Idaho Army Veteran Finds Hope at Meridian Brain Health Clinic, Encourages Others to Seek Help
An Idaho Army veteran is opening up about her mental health struggles and recovery this Memorial Day weekend, sharing her experience with a Meridian clinic that specializes in brain and body wellness — and urging fellow veterans to know that help is available.
Michelle Pratt served in the U.S. Army during the 1990s, with postings in Germany and Bosnia. The experiences she witnessed overseas — vehicle accidents and other traumatic scenes uncommon in civilian life — left a lasting mark. “It kind of sticks with you in a way,” Pratt said of those memories.
In the years that followed her service, Pratt said she dealt with persistent exhaustion, mental fog, and trouble concentrating. The daily grind made it difficult to push through. “Life gets in the way at times… things can become more challenging,” she said, describing the feeling of being stuck in an endless cycle without relief.
Meridian Clinic Expanding Services for Veterans
Pratt is now receiving what the clinic calls “Brain Restore” treatment at Align Integrated Medical in Meridian. The facility offers a range of services targeting neurological and physical wellness, including neurofeedback therapy, functional medicine, chiropractic care, and laser therapy.
The clinic first gained attention in the veteran community after offering free brain scans to veterans and first responders. Since that initiative, clinic staff say more veterans have come forward seeking evaluation and treatment.
The Boise VA has confirmed that Align Integrated Medical’s Brain Restore program is now part of the Community Care Network, meaning VA-enrolled veterans may be eligible to receive care at the Meridian location through their existing VA benefits. Veterans interested in the program are encouraged to contact the Boise VA to determine eligibility.
For Pratt, the results so far have been noticeable. She described a significant shift in her daily energy levels. “Now it’s like all of a sudden I’m awake… and I’m ready to go,” she said, contrasting that with the constant fatigue she experienced before beginning the program.
First Responders Also Finding Relief
Pratt is not alone in her journey. Todd Harris, a former law enforcement officer, also sought treatment at the Meridian clinic after years of carrying the weight of job-related trauma. Harris said the psychological toll of working in high-danger situations doesn’t simply disappear once a person leaves the profession.
“That stuff takes a toll on you inside, that you really don’t realize,” Harris said. He noted the disconnect that many trauma survivors experience — the mind may logically recognize safety, but the body holds onto stress in ways that are harder to resolve. “You can tell your mind all day long you’re safe… but your body doesn’t feel it,” he explained.
Harris said that after only a few sessions, his ability to recall memories and access mental clarity improved. “Being able to remember things — that’s been the biggest help for me,” he said.
Impact on Ada County Veterans and First Responders
The Treasure Valley is home to a significant population of active-duty military families, veterans, and current and retired first responders. Mental health challenges among these groups — including post-traumatic stress, depression, and cognitive difficulties — are well-documented nationwide, yet many individuals in these communities remain reluctant to seek care.
Pratt said that public stigma and the culture of toughness common among veterans and law enforcement can make it harder to take that first step. Her decision to speak openly about her own recovery is intended to chip away at that barrier. “I hope that other veterans can see this and feel like there’s some hope,” she said.
What Comes Next
Veterans in Ada County who are enrolled with the VA and interested in the Brain Restore program at Align Integrated Medical in Meridian should contact the Boise VA Medical Center to ask about Community Care Network referral options. The clinic’s inclusion in that network means qualifying veterans may be able to access treatment without out-of-pocket costs.
Mental Health Awareness Month continues through the end of May. Veterans experiencing a mental health crisis can also reach the Veterans Crisis Line at any time by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or visiting veteranscrisisline.net.