Why I Support Military Members and Veterans as a Therapist
You’ve taken the uniform off—but you’re still carrying so much. Therapy can be the next mission—this time, for yourself.
Honestly, working with military members and veterans wasn’t part of my original plan. This isn’t just a career move — it’s a calling that emerged from listening to the stories, concerns, and frustrations of those who’ve served, as well as the therapists trying to support them from within the system. I’ve come to realize that while military personnel are some of the strongest and most resilient individuals in our communities, they are also among the most underserved when it comes to accessible, effective mental health care.
The Gaps in VA Services
My decision started with what I noticed — or rather, what I didn’t. I spoke with other mental health providers who were struggling to get their clients the support they needed through the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Long wait times, bureaucratic obstacles, and lack of continuity in care left many feeling discouraged before therapy even began. They told me about veterans being referred to generalists who lacked the training to address the complexities of military trauma, combat exposure, and reintegration into civilian life.
The VA does what it can — but it’s no secret that it’s overburdened. I’ve heard too many people say, “I gave up trying to get an appointment,” or “It’s not worth the red tape.” That kind of disillusionment keeps people suffering in silence. That’s when I began to ask myself: could I be a resource? I had the training, the space, and — most importantly — the willingness to be an alternative.
Privacy and Trust: A Major Barrier
Another major reason I felt drawn to this work is the issue of privacy and trust. Many veterans and military members shared that they were reluctant to open up with VA therapists or military-affiliated providers because they feared their records could affect their careers, benefits, or reputation. That fear often keeps them from revealing the full extent of their struggles — whether it’s PTSD, depression, substance use, or suicidal thoughts.
In private practice, I offer a space that’s confidential and completely independent of the military system. That kind of privacy can make a big difference in someone’s decision to seek help. I want the veterans and service members I work with to know that they can speak freely — without judgment and without consequence.
The Need for Specialized Trauma Care
Military service is a unique experience. The trauma that can arise from combat, deployments, or even returning home is deeply layered and complex. These experiences can’t be addressed with generic coping skills or surface-level talk therapy. What’s needed is trauma-informed care that’s grounded in a real understanding of military culture and its psychological toll.
That’s why I’ve sought out advanced training in trauma treatment modalities like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and somatic approaches. These evidence-based therapies are proven effective in treating PTSD and moral injury — both of which are common but often misunderstood without specialized knowledge.
I firmly believe therapists working with military clients should be equipped not just with the right tools, but with cultural competence. That doesn’t mean I’m an expert in military life — trust me, I’m not! There are more acronyms in the military than I had crammed into my head during my entire social work graduate program… and that was a lot. But I’m committed to learning.
A Direct Approach — And Why It Matters
One of the most encouraging pieces of feedback I’ve received — and what really solidified my decision — is that my direct, no-nonsense approach resonates with military clients. I don’t sugarcoat. I don’t spend session after session nodding without substance. I believe in being honest, goal-oriented, and practical — and that approach tends to align well with the mindset of many veterans and active-duty service members.
Several people told me, “You’d be a great fit for military clients — they don’t want fluff, they want real.” That stuck with me.
In session, I meet clients where they are. I speak plainly. I help build tools that work in real life. I respect their time, their experience, and their perspectives. And from what I’ve seen so far, that respect is mutual. I also know that trust is earned — and I take the time to build rapport before anything else.
It’s About Service
At the core of this work is a simple truth: I want to serve those who’ve served us. These individuals have risked their lives, missed milestones with loved ones, and endured experiences most people can’t imagine. Supporting their mental health isn’t just a professional decision — it’s a way to give back. It’s a way to provide a safe space for healing and to advocate for those who are often forgotten once the uniform comes off.
Whether someone is dealing with flashbacks, isolation, anger, guilt, or simply the challenge of finding a new identity after service, I want them to know they’re not alone — and that they have options outside a system that may have let them down.
Looking Ahead
As I dive deeper into this chapter of my practice, I do so with humility and gratitude for every veteran and service member who walks through my door. I’m here to listen. I’m here to learn. And I’m here to help.
If you’re a veteran or currently serving and you’ve been hesitant to reach out for support, I hope you’ll consider this an invitation. You deserve a space where your story is honored, and your healing is prioritized — on your terms.
