Deployment Psychology Blog

Guest Perspective: My Experience with The Summer Institute

By  on 13.05.2026 12:59 pm

From a young age, I’ve felt a deep calling to serve others. Whether through volunteering at my church, school, or in the community, I consistently sought opportunities to help where I could. I believe that service is a core aspect of our humanity—and for some of us, that drive is especially strong, leading us to careers in the helping professions. For me, that path is in behavioral health.

Research Update: 7 May 2026

By Shirl Kennedy  on 07.05.2026 2:13 pm
Research Update icon

The weekly Research Update contains the latest news, journal articles, and useful links from around the web. Some of this week's topics include:
● SAFEGUARD: Transforming Military Suicide Prevention Through Predictive Analytics and Targeted Interventions.
● Predicting next-day suicidal urges, depression, and PTSD symptoms using ecological momentary assessments and passive sensing of sleep among military service members and veterans.
● The Impact of Combat Exposure on Suicidal Behavior Among U.S. Military Personnel: The Moderating Roles of Moral Injury and Stigma.

Staff Perspective: Adaptation and Absence - Voices of Military Children Across the Deployment Cycle

By Jennifer Nevers  on 06.05.2026 11:02 am
Jennifer Nevers

In honor of the April's Month of the Military Child, this blog highlights the voices of three children as they reflect on the emotional and practical realities of growing up in a military family. As the second part of a two-part series, it offers a closer look at one family’s experience navigating preparation, separation, and connection throughout the deployment cycle.

By the Numbers 4 May 2026

By Shirl Kennedy  on 04.05.2026 10:01 am

600,000+
The number of referrals for behavioral health care in the VA health system received by veterans from 2021 through 2024. According to a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report -- Veterans Community Care Program: Information on Behavioral Health Referrals, Fiscal Years 2021 Through 2024 -- "More than half of these referrals were for outpatient therapy."

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