The Heal Veteran Program

Integrated medical intervention, counseling, and life stabilization resources that work together in a comprehensive model focused on reducing suicide risk through improved overall well-being.

 

TEAM

Robyn Sonnier

Robyn Sonnier,
M.A., LPC, NCC, CCTP
Clinical Director

Robyn is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) with specialized training and certifications for working with veterans. She has a passion for helping veterans overcome obstacles impacting daily life.

thomas bond

Thomas K. Bond,
M.D., M.S.
Medical Director

Dr. Bond has an experienced background in administering SGB injections successfully.  He's trained extensively with Dr. Sean Mulvaney, one of the leaders in treating PTSD in veterans with SGB, and is a world-renowned expert in Interventional Regenerative Orthopedic procedures.

madison nyquist

Madison Nyquist
Development Director

Currently the Business Development Director for River Oaks Hospital, a New Orleans-based facility that has provided quality treatment to individuals suffering from mental illness since 1970. Skilled in Networking, Leadership, Social Media, Community Outreach, and Program Development. 

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Physical Well-Being

Free Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) treatment for post-traumatic stress and
trauma symptoms.

Our Objective

Establish physiological stability and reduce hyperarousal so participants can engage more effectively in counseling, treatment, and supportive services. The Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) injection involves a commonly used anesthesia that is injected into nerves above the neck, right above the collarbone. It serves to “soothe” or “reset” the sympathetic nervous system, which is shown to be overactive in individuals with post-traumatic stress, resulting in relief in a matter of minutes.

Our Objective

Improve emotional functioning and prepare for successful reintegration and long-term recovery.

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Mental Well-Being

Free telehealth counseling through our AVA Heal Veteran Program.

The Care You Deserve, From the Team You Can Trust

 You’ll work one-on-one with a dedicated therapist through 12 telehealth trauma-informed counseling sessions, and the option to receive the Stellate Ganglion Block injection procedure, all at no cost to the veteran or their family.

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The entire process was very smooth and I just wanted to take a moment this morning to share my gratitude. I am appreciative beyond words for people like you. I continue to see positive benefits from the treatment and have already recommended the treatment to two other veterans. Stella asked me to complete a PTSD survey prior to treatment and I scored a 65. A week after the procedure I was asked to retake the survey and my score was a 37. I have been able to enjoy things again and been quite the social butterfly over the past month. I believe your act of kindness has been a contributing factor to these changes. Thank you again for the opportunity and I hope your efforts continue helping more veterans.
Lauren L.
Veteran / Heal SGB Program Participant

Our Purpose

The purpose of the Acadiana Veteran Alliance is to introduce a formalized treatment protocol for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) in veterans in Louisiana.

The main focus of treatment is trauma-informed counseling sessions coupled with the utilization of Stellate Ganglion Block (SGB) which has demonstrated repetitive, anecdotal, clinical success in various patients over the last several years.

The goal is to continue clinical validity and reduction of post-traumatic stress and hyper-anxiety over time thus increasing funding and accessibility to additional veterans in Louisiana and surrounding states. 

The Heal Veteran Program Eligibility

  • Veterans, reservists, and active-duty US military who meet diagnostic criteria of Post-Traumatic Stress, as diagnosed by a clinical therapist or contracted psychiatric practitioner via the Acadiana Veteran Alliance will be considered for the treatment.
  • Additionally, active substance abuse and/or medical complications that can interfere with treatment would need to be ruled out.
  • Candidates must be deemed psychologically fit for treatment per clinical therapists.
  • Candidates must also be deemed medically fit by the in-network physician they are referred to for the Stellate Ganglion Block procedure.
  • Participants must provide written and verbal consent for treatment and agree to all treatment recommendations by medical director(s) and clinical therapist(s).

Frequently Asked Questions