Jose Agurto, a retired Marine Corps gunnery sergeant, spent years struggling with the aftereffects of his service. Traditional talk therapy and medication did not provide the relief he needed. He often felt isolated by the stigma surrounding mental health in military culture. That changed when he started using high-performance racing simulators at Nova Southeastern University.
This initiative pairs racing with psychological coaching to address post-traumatic stress. Researchers at the university treat the simulator as a form of stress inoculation. By placing veterans in high-pressure environments, they teach them to recognize the early physical indicators of stress. Instructors monitor heart rate and breathing in real time, helping participants develop skills to remain calm when faced with intense situations.
The program grew out of a partnership with The Veterans Trust, a nonprofit that introduces service members to motorsports. Many veterans find the transition to civilian life difficult due to the sudden loss of military structure. The simulators provide an outlet that mimics the intensity of combat scenarios without the associated danger, offering a controlled space for veterans to practice emotional regulation.
Participants apply these lessons beyond the lab. Whether facing high-traffic road rage or interpersonal conflicts at home, veterans report that the techniques learned on the track help them avoid knee-jerk emotional reactions. The program currently maintains a waiting list, showing the demand for alternative approaches to mental health support for those who have served.