watchful and wary of people and surroundings
    • feeling emotionally “numb”
    • feeling “disconnected” from oneself or others
    • using drugs or alcohol to “feel better” it the short term
11. What are the philosophies of The Pathway Home program?
    We believe that Warriors can:
    • Learn to “move on” from their combat-related stress reactions and problems
    • Learn to cope with negative situations or experiences
    • Survive and thrive
    • Grow from even traumatic experiences
    • Translate/use their military skills, experience, and knowledge into post-combat (or post-trauma) “real world” coping.

Examples of these include:

• Survival skills (physical, mental, and emotional)
• Responsibility (self/others)
• Discipline
• A “Can Do” attitude
• An optimistic outlook when dealing with problems, adversity, and unknowns
• Ability to create, to stay focused, and to achieve goals
• Knowing that skills are attained with practice
• Physical, mental, and emotional strengths