Military Veteran Peer Support (MVPS): Group Consent Information

The Hope For The Warriors (HOPE) Military Veteran Peer Support Group is a safe, supportive place for post-9/11 Veterans. Group is designed to build peer-to-peer networks, discuss the transition to civilian life following military service, and develop healthy coping skills to aid in enhancing one’s wellbeing.

Whether in-person or attending virtually, to allow all group members to have the best possible experience, please agree to abide by the following:

Group Guidelines

Please try to arrive to group on time. Circumstances may influence timeliness, which is understandable.

Please remove outside distractions. Silence cell phones and electronics.

Remember to share the floor, allowing all participants an opportunity to speak.

Speak only from your own feelings and experiences.

Respect is an integral part of each group. Please respect other’s opinions, emotions, and experiences, even if they may differ from our own.

Confidentiality

1. Members should not describe anything discussed in group with others outside of group. This includes details about other members, including their names, appearance, or any other related personal information.

2. HOPE’s MVPS will make every attempt to respect all privacy and boundaries. MVPS cannot guarantee strict confidentiality during virtual support groups.

3. MVPS will utilize a third-party video conferencing platform to facilitate the virtual component of support group meetings. By participating in the video conference, each member has reviewed and accepted the security of the facilitating platform.

4. Participants are prohibited from recording group sessions in any way.

5. The group facilitator(s) will not reveal information about group participants without written except where disclosure is required by law. This includes:

i. Any individual who has expressed/alluded that he/she/them wishes to harm self or others

ii. If there are suspicions of abuse of a minor

In The Event Of An Emergency

If at any time you feel like harming yourself or injuring another, please inform the group facilitator(s) and/or contact your individual therapist or psychiatrist. If you cannot reach your individual therapist or psychiatrist, call 911, the Veterans Crisis Lifeline at 988, or visit the nearest hospital emergency room.

HOPE’s Military Veteran Peer Support Group is not group therapy. Please inform a group facilitator if you need assistance finding a local counselor or mental health professional.