Practical for Your Practice

Practical for Your Practice

by The Consortium for Defense Psychology
Mental Health
Season 8
Not Your Granny's AI: Providers Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence in Psychotherapy
AI
In this episode of Practical for your Practice, hosts Dr. Kevin Holloway and Dr. Jenna Ermold dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence in mental healthcare. They are joined by 1LT John Ray Roberts and 1LT Annie McConnon, rising graduate students in the clinical psychology program at the Uniformed Services University (USU). Together, they explore how clients and clinicians are currently navigating AI - from automated note-taking to therapeutic chatbots - and discuss ongoing research tracking provider and patient perceptions. The conversation balances the exciting potential of AI as a resource extender with the indispensable, human elements of the therapeutic relationship. AI is already in the therapy room. Tune in to find out how you can participate in this vital research and ensure provider perspectives aren't left behind. Annie Mcconnon, 1LT, USA is a rising 4th year clinical psychology doctoral candidate at the Uniformed Services University. She earned her master's degree in Clinical Counseling and Sport/Performance Psychology from Boston University. She is currently the Health Psychology Extern at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and an Operational Psychology Extern at the Marine Corps Embassy Security Group. Her research interests include performance psychology interventions and artificial intelligence. John-Ray Roberts, 1LT, USA is a rising 3rd-year clinical psychology doctoral student at the Uniformed Services University. He earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Louisville Seminary in 2017. Prior to his time at USUHS, he served as a chaplain in the United States Army Reserve. His current research interests center on the intersection of artificial intelligence and human expertise, with particular attention to applications in clinical psychology. Resources mentioned in this episode: Sentio University (AI and Mental Health Course): https://sentio.org/free-ai-course-therapists Stanford AI Index: https://hai.stanford.edu/ai-index/2026-ai-index-report Military Medicine Journal (2025): Ann D McConnon, Airyn J Nash, John Ray Roberts, Shmuel Z Juni, Ashley Derenbecker, Patrice Shanahan, Andrew J Waters, Incorporating AI Into Military Behavioral Health: A Narrative Review, Military Medicine, Volume 190, Issue 9-10, September/October 2025, Pages e1870–e1881, https://doi.org/10.1093/milmed/usaf162 Calls-to-action: Take the survey here: https://forms.gle/ZBiSDf4FwXK4RQqw6 (Questions? Contact john.roberts@usuhs.edu) Share your impactful moment on our SpeakPipe at https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p or via email cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S8 · E4
Jun 15, 2026
53:40
The Club Nobody Wants to Join: Coping with Suicide Loss
“What signs did I miss?” “Are people judging me?” “Should I even be in this field?” The suicide of a loved one triggers many thoughts and emotions in survivors. When the survivor is a mental health professional, those thoughts and emotions can be even more complicated, leading them to question their own skills and capabilities. On this episode we are joined by Dr. Andrew Devendorf, a psychologist who is also a survivor of suicide loss. He and Carin share their experiences in coping with the suicide of a loved one, how it impacted their professional lives, and how silencing the stigma can be. Our Actionable Intel provides resources for healing and connection. Andrew Devendorf, Ph.D., is a Military Behavioral Health Psychologist with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine. He serves as a subject matter expert in suicide prevention for the VA SAFEGUARD project. Resources mentioned in this episode: American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org National Alliance for Mental Illness: www.nami.org My Brother Went Missing, And The Search For Him Turned My World Upside Down, an article by Andrew Devendorf: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/missing-brother-search_n_5d67e1a5e4b063c341fc2782 Surviving the Impossible: Reflections on Suicide Loss, an article by Andrew Devendorf: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/deeper-mental-health/202502/surviving-the-impossible-reflections-on-suicide-loss The Hilliest Course I’ve Ever Run, a blog by Carin Lefkowitz: https://deploymentpsych.org/blog/staff-perspective-hilliest-course-i%E2%80%99ve-ever-run-coping-suicide-loved-one An Afterword to “The Hilliest Course I’ve Ever Run,” a blog by Carin Lefkowitz: https://deploymentpsych.org/blog/staff-perspective-afterword-%E2%80%9C-hilliest-course-i%E2%80%99ve-ever-run%E2%80%9D Calls-to-action: Keep the conversation going. If you’re a survivor or suicide loss, reach out to trusted friends, colleagues, or organizations. Don’t grieve alone. If you know a survivor, reach out to them. Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S8 · E3
Jun 1, 2026
43:44
The Near Miss: Neurobiology and Risk of Gambling Disorder for Service Members and Veterans
In this episode, hosts Dr. Jenna Ermold and Dr. Kevin Holloway tackle a critical "blind spot" in military mental health with Dr. Shane Kraus, Director of the Behavioral Addictions Lab at UNLV. While we often screen for alcohol and PTSD, there is a "hidden" addiction quietly devastating the lives and careers of Service members and Veterans. From the high-tech lure of AI-driven sports betting apps to the surprising presence of slot machines on overseas bases, gambling disorder is a rapidly growing crisis that often goes undetected until it’s too late. Dr. Kraus joins us to explain the "banana analogy" and the dangerous neurobiology of the "near miss" that keeps the brain hooked. We discuss why military culture might make this addiction so difficult to spot, the staggering link between "chasing losses" and Veteran suicide, and the simple questions you aren't asking that could save a life. If you’ve ever wondered why a patient with stable PTSD suddenly spirals into a crisis, this conversation on the first-ever recognized behavioral addiction is a must-listen. Shane W. Kraus is a licensed clinical psychologist and