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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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

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
 

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

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
 

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

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
 

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

— Erick Sowell, Clinical Social Worker in Baltimore, MD

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
 

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

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 ,
 

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

— Ileana Hahambis, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in ,
 

Even though military spouses are some of the most adaptable and resilient people on the planet, the constant state of change can take a toll on anyone. The worry for your spouse’s safety, the challenges with childcare, the never-ending list of things to do as a solo parent, uncertain deployment dates, and frequent moves can be overwhelming. The constant stress can cause you to feel exhausted, aimless, resentful, and alone.

— Crystal Bettenhausen-Bubulka, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Coronado, CA

As a Star Behavioral Health Provider with specialized training in military culture, I am deeply committed to supporting military-connected individuals and their families. I know that military service deeply shapes one’s identity and should be respected, not pathologized. I also provide support for PTSD, combat trauma, and reintegration. I am actively expanding my knowledge with ongoing training in PTSD and other treatments via the VA to provide comprehensive support to service members.

— Ashley Jiron, Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in West Palm Beach, FL
 

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 extensive experience working with Veterans who are looking to address mental health symptoms in both healthcare and community settings. My work has focused on adjustment to life after military service, processing experiences during service, and treating specific mental health needs, including PTSD, anger/irritability, and anxiety.

— Alisha Desai, Psychologist
 

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 help military veterans learn how to confront and tolerate unwanted emotions from the past so they can turn on more positive emotions. I spent over three years at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas providing Prolonged Exposure Therapy to active duty and veteran service members with PTSD. I now help veterans in my own practice discover what it means to live a valued life instead of a life shrunk by PTSD.

— Lauren Koch, Psychologist in Spokane, WA
 

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