GIVING BACK: Headstrong
BlogJune 14, 2021
Each issue, the editorial staff of Military Embedded Systems will highlight a different charitable organization that benefits the military, veterans, and their families. We are honored to cover the technology that protects those who protect us every day. To back that up, our parent company – OpenSystems Media – will make a donation to every group we showcase on this page.
This issue we are highlighting Headstrong, a 501(c)(3) non-profit project dedicated to finding and providing cost-free, stigma-free, confidential, and effective mental-health services for post-9/11 veterans. The organization was founded in 2012 by former Marine Captain Zach Iscol, who had served two distinguished tours of duty in Iraq. Through a partnership with Weill Cornell Medical College, one of the nation’s leading mental health care centers, the organization developed a comprehensive mental-health treatment program for post-9/11 veterans dealing with PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder], addiction, anxiety and depression, trauma, grief and loss, and anger management.
To date, Headstrong has identified and treats approximately 1,000 clients per month in 12 states and 28 markets. According to information from the organization, it aims to spread more widely across the U.S. using individually tailored in-person and telehealth mental-health treatment programs to reach not only post-9/11 vets but also active-duty service members, members of the National Guard and Reserves, veterans of all eras, and spouses, regardless of their characterization of discharge or combat status.
To administer its programs, Headstrong maintains a network of highly skilled senior therapists across the country, helping clients match with the best therapists in a location convenient for the client. It also partners with other medical institutions, veterans’ services organizations, and city and state mental-health awareness groups.
Headstrong has garnered an unusual 100% “Encompass” score from Charity Navigator attesting to good practices for its finances and accountability. For additional information on Headstrong, please visit https://getheadstrong.org/.
