Family Resources
Helping military service members, veterans, and families find information, support, and a path forward.
Navigating military mental health concerns can be overwhelming, especially when families are unsure where to turn for help.
Aaron’s Wish Foundation is committed to helping families better understand military mental health challenges, recognize gaps in care, advocate for appropriate support, and connect with available resources.
Through educational materials, practical advocacy tools, and information about specialized treatment and support programs, our goal is to help families feel more informed, prepared, and supported.
No one fights alone.
Family Advocacy Guide
Helping Families Navigate Military Mental Health Crises, Care & Support
Our Family Advocacy Guide provides practical information for parents, spouses, siblings, caregivers, and others supporting military service members and veterans.
The guide includes information on recognizing warning signs, communicating concerns, documenting changes in behavior, understanding available levels of care, and asking important questions of healthcare professionals and military leadership.
Our goal is to help families become informed, prepared, and empowered to advocate for appropriate care and support.
Family Advocacy Binder
A Comprehensive Toolkit for Navigating Military Mental Health Care and Advocacy
Our Family Advocacy Binder is a comprehensive 12-section resource designed to help families understand military mental health systems, recognize gaps in care, and advocate for service members and veterans experiencing mental health challenges.
The binder covers crisis recognition, navigating military healthcare, command and leadership response, administrative and disciplinary concerns, residential treatment, family communication, and available support resources.
It also includes practical worksheets, documentation tools, and questions families can use when communicating with healthcare professionals and military leadership.
Our goal is to equip families with the knowledge and tools to advocate effectively while preserving the dignity, safety, and well-being of those who serve.
Treatment & Support Resources
Aaron’s Wish Foundation is developing a directory of specialized programs osttand organizations that provide care and support to military service members, veterans, and their families.
UNC THRIVE Program
Traumatic Brain Injury, Posttraumatic Stress & Rehabilitation
Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the UNC THRIVE Program provides interdisciplinary evaluation and individualized care for traumatic brain injury, PTSD, and related health concerns.
The program primarily serves military veterans and first responders and also evaluates active-duty service members for eligibility.
Services include comprehensive assessments, specialized outpatient rehabilitation for eligible participants, and follow-up care coordination.
Eligible participants receive program services without out-of-pocket costs, with travel, lodging, and meals supported.
Contact: thrive@unc.edu
Website: https://thriveprogram.unc.edu
Program information reviewed by Dr. Jason Mihalik, UNC THRIVE Program, October 23, 2026. Eligibility and services are subject to change.