UCCS Opened Trauma Clinic in 2023
The University of Colorado Colorado Springs established a clinic that allows trauma patients to set their own recovery goals.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Wellness
Live Poll
Should medical insurance providers cover non-traditional or alternative mental health therapies?
The Milestones Resilience Care clinic opened in 2023 at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. The facility utilizes a patient-centered care model, treating 160 patients who identify their own therapeutic objectives.
Why it matters
This model prioritizes building a patient's belief in their coping abilities rather than focusing solely on passive treatment. It aims to empower trauma survivors to develop strength and resilience through self-identified goals.
The clinic has treated 160 patients since its 2023 launch, with 60 veterans participating in the Next Chapter program between April 2023 and February 2025. Researchers have secured two grants to fund ongoing efficacy studies.
The players
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
This public research university serves as the host institution for the Milestones Resilience Care clinic.
Lyda Hill Institute for Human Resilience
This research center, located at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, houses the trauma clinic.
The details
Patients select from various options including psychotherapy, equine and llama therapy, sound therapy, and acupuncture to support their well-being. The program teaches skills to help patients self-assess their own progress and efforts.
Timeline
The Department of Veterans Affairs began adopting patient-driven care models in 2011.
The Milestones Resilience Care clinic opened its doors in 2023.
Sixty veterans participated in the Next Chapter program between April 2023 and February 2025.
The Big Picture
This clinic follows a precedent set by the Department of Veterans Affairs 2011 shift to patient-driven care, applying it to a broader patient demographic. By focusing on individualized care, the institution mirrors a nationwide transition toward empowerment-based health models.
Patients at this facility gain direct influence over their recovery plan by choosing from a variety of traditional and non-traditional therapies. The program also provides practical skills training to help individuals track their own mental and physical progress over time.
The takeaway
Empowerment models in trauma recovery emphasize a patient's belief in their ability to cope over passive symptom management. Individuals seeking care should focus on selecting programs that allow for active participation in the design of their personal therapeutic journey.
Further reading
Learn more about local wellness initiatives in the Wellness section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Springs Gazette.
Live Poll
Should medical insurance providers cover non-traditional or alternative mental health therapies?
