Webinars
May 14th, 2025 at 12-1PM EST
Advancing Veteran Wellness Through Contextually
Responsive Support Systems
with Dr. Natesha Smith-Isabell
Purpose Statement:
Veterans transitioning from military to civilian life often encounter substantial challenges, including identity disruption, social disconnection, and structural barriers to accessing care. These challenges, when left unaddressed, elevate the risk of adverse mental health outcomes, including suicide. The purpose of this live, knowledge-based virtual presentation is to critically examine the role of Veteran Cultural Competence Training (VCCT) as a foundational strategy for cultivating informed, empathetic, and contextually responsive support systems. Findings from clinical research that advances the understanding and treatment of serious mental illness and suicidality often does not get effectively translated into every day clinical practice. Drawing on emerging research and real-world implementation data, this session highlights how VCCT enhances the efficacy of peer sponsorship models, equipping sponsors to build authentic, trust-based relationships with transitioning service members. Additionally, the session will explore the intersection of cultural competence, belonging, and the social determinants of health as core elements in comprehensive suicide prevention. Participants will engage with current findings and be invited to consider how culturally responsive frameworks can be adopted across clinical, community-based, and organizational settings to promote long-term Veteran wellness.
Outcome/Objectives:
At the conclusion of this educational program, learners will be able to;
1. define the core components of Veteran Cultural Competence Training (VCCT) and its relevance to supporting Veterans during their transition to civilian life;
2. describe how culturally competent approaches enhance peer sponsorship models and promote effective support relationships between peer mentors and transitioning Veterans;
3. interpret data on the impact of VCCT and peer sponsorship in reducing isolation and promoting a sense of belonging among Veterans;
4. identify key social determinants of health that influence Veteran wellness outcomes and suicide risk; and
5. apply culturally responsive strategies within clinical, organizational, or communitybased settings to improve Veteran engagement and long-term reintegration outcomes.
Program Description:
The VISN 2 Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers (MIRECC) pursues a discovery-to-recovery approach to determine the causes, identify predictors, and develop treatments for individuals with SMI, with emphasis on psychosis and on suicide. The topics for this series consist of innovative treatments that we have created/tested and insights from research that have helped to inform clinical care.
Target Audience:
Physicians, Psychologists, Social Workers, Nurses, Counselors, and Therapists
Accreditations (1 CE): ACCME, ACCME-NP, APA, ASWB, JA IPCE, NBCC, NYSED SW, NYSED Psychology
Registration:
VA Attendees (TMS #131014490)
Non-VA Attendees (TRAIN #1128594)
PRESENTER:
With nearly two decades of expertise, Natesha Smith-Isabell, Ph.D., has transitioned from academia to champion holistic wellness solutions that address mental health disparities and cater to the unique needs of women Veterans, healthcare professionals, and educators. Acknowledging the immense challenges women face—especially stress, burnout, and secondary trauma—Dr. Smith-Isabell founded Valor Driven Solutions to bridge the gap between traditional clinical care and the lived experiences of these underserved communities.
As the former Assistant Director of Education & Operations at the Transitioning Servicemember/Veteran and Suicide Prevention Center (TASC) within the VISN 2 New York/New Jersey Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Dr. Smith-Isabell led the development of inclusive curricula and resources specifically designed to support individuals dedicated to caregiving and service.
Partnering with USAA Face the Fight and Onward Ops, she is the Training Director for the Veteran Cultural Competence Training and Veteran Sponsorship Initiative peer sponsor training, connecting stakeholders to enhance cultural understanding of military-affiliated individuals. Now serving as Chief Partnerships Officer at Valor Driven Solutions, Dr. Smith-Isabell is committed to creating and delivering culturally tailored, comprehensive wellness programs that build resilience in professional and community spaces.
Additional Information for TMS Registration:
Questions?
Non-VA employees, please contact the VHA TRAIN Help Desk by email at VHATRAIN@va.gov.
VA employees, please contact Lauran Hardy at Lauran.Hardy@va.gov.
Last updated: April 24, 2025
