Brian Ludden, Ed.D., LMHC, LPC, is a Military Behavioral Health Counselor at the Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) within the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland.

In this role, he supports the implementation and expansion of the Star Behavioral Health Providers Program (SBHP), which trains civilian behavioral health providers to effectively support service members, veterans, and their families. This initiative aims to increase the availability of high-quality behavioral health services, particularly for those in the National Guard and Reserve.

A veteran of the United States Army, Brian transitioned from military service after a medical discharge in 2009 and dedicated his career to mental health support for the armed forces and their families. While serving as the Military Connected Student Support Specialist with the School District of Clay County under a Department of Defense Education Activities (DoDEA) grant, he facilitated the placement of Military and Family Life Counselors (MFLC) in local schools to support military-connected students.

Brian earned his Master of Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida in 2012, followed by a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from the same institution in 2017. His extensive clinical experience encompasses community mental health, substance abuse treatment, school-based therapy, specialized therapeutic foster care, pediatric and family-based treatment, and private practice. He specializes in treating anxiety, PTSD, and grief, with a focus over the past 11 years on providing care to military service members and their families.

Identifying as a Humanist Therapist, Brian is dedicated to creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered. He believes in the inherent potential within everyone to grow, heal, and find meaning in their lives.