Vancouver Island Trauma, PTSD & Addiction Inpatient Program

More Than Just Addiction Treatment at EHN Guardians Nanaimo

This program is designed for members of healthcare professionals, any other first responders as well as anyone covered under Presumptive Legislation for the treatment of PTSD and/or Operational Stress Injury, with addiction present.

When you turn to EHN Guardians Nanaimo for treatment, you join an exceptional community dedicated to your trauma and addiction recovery. During your stay, you’ll receive support from medical experts and fellow first responders, military members, and veterans who are familiar with trauma and addiction. Our clinical team will provide the guidance and care you need to address past traumas and abstain from substances to build healthy habits that last.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Primary diagnosis related to operational stress injury (VAC, RCMP, police, firefighters, paramedics, any first responders)
• Operational trauma must be present

Our Approach to PTSD & OSI Treatment

Our trauma and addiction program consists of biopsychosocial, spiritual, and environmental approaches. This differs from EHN Canada’s general addiction programs as the clients receive specific group times that involve working with their workplace-specific trauma symptoms, separate from the addiction. Our approaches include:

• Art therapy to facilitate self-exploration and understand thoughts and feelings that may otherwise be difficult to express
• In vivo exposure which allows clients to confront and regulate emotional response to workplace triggers in real time
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to assist in developing helpful thought patterns and healthy behaviours in recovery
• Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) for developing the skills needed to regulate emotions and distress, stabilize interpersonal relationships, and practice mindfulness
• Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) for processing past trauma
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy (imaginal and in-vivo onsite and offsite exposures) with occupational therapists to address triggers
• Individual psychotherapy for an empathetic and safe space to discuss personal recovery concerns and develop treatment goals
• Group therapy to provide opportunities for peer support and professionally guided emotional processing
• Psychoeducational sessions to help you understand yourself and the nature of your trauma
• Mindfulness and physical exercise activities including trauma-sensitive yoga, art therapy, therapeutic boxing, virtual reality, and sound therapy
• Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy is a compassionate, evidence-based approach that helps individuals understand and heal by identifying and harmonizing the different “parts” or subpersonalities within themselves.
• Forest Bathing, a grounding ceremony rooted in Indigenous teachings and supported by ecopsychology. Participants spend quiet, mindful time among the trees, restoring balance and fostering belonging to the land. Spiritually, it deepens relationship with the living world and reminds participants that the land is always present, watching, and teaching.

A Specialized Program for Service Members Focused on Lasting Recovery

The Concurrent Trauma and Addiction Program at EHN Guardians Nanaimo is designed with the following goals in mind for clients:

• Stabilize trauma symptoms and establish a sense of safety
• Make sense of traumatic experiences and their impact on life
• Reduce trauma-related symptoms and behaviours connected to addiction
• Learn how to manage trauma symptoms to support ongoing therapy efforts and improve quality of life
• Integrate into a long-term trauma peer support network for ongoing recovery

Why Choose Inpatient PTSD Treatment at EHN Guardians Nanaimo

EHN Guardians Nanaimo is a dedicated inpatient treatment facility designed to support military members, veterans, and first responders recovering from trauma, PTSD, and operational stress injuries. Located in scenic Nanaimo, British Columbia, our centre offers a peaceful and rejuvenating setting on Vancouver Island—an ideal environment for healing and renewal.

Our experienced team of doctors, nurses, and counsellors provide 24/7 care, evidence-based treatment, and compassionate support throughout each step of recovery. Immersed in a close-knit therapeutic community, clients gain the strength, structure, and connection needed to rebuild resilience.

About EHN Guardians Nanaimo

Our facility is situated in a quiet setting away from the city. Having a separate, self-contained space allows for the development of a supportive community amongst clients dealing with similar issues and experiences. This space fosters an environment of growth and bonding between clients. This milieu enables clients to become emotionally vulnerable, and open without the fear of being judged.

The environment is strategically designed and managed to foster an atmosphere of calmness and relaxation. The environment also encourages self-regulation, grounding, and sleep hygiene amongst the client population. Comfortable, private accommodations allow for alone time when needed and desired, while equally comfortable common areas are conducive to communal leisure activities, meals, and informal interactions.

The building provides a safe refuge for clients when they are triggered and/or emotionally dysregulated. Dedicated trauma staff are in the building 24/7. All clinicians’ offices are located immediately adjacent to the clients’ accommodations and common areas for ready accessibility. In addition to the EHN Guardians Nanaimo building, our patients also have access to many of the facilities of EHN Edgewood Nanaimo since both locations are on the same campus.