VA Whole Health Guide
Whole Health is VA's approach to care that starts with you rather than with a diagnosis. In VA's words, it "centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you." Your health team gets to know you, then builds a personal health plan around your values, needs and goals.
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What is VA Whole Health?
Whole Health is a way of planning your care around what matters most in your life. You and your VA health team build a personal health plan from your own values, needs and goals, and that plan can shape both well-being programs and clinical treatment.
The Circle of Health
VA organizes Whole Health around the Circle of Health, which puts you at the center and looks at the areas of self-care around you.
- Mindful Awareness
- Moving the Body
- Surroundings
- Personal Development
- Food & Drink
- Recharge
- Family, Friends & Co-workers
- Spirit & Soul
- Power of the Mind
Start with the Personal Health Inventory
VA's Brief Personal Health Inventory is a short self-reflection that starts the conversation about your hopes and goals. Fill it in on your own time, then bring it to your VA health team to build your personal health plan.
What Whole Health can include
Depending on your facility, Whole Health can include health and wellness coaching, well-being programs, and complementary and integrative health services. VA notes these services may be available at your local VA health care facility, and advises checking with your health care team about what you qualify for.
- Acupuncture
- Biofeedback
- Clinical hypnosis
- Guided imagery
- Medical massage therapy
- Meditation
- Tai chi and qigong
- Yoga
How to get started
Start a conversation with your VA health team about Whole Health. You can also find your facility's Whole Health contact through VA's facility contacts page. VA offers two introductory courses, Introduction to Whole Health and Taking Charge of My Life and Health, and Veteran peers can help you get started.
Key Takeaways
Care planned around your values and goals, not just a diagnosis
Start with VA's Brief Personal Health Inventory
Services vary by facility — ask your VA health team
External Resources
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For informational purposes only. Verify all information with official sources at VA.gov or your local VA office. Veterans Crisis Line: 988 (press 1).