Avalon Action Alliance • Connecting our nation’s veterans and first responders to life-changing training and treatment programs.
Get care
Donate

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have additional questions or would like to speak with an Avalon team member, please contact us here.

Who is the Avalon Action Alliance?

Avalon Action Alliance is an integrated alliance of nationwide partners united by a singular purpose, to provide life-changing training and treatment programs to our nation’s veterans and first responders who suffer from co-occurring symptoms related to traumatic brain injury (TBI), post-traumatic stress (PTS), and substance abuse (SA). These conditions are deeply interconnected and are the three leading causes of veteran suicide. Our goal is to simplify the process by removing the financial and geographical barriers to obtaining care.

Our comprehensive care model encompasses both clinical and non-clinical treatments through skilled clinicians and peer mentors, ensuring each client receives personalized treatment, training, and support for their unique needs.

At Avalon, veterans and first responders are never handed off or left to navigate care alone. Instead, we walk beside them, making direct connections, coordinating referrals, and partnering across our alliance of care providers to ensure individuals receive the support they deserve. Whether someone needs support with one challenge or all three, we respond as a unified team.

Every program we provide is backed by data, with proven outcomes that show tangible improvements in quality of life. Clients and their families often share that they’ve regained not just their health but also their relationships—mothers, fathers, siblings, and loved ones are returning to who they once were.

Traumatic Brain Injury & Posttraumatic Growth
There are no out-of-pocket costs for Avalon’s TBI treatment and PTG training programs for clients with or without insurance. Avalon covers all costs, including co-payments, insurance deductibles, travel, lodging, and meals.

Warriors Heart
For our substance abuse program at Warriors Heart, the intake team will file insurance claims for those who have coverage. For those who don’t have insurance, Avalon will cover the cost of treatment, including co-pays or deductibles. However, clients are responsible for travel costs (airfare, mileage, etc.)

View locations

Posttraumatic Growth
We partner with Boulder Crest Foundation to implement Warrior PATHH, which is based on the science of Posttraumatic Growth. Warrior PATHH is delivered by highly qualified peer guides.

Locations:

  • Gig Harbor, WA – Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation
  • Italy, TX – Boulder Crest Texas at Eagle Oak
  • Bluemont, VA – Boulder Crest Virginia
  • Sonoita, AZ – Boulder Crest Arizona
  • Rogers, AZ – Sheep Dog Impact Assistance
  • Macclenny, FL – Gratitude America
  • Fayetteville, GA – Camp Southern Ground
  • Blythewood, SC – The Big Red Barn Retreat
  • Rome, ME – Travis Mills Foundation


Mobile Training Team Regions

  • Boulder Crest MTT Alpha – Arizona, California, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas
  • Boulder Crest MTT Bravo – Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, Washington D.C.


Traumatic Brain Injury
We partner with six TBI Centers from around the country to provide integrated and interdisciplinary care with innovative assessments and treatments in an intensive outpatient setting.

Locations:

  • Aurora, CO – Marcus Institute for Brain Health (MIBH)
  • Milwaukee, WI – Medical College of Wisconsin BRAVE Program
  • Willow Grove, PA – MossRehab Institute for Brain Health – Jefferson Health (MRIBH)
  • Atlanta, GA – Shepherd Center SHARE Military Initiative
  • Jacksonville, FL – UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program
  • Chapel Hill, NC – UNC Chapel Hill THRIVE Program


Substance Abuse
We partner with Warriors Heart, who provides both inpatient and outpatient treatment for addiction, dependency, alcohol abuse, and co-occurring psychological disorders.

Locations:

  • Bandera, TX
  • Milford, VA

Warrior PATHH (PTG)
Available to anyone who deployed to or supported a combat zone. This includes veterans, National Guard, Reserves, and Active-Duty service members. First responders are also eligible for programs. No clinical diagnosis is required to attend.

TBI Centers
Available to all veterans, regardless of discharge status or era of service, National Guard, Reserves, Active-Duty transitioning service members within 12 months of separation, and first responders who:

  • Have experienced head trauma or concussion at least 6 months prior to seeking care
  • Experience symptoms consistent with brain injury/concussion
  • Prior diagnosis of TBI is not required for eligibility
  • May have co-occurring diagnosis of mental health concerns (but not experiencing a mental health crisis)


Warriors Heart (Substance Abuse)
Available to veterans, National Guard, Reserves, Active-Duty service members, and first responders (Police, Fire, Rescue/EMT).

