Military & Veterans

Military life is not just a job; it is a culture. It comes with a unique language, a distinct set of pressures, and a rhythm that civilians often fail to understand. You shouldn’t have to spend your therapy session explaining what a PCS is, what “downrange” means, or why reintegration is often harder than the deployment itself.

At 70 West Counseling, we bridge the gap between clinical mental health and military culture. We know that resilience is part of your training, but we also know that carrying the weight of the mission alone can lead to burnout, relationship fracture, and trauma. We offer a safe harbor outside the chain of command, where you can set down the pack and process the journey.

Finding a therapist who “gets it” is often the biggest barrier to care. For our lead military-informed counselor, Dan Meyer, the mission is personal.

Dan is a “Blue Star Father” whose son actively served during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). Dan experienced the war from the home front. He supported his son through the complex terrain of reintegration, witnessing up close how the aftershocks of Combat PTSD and Moral Injury impact a soldier and their family. This lived experience drove Dan to dedicate his graduate training and career to serving the military community with the highest standard of care.

Dan’s Specialized Military Qualifications:

• StrongStar Initiative: Dan has completed advanced training in the treatment of Combat PTSD through this leading research consortium.

• Moral Injury Specialist: Dan co-presented on Moral Injury during his final clinical residency. Understanding moral injury can help veterans navigate the deep internal conflict that often follows combat.

• Crisis Response & Safety: He holds additional training in Lethal Means Safety and Crisis Response Planning, prioritizing the immediate safety of service members.

• PsychArmor Certified: Verified training in military culture to ensure you are met with competence and respect.

When you sit across from Dan, you are sitting with a clinician who combines professional expertise with the heart of a military father.

Combat PTSD vs. Operational Stress We use evidence-based protocols to treat the hypervigilance, flashbacks, and avoidance associated with PTSD. However, we also recognize the “wear and tear” of high-operational tempo, helping you manage the stress of command and performance evaluations.

Moral Injury Distinct from PTSD, Moral Injury occurs when you have had to make difficult decisions that violate your own moral code. If you are wrestling with guilt, shame, or a loss of trust after your service, we provide a non-judgmental space to process these events and find a path toward self-forgiveness and peace.

Transition & Identity Who are you when the uniform comes off? We help veterans navigate the complex emotional shift to civilian life, addressing the loss of purpose and camaraderie that often accompanies discharge/retirement.

• The Deployment Cycle: Coping strategies for the pre-deployment anxiety, the endurance of separation, and the friction of reintegration.

• Military Brats: Our child psychotherapists use Play Therapy to help children process the grief of leaving friends (PCS) and the anxiety of having a parent in harm’s way.

• Secondary Trauma: Support for spouses navigating life with a partner suffering from PTSD.

We know that for Active Duty personnel, privacy is paramount.

• Private Practice: We are not located on base, and we are not part of your direct chain of command.

• HIPAA Protected: Your sessions are strictly confidential under federal law.

• Safe Space: This is a neutral ground where you can speak freely about leadership frustrations or personal struggles without fear of reprisal or impact on your career.

Insurance:

• Active Duty Family Members: In most cases, you do not need a referral. You can book directly.
  Active Duty Service Members: You typically need a referral from your PCM to see a civilian provider. We can help guide you through this process.
  Veterans: We accept TriCare and can discuss options for those transitioning to VA benefits or private insurance.
  

Stand Down and Recharge.

You have looked out for everyone else. It is time to look out for yourself. Connect with Dan and our team today to start the conversation.