UNDERSTANDING MILITARY CULTURE: HOW TO BETTER PROVIDE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES FOR THE MILITARY AND THEIR FAMILIES

Presented by Donna Coakley, LCPC

I. Introduction to Military Culture

A. Definition of military culture
B. Importance of cultural competence when working with service members
C. Overview of branches of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard)

II. Core Values and Traditions

A. Honor, duty, loyalty, selfless service, integrity
B. Customs and courtesies (saluting, uniforms, ranks)
C. Chain of command and respect for authority
D. Group identity and unit cohesion

III. The Military Lifestyle

A. Frequent relocations and deployments
B. Military family dynamics
C. Transition challenges (active duty to civilian life)
D. Work-life balance and operational tempo
E. The impact of military service on mental and physical health

IV. Communication and Interaction Styles

A. Direct communication and discipline
B. Respect for hierarchy and protocols
C. Use of acronyms and military jargon
D. Sensitivity around topics such as combat, trauma, and loss

V. Common Challenges Faced by Military Members

A. PTSD and mental health issues
B. Physical injuries and long-term medical care needs
C. Reintegration into civilian life (employment, identity, social connections)
D. Navigating VA and military benefits systems
E. Family support and child education transitions

VI. Culturally Competent Practices

A. Listening with empathy and without assumptions
B. Building trust with service members and veterans
C. Acknowledging service and sacrifices appropriately
D. Military Identity Model
E. Military Culture link to Military Mental Health

VII. Resources and Support Networks

A. Star Behavioral Health Providers
B. Military OneSource and other DoD resources
C. In-Transition Program,
D. Give An Hour,

IX. Conclusion

A. Questions

Donna Coakley is a dedicated licensed mental health clinician with a vast number of years work in the mental health, social services and criminal justice fields. Extensively trained in the diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders. Mental health clinician with over 20 years of successful experience in treatment planning and assessment of clients. Recognized consistently for performance excellence and contributions to success in behavioral health field. Strengths in assessment and client care backed by training in assessment.

Cost:  LCPCM members - $30  /  Non-members - $40 ($5.00 fee for all refunds)

CEUs:  2    (10am to 12pm)  No  partial credit will be given

Registration limited!  

Registration will end September 16th at 5:00pm

This webinar was postponed from June 13

Zoom link will be emailed to those registered approximately 24 hours prior to class.

Class evaluation and CEU certificate link will be sent on the following Monday (September 23, 2025)

2025 ANNUAL LCPCM FALL CONFERENCE

Morning Presentation

“Treating Chronic Suicidality in Outpatient: Current and Future Directions”

Chronic suicidality presents unique clinical, ethical, and logistical challenges in outpatient mental health care, where the balance between safety and autonomy is paramount. This presentation will explore the evidence-based framework of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and its BioSocial Theory underpinnings, offering practical strategies to reduce risk, strengthen coping skills, and foster “life worth living” goals.

Attendees will gain insight into managing complex risk scenarios, overcoming therapeutic barriers, and using behavioral chain analysis to target suicidal behaviors. The session will also highlight emerging innovations—such as psychedelic-assisted therapies—that may shape the future of chronic suicidality treatment.

Dr. Jeffrey LaPratt, Psy.D is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with the Institute for Advanced Diagnostics and Therapeutics at Sheppard Pratt, where he specializes in research on psychedelic-assisted treatments for difficult-to-treat psychiatric disorders. His clinical and research efforts span treatment-resistant depression (including severe TRD), Bipolar II disorder, anorexia nervosa, suicidal ideation, and anxiety disorders.

Afternoon Presentation

“Psychedelic Therapy in Practice: Accessing Healing Through Expanded States”

This session explores how therapists can skillfully engage with the emerging field of psychedelic therapy. This workshop provides an overview of the history, research, and future directions of psychedelic therapy, including mechanisms of action, benefits, and important contraindications.

Attendees will examine Indigenous perspectives, harm reduction approaches, and essential preparation and integration skills for supporting clients in psychedelic experiences. Participants will also engage in a guided breathwork session to directly experience an expanded state similar to those cultivated in a psychedelic assisted therapy session.

Lauren Going, LCSW-C is a leader in the burgeoning field of ketamine assisted and psychedelic assisted therapies. She is committed to supporting healing on both an individual and collective level. She brings a unique set of skills to help catalyze shifts in clients, systems, and organizations. Lauren specializes in trauma, and is committed to facilitating deep growth and transformation.

SCHEDULE

Registration and Breakfast: 8:00 AM

Business Meeting: 9:00 AM

Morning Presentation: 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM

Networking Lunch: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM

Afternoon Presentation: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Registration (and payment) deadline is 11:59pm October 10, 2025.  

Attendees will be required to turn in a signed attendance form (which will be provided) before leaving in order to receive a CEU certificate.  Both morning AND afternoon sessions must be attended. Partial credit will not be given.  A link will be sent to an evaluation form and the certificate on Tuesday, October 28.

Cost:

Conference Fees:
LCPCM Members: $125 
Non-Members: $165 
LGPC/Retired: $75 
Student: $65 (not for LCPCs or LGPCs)

Membership Fees*:
LCPC: $90
Retired: $55 (not working as an LCPC)
LGPC: $45

Student: $25 (not for LCPCs or LGPCs)

*If you join when you register, you are eligible for the membership rate.

Note:  Late registrations and walk-ins will be charged an additional $20 (if space is available)

A $15 cancellation fee will be charged for all refunds

Other Information:

A buffet lunch will be served.

6 CEU’s  Approved by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors.

LOCATION

Doubletree Hilton

5485 Twin Knolls Road

Columbia, MD  21045

(410) 997-1060

Directions

From 495 to I-95 North towards Baltimore:

Take 32 West toward Columbia and exit 16A for 29 North. Then take exit 20A for 175 East. Keep right on 175 East and turn right at light onto Thunder Hill Road. Take next Right onto Twin Knolls Road and turn right at hotel sign into parking lot.

Would you like to stay abreast of LCPCM’s training events and legislative updates? Join our email list (sign up on the website home page).  Questions?  Contact our business manager, Sharon Nalley: mylcpcm@gmail.com

Contact LCPCM      www.LCPCM.org      mylcpcm@gmail.com     Phone: 443-370-1255

Zoom links and class information will be sent 48 hours before class.

Class limited to 40.  Registration will end when limit reached OR  November 17, 11:59pm, whichever comes first.

CEUs: 18 Continuing Education Units 

Meets BOPCT training requirements for Approved Supervisor.  Application can be made to the BOPCT after certificate is received.

Schedule:

Day One, November 20: 7 hours - 9:30am - 4:30pm via Zoom with a working lunch**

Day Two, November 21: 7 hours - 9:30am - 4:30pm via Zoom with a working lunch**

Plus: 4 hours – work independently online to complete course within 60 days
A course manual is be completed within 60 days.  CEU Certificate will be issued upon notification of completion.  Partial credit will not be given.

**working lunch means no official lunch break will be allowed.  Have your lunch with you.

Price: $240 Members / $480 Non-Members

Note:  There will be a $15 cancellation charge on all refunds

Topics covered: Models of Supervision, Supervision Relationships, Group Supervision, Multicultural Supervision, Administrative Supervision, Legalities and Ethics of Supervision

Note: Program requires attendees to register for the complete program consisting of 2 days zoom training and a 1/2 day online based program.

Meeting links will be sent on the Tuesday before class starts.  Be sure to check the zoom links the day before class.

Questions: If you have any questions please email mylcpcm@gmail.com