This podcast from Military Times examines the alarming rate of military and veterans suicide, offering new insights based on research and effective clinical and peer support practices in suicide prevention. Hosted by Duane France, a retired Army combat veteran, author and mental health counselor, and Shauna Springer, a psychologist, author and nationally recognized expert on initiatives to benefit the military community, the podcast aims to move beyond awareness to identify actionable strategies that can impact the rising suicide rate among service members, veterans, and their families.
About this week’s guest
Mathew “Frag-o” Bergendahl, graduated from South Dakota State University with a master’s degree in Counseling in the Agency Setting back in 2015. Prior, he earned his Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Blackhills State University. Bergendahl is a former Air Force security forces member, enlisting from 1999-2005 and spent his enlistment deployed to Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Iraq.
Bergendahl started working for the Department of Veterans Affairs in 2010 as an office manager for the Rapid City Vet Center in South Dakota and was promoted to readjustment counseling therapist once he completed his master’s degree. Bergendahl currently is a licensed professional counselor in the state of South Dakota, and he is a member of the National Board of Certified Counselors. Bergendahl started donating his time to Stack Up as a Therapeutic adviser for the Stack Up Overwatch Program early this year and currently serves as the Overwatch Program Manager.
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
StackUp Overwatch Program (StOP)
Join our Facebook group:
Seeking the Military Suicide Solution on Facebook
Shauna's latest book: Warrior: How to Support Those Who Protect Us
Duane's latest book: Military in the Rear View Mirror: Mental Health and Wellness in Post-Military Life
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