Warrior PATHH (PTS)

  • 90-day, non-pharmacological, peer-delivered training program
  • Begins with 7 days of on-site training at one of our static facilities or one of our mobile training team sites
  • After the initial 7 days, participants return home to continue training with their team and PATHH Guide:
    • Dedicated support and connection to include 5 structured virtual team meetings, goal setting sessions and team accountability
  • Graduates have access to a lifetime of support, community, training and accountability through the MyPATHH App

TBI Centers

  • Evaluation is typically over three (3) days
  • If the treatment program is recommended, it is typically three-weeks in duration
  • Aftercare and follow-up touchpoints occur throughout the first year following program completion
  • At some centers, treatment duration can vary depending on meeting the unique needs of the client and which program they attend


Warrior PATHH (Substance Abuse)
Our Residential Training Program is 42 days after any medical detox that may be needed.

  • A 42-day Inpatient program is offered at both locations.
  • Outpatient programs are available at the Texas location.
  • Every program includes a long-term support plan.

Our network providers will provide clients with any approvals needed by their place of employment. In some cases, flexible treatment options, such as a modified schedule or telehealth services, may be available to accommodate employment or school schedules.

We make every effort to eliminate barriers to accessing care by working with our partners to arrange travel to the facility best-suited for the clients.

There are no out-of-pocket expenses for lodging, meals or travel to and from the TBI and Warrior PATHH program facilities.

The cost of travel to and from the Warriors Heart substance abuse treatment centers is not funded by Avalon. However, the Warriors Heart team actively seeks out resources to assist individuals with travel assistance.

Even without a formal medical diagnosis, you are still eligible to be considered for treatment. Unlike physical wounds, the symptoms and signs of PTS, TBI and substance abuse, often referred to as “invisible wounds,” are interrelated and difficult to diagnose. Avalon provides thorough assessments and a clear approach to healing.

It is common for individuals in our programs to have experienced more than one type of trauma. Avalon Action Alliance exists to provide the support needed to heal, no matter the nature or number of those experiences. Treatment is individualized and focused on getting each person the care that’s right for them. Treatment plans are thoughtfully developed to address specific needs and put clients on a journey toward long-term wellness.

Yes. If you are still experiencing challenges due to PTS, TBI, and/or substance abuse, Avalon Action Alliance is here to help you gain control over issues related to mental wellness and brain health.

No, participation in any program with Avalon Action Alliance is confidential. Avalon programs operate independently from the VA.

No, personal information is not shared with anyone, including providers, unless specifically requested by the individual.

  • Referrals are not needed to receive care at Avalon’s posttraumatic growth programs.
  • Referral from your primary care provider is preferred for TBI and substance abuse treatment, although it is not required and will not prevent you from receiving care.

While we recognize that healing is often a shared journey for both the individual and their family, the programs are exclusively designed for the service member. However, caregivers and the family’s role in ongoing support are deeply valued.

Warrior PATHH
Caregivers and family members do not participate in the program.

TBI Centers
Caregivers and family members do not participate in the full program, as the first two weeks are dedicated to the participant’s healing and self-focus. However, participants may invite support person(s) to join in-person or virtually during the final few days of therapy. This allows loved ones to gain insight into what the participant has learned and how they can continue to offer support on the path to long-term healing.

Warriors Heart
Caregivers and family members do not participate in the program.

Warrior PATHH
Service dogs are determined on a case by case basis.

TBI Centers
Yes, trained and certified service dogs are allowed throughout a client’s course of treatment.

Warriors Heart
No, personal service dogs are not accepted.

Submitting an inquiry or referral through Avalon’s website is the most streamlined way for individuals to apply to our partner programs or refer someone for care:
https://www.avalonactionalliance.org/get-care.

The timeline can vary, as all programs require paperwork to be completed before eligibility can be determined, and treatment can begin. The overall process often depends on how quickly and thoroughly the applicant is able to complete and return the required documents. Prompt responses can facilitate a more efficient process.

Warrior PATHH
On average, it takes approximately 120 days from application to the start date of your program.

TBI Centers
On average, it takes approximately 90 days from application to the start date of your program.

Warriors Heart
On average, it takes approximately 14 days from application to the start date of your program.