Trauma treatment and therapeutic support for active military, veterans and their loved ones.

Locations | Experts | How You Can Help This Program

Trauma and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can happen to anyone who has been exposed to dangerous or deadly events – even those psychologically overwhelmed by the possibility of these experiences. Traumatic events change the survivor psychologically, biologically and socially. Multiple traumatic experiences complicate recovery and increase a person’s reluctance to seek support. Trauma and PTSD are treatable—it is never too late to start treatment.

Signs and symptoms of trauma & PTSD

• Isolation – personality changes
• Startled reaction to noise or movement – hypervigilance to surroundings
• Unwanted reliving of traumatic memories – triggers can include: sights, sounds or smells
• Hostile or suicidal feelings and impulses – loss of meaning to life
• Lack of emotional reactivity – feeling numb
• Sleep problems, dreams or nightmares
• Excessive need to control situations
• Anxiety, guilt or depression
• Problems with authority
• Concentration and memory problems
• Thrill-seeking & risk-taking behaviors
• Sense of a foreshortened future

Effects
Untreated trauma reactions and PTSD can lead to physical illness, substance abuse, social avoidance, family life conflicts and a reduction in employment or school performance. Loved ones of war exposed persons can experience secondary and/or transgenerational trauma reactions which can affect their ability to carry out everyday life tasks as well as influence family interactions, social behaviors and emotional development of children. In either case, the mere passage of time will not relieve trauma and PTSD.

At Ease^® can help!
The At Ease^® program provides confidential, individualized counseling services for active military personnel, veterans and their loved ones. All veterans and their loved ones will be accepted regardless of ability to pay.

At Ease^® is coordinated from the LFS Bellevue office, but veterans and their loved ones may also be served at LFS locations in Blair, Plattsmouth, Fremont, Papillion, four Omaha area locations and Grand Island (for those residing in Adams, Blaine, Buffalo, Clay, Custer, Franklin, Furnas, Garfield, Greeley, Hall, Hamilton, Harlan, Howard, Kearney, Loup, Merrick, Nuckolls, Phelps, Valley, Sherman, Webster and Wheeler Counties). Additionally, Telehealth sessions can be used to serve veterans and/or their loved ones living in greater Nebraska.

As assessments are completed, therapists will individualize treatment using a combination of individual and group treatment approaches including families/couples and peer-to-peer mutual support groups and educational opportunities for veterans and their loved ones which address PTSD, war zone stress reactions, trauma-related guilt, anger management and coping strategies for managing everyday life situations. When appropriate, At Ease^® staff will coordinate services with other community agencies and refer clients to area resources.

About Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska
LFS provides Behavioral Health Services that focus on the needs of those who have experienced trauma, including outpatient mental health treatment, substance abuse/addictions treatment, 24/7 urgent care and emergency and community support services.

LFS behavioral health services are made available through insurance payments, sliding scale fees and contributions.

The At Ease^® program is a collaboration between At Ease USA and Lutheran Family Services of Nebraska