Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and psychological health conditions not only affect the patient, but can also impact family members and relationships.

The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Family Program is designed to:

• Provide personalized education and skills training
• Connect families with resources to help them cope with and understand their loved one’s situation   

We also encourage family members to get involved in the patient’s care plan by attending patient appointments and using the following programs and services:

• Family Therapy: Short‐term, solution‐focused therapies, done in individual sessions, marital sessions, group sessions, and/or family sessions
• Family Education: A series of classes designed to increase knowledge and awareness of patients’ injuries and their impact on the family unit
• Spouse and Caregiver Support Groups: Informal support groups that provide a nurturing and safe environment for spouses and caregivers to share common experiences and challenges, and receive support and encouragement   

For more resources and tips about how families can cope with TBI, view the educational materials from the Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), including the following:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans. This is a recovery support tool to assist caregivers of service members and veterans who have sustained a traumatic brain injury at any severity level. This revision replaces the original guide released in 2010.

• Returning Home After TBI: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans. A fact sheet that shares information and adaptation tips when a loved one diagnosed with a TBI returns home. It includes hot topics such as driving following TBI and ways to avoid a second traumatic brain injury.

• Addressing Family Needs: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans. This fact sheet includes ways to build stronger family ties and information on challenges the family may experience, such as substance misuse, psychological and emotional trauma, and financial changes. 

• Intimacy and Sexuality Following TBI: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans. A fact sheet that provides caregivers and those diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury with information for addressing intimacy and sexuality concerns following a TBI. It includes information on how TBI can affect sexual functioning and behavior, and tips on improving intimacy after a brain injury.

• Taking Care of Yourself: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans. This fact sheet is directed towards caregivers and provides self-care strategies to avoid caregiver burnout and fatigue.

• Talking to Your Child about TBI: A Guide for Caregivers of Service Members and Veterans. This fact sheet includes age-appropriate strategies adults can use to speak with children about traumatic brain injury. It also includes tips on how to help kids cope with changes that impact the family unit.