Paws and Stripes Expanded Veteran Mental Health Services
The Albuquerque-based organization provides free therapy, service dog training, and case management for local veterans.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Military Jobs
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Paws and Stripes offers comprehensive mental health support to veterans and service members in Albuquerque. The organization facilitates connections between veterans and rescue dogs while providing ongoing individual therapy at no cost.
Why it matters
These programs address critical mental health needs for military families by pairing rescue animals with veterans and offering essential clinical support. The services aim to improve quality of life and provide stability through professional case management.
Paws and Stripes provides free individual therapy and case management to veterans and their families. The organization coordinates a service dog program pairing participants with rescue dogs.
The players
Paws and Stripes
An Albuquerque-based organization that provides mental health services, case management, and service dog training to military veterans and their families.
The details
The organization hosts seasonal workshops such as Navigating the Holidays to assist families with stress management. Case management services are utilized to link individuals directly with available community resources in New Mexico.
Timeline
September 2026 marks Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
Market Landscape
Paws and Stripes follows a pattern set by the VA's canine-assisted therapy pilot programs by utilizing rescue animals as a component of veteran mental health treatment. This model highlights the shift toward community-integrated support systems alongside traditional clinical care.
Veterans and their family members in the area can access free therapy and case management services without the hurdle of financial costs. Interested participants can also seek support through the organization’s specialized seasonal wellness workshops.
The takeaway
Integrating animal-assisted therapy with clinical care provides a multi-faceted approach to veteran wellness. Families can benefit from utilizing these local resources to manage transitional challenges and mental health needs.
Further reading
For more information on employment and support initiatives for those who have served, visit Military Jobs.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KRQE 13.
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