This workshop equips clinical mental health counselors with the knowledge and tools to conduct effective risk assessments through a military- and veteran-specific lens. Participants will gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of military culture, exploring how this population’s unique strengths and experiences intersect with potential clinical risk factors. Drawing from both lived military experience and research on military-veteran mental health, this session challenges traditional assumptions and expands perspectives on working with veterans and their families.
Through case examples and applied learning, counselors will enhance their ability to identify and assess military-specific risk factors, apply evidence-based assessment tools, and develop culturally responsive safety plans that align with veterans’ values and help-seeking patterns.
Learning Goals
- Identify and assess military-specific risk factors
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to identify at least 5 unique risk factors common to military-veteran populations
(such as combat exposure, moral injury, transition stress, and access to firearms) and integrate these factors into comprehensive
suicide and violence risk assessments. - Apply evidence-based risk assessment tools adapted for veteran populations
Participants will be able to select and administer at least 2 validated risk assessment instruments appropriate for military-veteran
clients (such as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale or veteran-specific screening tools) and interpret results within the context
of military culture and experience. - Develop culturally responsive safety planning and intervention strategies
Participants will be able to create tailored safety plans and risk management interventions that account for military values, veteran
help-seeking behaviors, and available veteran-specific resources (including VA services, veteran peer support, and crisis lines), while
addressing barriers to care unique to this population.
Instructor
Dr. David Gosling
PhD, LPC (VA, WI), NCC
Dr. David Gosling is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Assistant Professor and the Director of Military Counseling in the counseling program at William & Mary’s School of Education. David previously served as a core faculty member in the Counseling, Psychology, and Therapy Department at Antioch University, where he was the co-founder and director of the Military, Veterans & Families (MVF) Counseling Certificate, as well as the Military Connected Student Support Liaison for Antioch University’s five nationwide campuses.
David is a proud alum of William & Mary’s Counselor Education and Supervision program, a former Airborne Ranger-qualified Infantry Officer in the U.S. Army and combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom 06-08, the Honor Graduate of the 2009 Rhode Island State Police Academy and the Distinguished Military Graduate of the University of Colorado’s Army ROTC program in 2004. His other professional pursuits beyond the military, law enforcement and counselor education have included working as an Outward Bound wilderness guide for troubled teens, operating an Islamic nonprofit farm and retreat center and working in veterans advocacy on Capitol Hill.
