veteran firefighter and first responder standing together

Veteran and First Responder Services

HopeWay provides specialized treatment for Veterans & First Responders living with PTSD and related mental health conditions. Our goal is to provide our nation’s heroes with the support and treatment they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives.

All sessions with law enforcement personnel, firefighters, EMTs and retirees are fully confidential. We do not disclose any information about these clients to their superiors, organizations, or agencies.

Every day, Veterans and First Responders face intense pressure and repeated exposure to trauma. Whether it is combat or responding to emergencies, these experiences can leave lasting scars. 

Nearly 1 in 5 first responders report experiencing PTSD. 

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for Veterans under 45.

38% of Veteran Spouses and 21% of First Responder Spouses report experiencing symptoms of secondary trauma. 

Yet, so many suffer in silence. Those who have served or are currently serving often experience shame or guilt when seeking mental health treatment, feeling as if they are letting down their team or aren't strong enough. This leads to silent suffering, resulting in depression, anxiety, PTSD, aggressive behaviors, and substance abuse. 

But, there's HOPE. No one should fight this battle alone. 

 

Serving Those Who Serve

HopeWay offers evidence-based treatment for Veterans & First Responders struggling with a variety of mental health conditions through individual psychiatric and therapeutic care, group therapy and integrative therapies. We have Residential (24/7), Partial Hospitalization (5 days per week) and Intensive Outpatient (3 days per week) programs available depending on the individual’s needs. Our specialized expertise is proven to help Veterans & First Responders find the hope and healing they deserve. 

Veteran and First Responder Services

Residential Treatment

  • 24/7 care

  • Private bedrooms & bathrooms

  • Individual sessions with a psychiatrist and therapist specializing in Veteran/First Responder mental health

  • Group therapy mixed with civilians

  • Integrative therapies

  • Break-out psychotherapy groups specific for Veteran/ First Responder clients

  • Therapeutic programming on the evenings and weekends 

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Partial Hospitalization Program

  • Monday – Friday 9:00 – 4:00

  • Individual sessions with a psychiatrist and therapist specializing in Veteran/First Responder mental health

  • Group therapy mixed with civilians

  • Integrative therapies

  • Clients can live at home during treatment or in our on-site house built for Veterans & First Responders

Intensive Outpatient Program

  • Mornings: 3 hours/day Monday, Wednesday, Friday. 9 am - 12 pm (virtual)

  • Evenings: 3 hours/day Monday, Wednesday, Thursday. 6 - 9 pm (in-person)
  • Group therapy mixed with civilians

  • Integrative therapies

exterior shot of Hopeway house

Housing Options

Based on need, housing options are available for Veterans and First Responders who are participating in one of the day programs and do not live locally.

Meet The Team

Our team is comprised of highly-qualified, caring physicians and mental health professionals who specialize in Veteran & First Responder mental health treatment and are committed to meeting the client's needs and goals.

Justin Johnson, MD, DFAPA

Justin Johnson, MD, DFAPA

Psychiatrist - Director of Veteran & First Responder Services

Meet Dr. Johnson
Jared Arceo

Jared Arceo

Outreach Specialist: Veterans & First Responders Liaison

jared.arceo@hopeway.org Meet Jared
Ren Brown, LPC, LCMHC

Ren Brown, LPC, LCMHC

Primary Therapist

Meet Ren
Gerald Evariste, LCMHC

Gerald Evariste, LCMHC

Primary Therapist

Meet Gerald
Katy Horton, MA, LCMHC

Katy Horton, MA, LCMHC

Director of Admissions

Meet Katy
Yazmin Risano, BSW, MSW

Yazmin Risano, BSW, MSW

Admissions Specialist

Meet Yazmin
Tom Stagg, LCSW

Tom Stagg, LCSW

Veterans/First Responders Primary Therapist

Meet Tom
Casha Whitaker

Casha Whitaker

Financial Specialist

Meet Casha

Admissions Form


Admissions & Insurance Information

Criteria for Admission

Questions?

Call 1-888-859-2106 Contact Us

If you are in crisis, please call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline

988or textTALK to 741-741

1717 Sharon Road West

1717 Sharon Road West
Charlotte, NC 28210

Get Directions

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does treatment cost for the Veteran or First Responder?

For Veterans using the VA Community Care program, VA benefits cover the cost of treatment. For Veterans & First Responders using private insurance, the cost is dependent on each individual insurance plan. Some clients need to or choose to pay out of pocket. Clients who are paying out of pocket are encouraged to apply for financial assistance, and eligibility is determined through an application process.

VA Community Care Provider and currently in-network with:

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (and its affiliates)
  • Carolina Behavioral Health Alliance
  • Cigna Behavioral Health
  • Magellan
  • MedCost
  • United Behavioral Health

How does the VA Community Care Provider process work?

The MISSION Act allows Veterans to request to be seen by a community provider outside of the VA. There are six criteria that can qualify a Veteran to receive community care. Veterans only need to meet one of these to be eligible. View criteria here.

 

What is the typical amount of time in treatment for a Veteran or First Responder?

The average length of stay is 4 – 6 weeks.

What diagnoses do you treat?

Our Veteran & First Responder mental health services are designed to treat a variety of mental health conditions including PTSD, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, acute grief, military sexual trauma (MST), personality disorders, psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, difficulty coping, or other psychological stressors. 

What is the clinical model of care?

HopeWay’s Veteran & First Responder Services include evidence-based therapies and treatment modalities. We offer all three of the most evidence-based trauma therapies including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Prolonged Exposure Therapy, along with other evidence-based modalities to treat various psychiatric conditions besides PTSD. The therapist and client will decide the most appropriate modality based on the individual's symptoms, history, and goals. In the Residential and Partial Hospitalization Programs, clients meet weekly with a psychiatrist and therapist who specialize in Veteran/ First Responder mental health. Along with individual appointments, Veterans & First Responders participate in robust group and integrative therapies (art, music, horticulture, health & wellness, recreation, pet therapy and meditation). 

patriot award badge

Dr. Kuroski-Mazzei receives the Patriot Award

Alyson R. Kuroski-Mazzei, DO, DFAPA, FASAM, CEO & Chief Medical Officer was awarded the “Patriot Award” by the Employer Support of The Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office.

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