Frequently Asked Questions

Our program is exclusively for first responders and military personnel. This ensures a trusted environment with peers who understand each other's experiences deeply.

Absolutely. We offer family therapy and education programs to help rebuild and strengthen family relationships during the recovery journey.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a trauma-focused therapy that helps the brain process distressing memories, so they are no longer overwhelming. It is especially effective for first responders, active military, and veterans because it targets job-related trauma without requiring detailed retelling of events, helping reduce PTSD symptoms, hypervigilance, and emotional reactivity tied to critical incidents.

We're located on 32 acres in Waverly, Tennessee, at 1750 Halls Creek Road, Waverly, TN 37185.

Our programming focuses on longer-term, therapeutic care rather than crisis stabilization. Treatment is provided in a smaller, structured, home-like, and confidential environment with specialized groups, consistent clinical relationships, and time to address trauma, stress, and recovery. Plus, there are two puppy dogs running around.

Our average length of stay is 30–45 days — the recommended length of stay to have adequate time to address current challenges. There are shorter-term options when needed; please call admissions to explore those options.

We offer specialized programming tailored to the unique mental health, trauma, and substance use needs of first responders, with trauma-informed, evidence-based therapies in a confidential, peer-supported environment.

Treatment costs vary based on level of care, length of stay, and insurance coverage. Our team works directly with clients and families to verify benefits, explain options, and provide transparent information before admission so there are no surprises. We do not want cost to be a barrier to treatment — please contact our admissions team to discuss payment options.

Yes. Treatment is confidential and protected by federal and state privacy laws. Information is never shared with employers or agencies without written consent.

Yes. We support women through trauma-informed, gender-responsive care, designed to address the unique experiences and stressors faced by women in first responder, military, and veteran roles.

Yes. We support primary mental health needs, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, and burnout, with individualized, evidence-based care — even when substance use is not a concern.

No. We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. Our admissions team can discuss private insurance options and alternative resources if coverage is a concern.

Each day follows a structured, supportive schedule: individual therapy, specialized group sessions, and wellness activities, with time for reflection, rest, and peer support.

Yes and no. We collect phones throughout the day/night so you can focus on healing and rest your brain from constant distraction. There is daily phone time and 24/7 access to a house phone to stay connected to supportive others.

Yes. Our clinical team can assist with return-to-work and duty-related paperwork when clinically appropriate, including documentation, treatment summaries, and coordination, with written consent only.

That is very common and we can help. Our team can guide families through next steps, offer education and support, and help with thoughtful, non-confrontational conversations. We also offer a peer support team of alumni (PD, fire, military, EMS, etc.) available to talk to clients.

Absolutely. All food, snacks, and drinks are covered. We offer fire-style meals — community, healing, and connection through food — prepared by an executive chef who is a veteran himself.

You will have individual therapy weekly, a second EMDR session weekly, and family therapy as needed throughout your time at GRIT.

Some insurances do require a referral. Our admissions team is equipped to help you navigate the referral process every step of the way.

Treatment may be needed when symptoms begin interfering with daily life, work, or relationships — increased anxiety or depression, sleep disturbances, irritability, emotional numbing, withdrawal from others, difficulty managing stress, substance use, or changes in job performance.

Early intervention helps prevent symptoms from becoming more severe, complex, and disruptive. Addressing concerns early can reduce long-term impact and improve treatment outcomes.

Drinking to cope with stress or sleep, increased tolerance, difficulty cutting back, mood changes, strained relationships, impaired job performance, or continuing to drink despite negative consequences.

EMDR helps the brain process unresolved trauma more efficiently. By targeting how distressing memories are stored, it reduces emotional intensity faster than talk therapy alone, allowing symptom relief in fewer sessions.

Admissions can move very quickly — in many cases, same-day or next-day admission is possible, depending on completing the necessary screening steps.

Yes — GRIT at Magnolia Meadows accepts out-of-state clients. Because our program is exclusive to first responders, veterans, and active military, many clients travel to attend.

We never want transportation to be a barrier to treatment. We offer transportation services from the Nashville airport, plus resources to support overall transportation — contact admissions for details.

Yes, we are in-network (INN) with VA Community Care Network (CCN) benefits. Please call our admissions team to discuss the referral process.

No, we are contracted to take primary mental health, primary substance use, or both. You do not have to struggle with substances to come to GRIT.

The program is 3–6 weeks long, depending on insurance and the specific needs of the client. If a shorter time period is needed, please call admissions to discuss.

Clients get 1 hour of individual therapy and 1.5–2 hours of EMDR every week, plus extra family sessions, nurse practitioner sessions, and check-ins throughout the week.

Yes! Crisis is not on a 9-5 schedule or two weeks from now — it is now. We can offer same-day and next-day admissions.