expert in psychopathology, substance use disorders, gambling disorders, and compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD). He is an associate professor of psychology who has published over 250 scholarly works on substance use disorders/behavioral addictions (e.g., gambling), psychopathology, compulsive sexual behavior, and trauma. Dr. Kraus received his PhD in clinical psychology from Bowling Green State University in 2013. He completed his addiction fellowship at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System and Yale School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry in 2015. Resources mentioned in this episode: National Council on Problem Gambling: ncpgambling.org UNLV Behavioral Addictions Lab: Reach out for validated screening tools and research. https://ba.sites.unlv.edu/ State Councils on Problem Gambling: Check your local state chapter for clinician training and toolkits. Calls-to-action: Ask about financial stress and obtain additional training on gambling disorder Share your impactful moment via email (cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu) or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S8 · E2
May 18, 2026
40:05
The Moments That Changed Us
Your hosts are back for season 8 of P4P! This season we’ll have more conversations with experts in the field of evidence-based practice. But we want to get back to the personal stories behind their professional accomplishments. This season we’ll highlight the “impactful moments” that shaped them and keep them engaged in this difficult work. We’re kicking off the season by sharing our own impactful moments. Listen in as we discuss the unexpected interactions that uncovered our own biases and changed our perspectives about clinical practice. Calls-to-action: Notice your own “impactful moments” and call on them when the work gets hard Notice when you might be catastrophizing and use those impactful moments to recalibrate Share your impactful moment in the comments or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S8 · E1
May 4, 2026
42:04
Season 7
And the Nominees Are... EBP "Sins" On The Red Carpet
After 11 episodes of talking about the “sins” of evidence-based practice, we’re wrapping up season 7 by finding out “what’s in the box?” Our guests this season have covered a wide range of topics related to EBPs, including reducing suicide risk, and working with maternal mental health, OCD, and nightmare disorders. While the individual topics may have spanned the broad field of clinical practice, there was a surprising amount of overlap in the “sins” that our guests have encountered. On our final episode of season 7, your P4P hosts notice the common themes between these sins and which ones we’d invite to our own private awards show. Tune in to find out who the nominees are! Resources mentioned in this episode: Provider Self-Assessment Checklist (PSAC): A checklist your hosts created based on the “sins” discussed this season. It’s a quick way to check in on your own knowledge and comfort in broad areas of evidence-based practice. Calls-to-action: Use the Provider Self-Assessment Checklist to assess your own vulnerability to EBP “sins” Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Submit your comments or questions on our social media pages or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S7 · E12
Mar 9, 2026
37:40
How Are You Really Doing? Prioritizing Self-Care
The world feels a bit cray-cray right now and your hosts are feeling fatigued, on edge, and crispy. We took a moment to ask, “how are you really doing?”, and didn’t allow each other to answer “fine.” It’s a challenge for many of us in the helping professions to acknowledge our own distress, make time for self-care, and accept help from others. On this episode, we practice what we preach by acknowledging how stress is affecting our personal and professional lives. We explore what gets in the way of good self-care and how we’ve tried to be authentically and imperfectly present with ourselves, each other, and the people we help.
S7 · E11
Feb 23, 2026
42:01
It's Not the Principal's Office! The ABCs of EAPs
In this episode of Practical for Your Practice, hosts Jenna Ermold and Carin Lefkowitz sit down with Dr. Randy Martin, Clinical Director of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for the New York Presbyterian Hospital System. Despite being a fixture in most large organizations, EAPs often remain "under the radar" for many behavioral health providers. Dr. Martin demystifies the "ABC of EAPs," explaining how these programs serve as the "mental health equivalent of a primary care physician" by providing short-term counseling, assessment, and organizational support. The conversation explores the parallels between EAP work and military mental health, the importance of proactive outreach during life transitions, and how providers can partner with EAPs to expand their own practices. Dr. Randy Martin is a highly accomplished licensed psychologist and Clinical Director of the New York Presbyterian Hospital System’s Employee Assistance Program. As a dynamic thought leader, executive, and training specialist, he has impacted the productivity and profitability of Fortune 1000 companies, educational institutions, and healthcare systems through psychoeducational webinars, seminars, and on-site crisis management interventions. A frequent media contributor seen on CNN Radio and in the Wall Street Journal, Randy is a recognized expert in short-term counseling, assessment, and organizational wellness. His career is defined by a passion for mentoring professionals and improving client well-being, earning him the Caron Foundation’s EAP Award. Resources mentioned in this episode: Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA): Link to EAPA Website Calls-to-action: Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Submit your comments or questions on our social media pages or via https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S7 · E10
Feb 9, 2026
38:55
Don't Tap Dance Around Maternal Mental Health
