We have great respect for the service and sacrifices of the men and women who serve in our nation’s military, and we are proud to provide specialized support to members of the military community when their lives are impacted by mental and/or behavioral health concerns.
Program Overview
FLAGS Military Support Program
Longleaf Hospital’s Forgiving Losses and Gaining Strength (FLAGS) program was specifically created for active-duty military, active reserve, retired military personnel, and active-duty dependents. This program supports individuals in need of professional mental health and/or chemical dependency treatment services. The average length of stay in the FLAGS program is 30 days.
The FLAGS program is a comprehensive, stand-alone treatment program that reflects the impact that combat and deployment can have on individuals and families. This program offers a unique healing environment that affords military personnel and their families opportunities to learn new ways of managing the stress associated with military life.
View a tour of our facility and FLAGS unit here.
Military-Related Disorders We Treat
Addictions and mental health disorders treated in the FLAGS program at Longleaf Hospital in Alexandria, LA
When you engage with the FLAGS program at Longleaf, you’ll find that our staff understands the unique challenges you’ve faced. Of course, no two individuals arrive at our hospital with the same needs or experiences. But we know that there are certain situations that one might only encounter as a member of the armed forces, and we’ve built our treatment programming to reflect that. Sometimes these difficult experiences can exacerbate substance abuse and/or mental health concerns, and can include the following:
- Strain due to combat stress
- Family separation
- Exposure to trauma and destruction
- Witnessing human suffering
- Threats to self or fellow combatants
- Issues related to grief and loss
FLAGS Services & Therapies
Services and therapies offered in the FLAGS Military Support Program
If needed, the FLAGS program provides a brief and effective detoxification service that is monitored 24/7 by our qualified medical staff. During this phase of treatment, participants receive personalized care and medications to reduce their discomfort. Using detox to cleanse your mind and body of harmful substances can help you make the most of our extended rehabilitation program.
The FLAGS inpatient treatment program consists of personalized treatment services that address psychiatric and chemical dependency concerns that are unique to members of our armed forces. The program is conducted under the direction and supervision of a licensed psychiatrist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The types of treatment modalities used within the FLAGS program will vary based on the needs of our current population, but may include:
- 12-Step programming
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Art therapy
- Yoga
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Individual therapy
- Family therapy and education
- Recreation therapy
- Development of coping skills
- Medication management / education
- Integration and coordination with primary care providers
A key component of the FLAGS program is group therapy, which allows participants to give and receive support in a safe environment. Groups may cover topics such as grief, coping skills, symptom management, family dynamics, feelings, anger management, stress reduction, and relaxation techniques. Some examples of commonly offered groups within the FLAGS program include:
- Goals group
- Social skills group
- Recreation therapy group
- Mental health activity group
- Wrap-up group
Longleaf Military Program Testimonials
Longleaf Hospital Military Program Review
“I self-referred and was admitted to Longleaf Hospital for alcohol detoxification.
I was very successful in the U.S. Army for 22 years. The last 2 years I was rated the top performer in my branch of 30 employees. I have always been self-driven and strived to be the best in my field. Yet, somehow, I dug a hole and found myself at rock bottom.
I want to thank the entire staff of the FLAGS unit. You were always kind and professional; you took care of me in my hour of need. On my first day I was trying to call my spouse, and I could not dial the phone due to my hands trembling. As soon as the staff member realized my problem, without hesitation or any judgement they asked for my spouse’s phone number and placed the call for me. I will never forget that. That kind of compassion was indicative of the entire staff. The staff always treated the patients with dignity and respect.
One of the first things you learn in the Army is how to march. The first step is always: One 30-inch step forward with your left foot. I took that first step forward last week on the road to recovery. The staff of the FLAGS Unit helped me climb that first mountain. As I stand on the summit and look down, I see flat stretches of roads with rolling hills that I will have to endure. My pledge to you is I will stay on the road and press forward-even if it is only 30 inches at a time.
Eight days sober and counting.”
-Brian
