#Painting4PTS: RECLAIM

Reclaim is a clinically supported art experience designed for veterans processing post-traumatic stress (PTS), grief, or emotional trauma. Working collaboratively with their therapist and a TT1P art facilitator, participants use art to externalize their experiences, safely confront emotion, and reclaim their sense of control and purpose.

• Referrals are made directly through the veteran’s therapist.
• Therapist remains the primary clinical contact throughout the process.
• Includes guided storytelling, creative collaboration, and structured follow-up at 1  week, 3 months, and 6 months.
• Participation  is always free of charge for veterans.

Reclaim is ideal for veterans seeking to integrate art-based healing within their ongoing therapy journey. 

1. Referral & Intake
   A veteran’s therapist submits a referral to the TT1P team. Together, we      identify goals, potential triggers, and the veteran’s artistic vision.
2. Therapist & Artist Coordination
   A TT1P clinical art facilitator and the referring therapist collaborate to      ensure a safe, trauma-informed process.
3. Storytelling & Creative Concept
   The veteran shares key themes or experiences with the therapist and      artist. The artist develops 2–3 concept sketches for review.
4. Artwork Creation
   Once a concept is selected, the artist creates the final piece over a 6–8      week period. The therapist remains involved for ongoing support.
5. Delivery & Reflection
   The completed artwork is delivered or presented with the therapist present      (in-person or virtual) to ensure emotional safety.
6. Follow-Up
   Veterans receive wellness check-ins at 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months.     Therapists may continue coordination for ongoing care.

Veterans eligible for Reclaim must be currently active in therapy with a licensed mental-health provider.

When submitting a referral, therapists are asked to include the veteran’s PCL-5 (Post-Traumatic Stress Checklist) score. This measure allows our team to place participants in the most appropriate category for trauma-informed care:

• Low (0–19): The veteran may be best suited for TT1P’s Wellness Programs such as Renewal or Illuminate.
   
• Moderate (20–49): The veteran eligible for Reclaim, where creative work is guided collaboratively between the therapist and TT1P facilitators.
   
• High (50+): The veteran may not yet be a fit for our program. TT1P will pause enrollment and consult with the referring therapist before proceeding to ensure adequate clinical support and safety measures are in place.
   

While additional measures such as PHQ-9, GAD-7, and WHO-5 are not required, they are strongly encouraged to provide a fuller picture of the veteran’s well-being. These assessments help TT1P and the therapist coordinate care, track outcomes, and respond appropriately throughout the program.