In this episode, hosts Jenna Ermold and Carin Lefkowitz welcome Adrienne Griffen, an "accidental advocate" and Executive Director of the Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA). A Naval Academy graduate and former intelligence officer, Adrienne shares her powerful personal journey of navigating postpartum depression while holding high-level security clearances – and why it took six months to finally get the help she needed. The conversation dives deep into the unique "triple threat" of stigma facing military women: the pressure of the warrior ethos, the upheaval of the military lifestyle, and the vulnerabilities of the perinatal period. Adrienne adds to our collection of EBP “sins” and provides practical actionable intel and valuable resources. Whether you are a civilian or military provider, this episode offers a roadmap for moving beyond "baby blues" to provide comprehensive, life-saving support for military-connected families. Adrienne Griffen, MPP, is an advocate and nationally-recognized expert in the field of maternal mental health. She is a sought-after speaker and educator, using her lived experience to engage audiences on issues surrounding the mental health and wellbeing of our nation’s mothers. Adrienne is the Executive Director of Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (mmhla.org), a nonprofit organization leading efforts to improve maternal mental health in the United States. She graduated from the United States Naval Academy and has a Masters in Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Resources mentioned in this episode: National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (24/7 voice and text support in English and Spanish). Postpartum Support International (PSI): postpartum.net – Includes specialized support groups for military families. Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance (MMHLA): mmhla.org – Advocacy and policy for maternal mental health. Calls-to-action: Review the information provided on mmhla.org especially the MOMs Act Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Submit your comments or questions on our social media pages or via Speakpipe Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S7 · E9
Jan 26, 2026
39:50
Calling the Thoughts Out From the Shadows: ERP for OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is common, disabling and frequently misunderstood in clinical practice. In this episode of Practical for Your Practice, hosts Dr. Jenna Ermold and Kevin Holloway are joined by Dr. Elizabeth McIngvale and Dr. Lauren Wadsworth, two nationally recognized leaders in OCD treatment and training, for a deep dive into Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Together, they unpack why OCD is so often misdiagnosed, mistreated, or unintentionally reinforced, even by well-intentioned clinicians, and how ERP works to interrupt the obsession–compulsion cycle by targeting avoidance, ritualizing, and intolerance of uncertainty. Be sure to listen in and remember, we want to hear from you! Have thoughts about this episode? A “clinical sin” you’ve encountered? Ideas for future topics or guests? Leave us a voicemail via SpeakPipe https://www.speakpipe.com/cdpp4p Or send us an email cdp-podcast-ggg@usuhs.edu . We love hearing from our listeners. As always, until next time, stay curious, and mind your EBPs. Elizabeth McIngvale, Ph.D., LCSW, is the Director of the OCD Institute of Texas, Co-Founder of MHNTI, and faculty at Baylor College of Medicine. A renowned OCD expert, she has published 35+ peer-reviewed works and delivered 250+ lectures. She founded the Peace of Mind Foundation and OCDChallenge.org, now part of the IOCDF, where she serves as a Board Member and former national spokesperson. Diagnosed with OCD at age 12, Dr. McIngvale brings a unique dual perspective as both a clinician and advocate. She has advised NIH and SAMHSA and serves as a faculty instructor for the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute. She remains dedicated to advancing research and expanding access to high-quality care for OCD and anxiety disorders. Dr. Lauren Wadsworth is a board-certified clinical psychologist and Clinical Senior Instructor at the University of Rochester Medical Center. She is the founding director of Genesee Valley Psychology (GVP), providing accessible evidence-based care in Western NY, and Meridian Psychology Practice, serving NY, MA, and GA. As a leader in mental health education, she co-founded the Mental Health National Training Institute (MHNTI) and Twin Stars Diversity Trainers. An expert in diversity and inclusion, she co-authored Did That Just Happen?! Beyond "Diversity" — Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Organizations. Dr. Wadsworth is dedicated to expanding access to evidence-based treatment and fostering inclusive environments through app-based training and organizational consultation. Resources mentioned in this episode: Mental Health Network & Training Institute (MHNTI) Evidence-based training and consultation for OCD and related disorders https://mhnti.com International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Clinician training, resources, and treatment referrals https://iocdf.org Calls-to-action: Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Submit your comments or questions on our social media pages or via Speakpipe Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S7 · E8
Jan 12, 2026
43:15
Thanks, Jane! Toiling With Terminations
Terminations in therapy should be expected, but they often catch us – patients and providers – off-guard. What is the best way to talk about termination? What if it’s unexpected? Is “termination” even the right word? This episode finds your hosts inspired by two listeners, one of whom asked us to muse on the topic of ending the therapy relationship. And what better way to terminate 2025 than by exploring this topic? Thanks, Jane! Resources mentioned in this episode: CDP’s consultation services: https://deploymentpsych.org/resources/consultation-services Calls-to-action: Make use of consultation when facing a challenging termination Consider using a psychotherapy plan to articulate the treatment and termination process from the beginning Incorporate ongoing assessment throughout to inform treatment and termination Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast Submit your comments or questions on our social media pages or via Speakpipe Subscribe to The Center for Deployment Psychology Monthly Email
S7 · E7
Dec 29, 2025
44:33
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