EMDR Support for Healthcare Professionals

Support and Wellness for UVA Health Providers

UVA Health’s Population Health department is dedicated to enhancing the support and wellness of our doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals. 

The pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, increasing stress, grief, frustration, and fear among our staff. Corey Feist, CEO of UPG, has identified clinician burnout as a national crisis even before COVID-19, highlighting the importance of early intervention in preventing severe and persistent symptoms, harmful behaviors, and burnout.

For over three years, Jody Sweeney, LCSW, and Arminda Perch, MBA, LCSW, have provided stress reduction and emotional support through the BeWell program. They offer a safe environment without requiring a DSM diagnosis.

Jody Sweeney is also part of the Virginia Community Response Network (VCRN), which offers free EMDR support to frontline workers. EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals recover from trauma and stress-related issues.

We believe UVA Health professionals should have access to these services in-house. We offer 1-6 sessions using short-term intervention protocols for COVID-19-related stress and negative feelings. Additionally, UVA Health providers (including UPG and UVA-Wise) can access up to 8 counseling sessions with our behavioral health therapists.

For more information on EMDR, visit: EMDRIA.

For VCRN assistance, visit: VCRN


Click here to request an appointment


Online Resources for Healthcare Providers:


The above resources are not designed for crisis intervention. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or contact one of the crisis hotlines listed below:
  1. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988, available 24/7 | Lifeline Chat
  2. Region Ten Emergency Services: (434) 972-1800, available 24/7