United States of PTSD

Season One: Mental health concerns are on the rise in the United States. This podcast will look at the influencing factors contributing to the decline of our culture. With the rise of school shootings, political divisiveness, increasing levels of hate, and a chronic war of peoples' rights, we have entered a domestic war that never ends. Our podcast will look at whether this is done by design or is it an abject failure. We will discuss it from a clinical and common-sense perspective. Secondarily we will discuss ways to protect yourself from being further traumatized. Hosted by Matthew Boucher LICSW LCDP (licensed in RI) who has over 20 years of experience working with people who have addictions and trauma with a specialty of pregnant/postpartum women. Co-host Wendy Picard is a Learning and Development consultant with 15 years of experience, lifelong observer of the human condition, and diagnosed with PTSD in 1994.

Season Two: Is joined by Donna Gaudette and Julia Kirkpatrick BSW. Julia is currently working on obtaining her MSW and her LCSW. She is a welcome addition to the podcast.

Season Three: Cora Lee Kennedy provided research and worked as a temporary co-host. Dr. Erika Lin-Hendel joins as a co-host for season 3.

Guest

Heather Seger LICSW

Heather is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) who has worked in the behavioral
health field for more than 16 years with experience providing clinical services for adolescents and adults
in residential programs, inpatient units, outpatient settings, emergency departments, police
departments, and private practice. She is a former police response clinician for two police departments
where she developed a post-overdose outreach program and assisted officers with responding to calls
for behavioral health crises. Her husband is a law enforcement officer, and she continues to provide
training to first responders. Heather is passionate about helping others learn about, support, and
positively impact the first responder community.
If you are a first responder or family member in crisis, there is confidential, comprehensive support
available 24/7 at Safe Call Now (1-206-459-3020).