ABOUT THIS EPISODE
The first 12 months after leaving the military can be an incredible window of opportunity, but it is also a uniquely high-risk time for a service member’s mental health. When the uniform comes off, Veterans don't just leave a job; they lose a built-in mission, a tight-knit community, and a structured way of living. In this episode, hosts Dr. Jenna Ermold and Dr. Kevin Holloway sit down with licensed psychologist and researcher Dr. Shannon Blakey to flip the script on how we support transitioning veterans. Instead of waiting for clinical distress or pathology to surface, Dr. Blakey shares how clinicians can use Behavioral Activation (BA) as a proactive super-tool for wellness promotion. Tune in to discover how to help Veterans build an internal "compass," translate rigid military strengths into civilian life, and navigate the unexpected identity shifts of life after service.
Shannon Blakey, PhD, is a Research Clinical Psychologist at RTI International and co-
founder of Redstart Psychological Services, PLLC. Dr. Blakey’s research focuses on the
nature, prevention, and treatment of mental health problems and suicide risk, especially
among military and veteran populations. Her research has been supported by the
National Institutes of Health and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), including an
ongoing DoD-funded project to adapt Behavioral Activation strategies into an upstream
well-being promotion and suicide prevention program for use during the military-to-
civilian transition. Dr. Blakey has published over 100 scientific articles and book
chapters and serves on multiple journal editorial boards. She is a North Carolina
Licensed Psychologist and maintains an active clinical practice delivering evidence-
based psychotherapies to veterans and service members.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
- Blakey, S. M., et al (2025). Bringing veteran mental health promotion and suicide prevention efforts upstream: The THRiVE study protocol. Contemporary Clinical Trials, 158, 108100.
- Castro, C. A., & Dursun, S. (Eds.). (2019). Military veteran reintegration: Approach, management, and assessment of military veterans transitioning to civilian life. Academic Press.
- Lejuez, C. W., et. al (2011). Ten year revision of the brief behavioral activation treatment for depression: Revised treatment manual. Behavior Modification, 35(2), 111–161.
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