USA - Peer support meets professional care, Johns Hopkins Health Plans launches no-cost mental health program for the m…

USA - Peer support meets professional care, Johns Hopkins Health Plans launches no-cost mental health program for the military community. Johns Hopkins US Family Health Plan (USFHP) has introduced a new mental health and peer support service designed specifically for active-duty families, veterans, and retirees — offering confidential, no-cost access through the Cabana Live platform. What makes this initiative remarkable is its recognition of experiential expertise as an essential part of mental health care. The live support groups are facilitated by peers with military experience — people who truly understand the unique realities of military life, from deployment stress to reintegration challenges. By combining peer-led support with evidence-based self-care tools, Cabana Live closes the gap between moments of struggle and formal treatment. Members can join same-day groups, stay connected, and feel seen without fear of stigma or long waiting lists. “This service meets people where they are,” says Melissa Teves, VP of US Family Health Plan. And that’s exactly what experiential expertise does — it builds trust, reduces barriers, and redefines what meaningful support looks like. 👏 A powerful example of how linking professional healthcare with peer-led, experience-based support creates more responsive, human-centered mental health systems.