Veterans/Military Service

Veterans and active duty military have a unique set of circumstances and experiences that can lead to mental health issues. The sometimes dangerous and traumatic environment in which members of the military serve can lead to PTSD as well as other issues, such as substance abuse or traumatic brain injury.  When returning home, some veterans have trouble adjusting to life outside of the military and may feel disconnected from family and friends. They may isolate themselves and are at risk for developing mental health issues including anxiety and depression. Military life can also have an effect on other members of the family system. A qualified mental health professional who specializes in working with veterans and their families can help. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s veterans/military experts today.

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Meet the specialists

 

21 years active-duty Army service followed by 2 years as a provider in the VA

— Landon Coleman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New York, NY

Retired disabled combat veteran with over 20 years experience within the military community.

— Erick Sowell, Clinical Social Worker in Baltimore, MD
 

I am a fourth-generation combat veteran who served as an enlisted service member, officer, infantry, and administrator. I deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom, and I served at our Nation's capital. Tell me your story and let's figure out the way to accomplish the mission.

— Carl Price, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in San Antonio, TX

As a military veterans spouse I have had first hand experience in the life of service men/women and their families. I understand the challenges that they face both in active duty as well as in life after separation and the challenges faced when adjusting to life as a civilian.

— Charlotte Merrill, Licensed Professional Counselor in Tahlequah, OK
 

In addition to a master's in social work from OSU, I also have an advanced certificate in serving veterans and their families. I am also a STAR behavioral health provider, and have previously worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs. I have served as both an enlisted soldier and an officer in the U.S. Army. I have specialized training, experience and knowledge on the nuances of military life and culture, as well as the difficulties that come from transitioning to civilian life.

— Shelby Cook, Therapist in Gahanna, OH

I was a member of the Resilience Center for Veterans and Families of Columbia University for many years where I learned interventions specific to this community. I am also an Army Veteran, and currently serving as a medical operations officer in the NY Army National Guard.

— Kristjana McCarthy, Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

People have said that you might have PTSD, but what does that even mean? You've lived through some difficult events, but plenty of other people have been through worse. You worry that PTSD means that you are crazy, and you don't want people to treat you differently. You're concerned that being labeled with PTSD will have negative consequences, and that has stopped you from asking for help. If you and/or your partner may be experiencing PTSD- it is possible to heal from the past.

— Shelly Crosby, Psychologist in Long Beach, CA

I love working with high performing veterans and their spouses, particularly female veterans and people in dual military couples. We work to heal the wounds of war (or service in general but I loved the alliteration of the former phrasing) as well as looking at the ways in which military service is still shaping life choices and experiences. As a long time mil-spouse, I have personal experience with military culture.

— Grace Porter, Counselor in ,
 

While I am a civilian myself, I have extensive experience in supporting military veterans adjust to civilian life. It would be my honor to support you in helping you identify your new mission and make a plan for reaching your goals. I will help you discover how your military values and skills translate to civilian life. I can also assist you with coping with PTSD symptoms in hopes of increasing your level of functioning.

— Allison Borrasso, Licensed Professional Counselor in Pittsburgh, PA

As a child of a military service member and a military wife, working with veterans is something I am very passionate about. I utilize EMDR and DBT techniques to address multiple military related issues.

— Natalie Schley, Licensed Professional Counselor
 

I am a veteran of the Vietnam War. I was a loadmaster on a cargo plane that flew over Laos and Cambodia, where US aircraft were hunted by MIGs and targeted by surface-to-air missiles. While this qualifies me as a combat vet, I also served in law enforcement for 9 years, where I had a much more intimate experience with those trying to kill me and with death. My law enforcement experience spanned the 1980s, which saw the highest number of officers killed in any decade of American history.

— Erika Laurentz, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Olympia, WA

I have experience with deployments and the strains it puts on families, combat-induced PTSD and struggles veterans have upon military discharge. I am also trained in Levels 1 & 2 Brainspotting, which can help with somatic storage of trauma.

— Jessica Reynolds, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Cruz, CA
 

Although I've always had respect for military members, I gained comprehensive understanding of military life in my work as a military psychologist contractor /GS employee, VA C & P evaluator and intern, and now as a military spouse. I've worked for 10 years with enlisted and officers from all branches of service on 3 installations from AF, Navy, and Space Force and vets. Now I'm living the spouse life from HHG fun to Balls and 6 month TDYs. Get support from someone who understands.

— Alicia Rozycki, Psychologist in ,

I have over twelve years of experiencing working with Veterans at VA hospitals and clinics.

— Ileana Hahambis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,
 

Coming from a family of military and first responders, I understand the unique challenges these individuals face. My professional experience enhances my ability to address trauma, PTSD, and stress-related disorders. I provide a trustworthy, empathetic space, utilizing tailored therapeutic techniques that promote resilience and long-term well-being, honoring their service and experiences with dedicated support.

— Rose Dawydiak-Rapagnani, Therapist in ,

My passion and experience with helping Veterans and military servicepeople began while I was on a full-time one-year internship at the Phoenix VA. I came to find that I not only enjoyed working with Veterans, but that I also had a talent for connecting with them on a human level, despite not being a Veteran myself. Veterans come from all walks of life, and I make it my mission to meet them where they are at, whether that means with help transitioning roles out of service or otherwise.

— Kyle Jackson, Clinical Psychologist
 

I have meaningful experience working with veterans and military service members, addressing challenges like PTSD, anxiety, and reintegration stress. I use trauma-informed approaches such as EMDR, mindfulness, and grounding techniques to support healing and resilience. My practice emphasizes understanding the unique experiences of military life, fostering a safe space to process emotions, rebuild trust, and navigate the transition to civilian life with confidence and purpose.

— Lauren Brands, Student Therapist in Gilbert, AZ

As a military spouse, I have first hand knowledge, and training, in assisting individuals through their military life, and after.

— Angie Luttrell, Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in , GA
 

I have extensive experience in working with Veterans and active military members. Most of my clinical training was accomplished with VHA and DOD. My heart is fully with those who have sacrificed to serve our country and I have a deep understanding of the issues our heroes often bring home with them. I have intensively treated Veterans and service members with PTSD, addiction issues, serious mental illness, life and role transitions, grief, civilian reintegration, and mood disorders.

— Cari Oliver, Clinical Psychologist in Arlington, VA