Document Type
Portfolio
Publication Date
Fall 2025
Abstract
Goal Statement: The goal of this social change portfolio is to decrease the stigma of seeking mental help through addressing culture, norms, or systems within Fort Riley, Kansas, that contribute to stigma and suicide risk while using preventative measures to reduce suicide ideation and risk.
Significant Findings: This project focuses on reducing counseling stigma to prevent suicide among military personnel and veterans at Fort Riley, Kansas. Despite available mental health services, 44% of soldiers report fearing career impacts if they seek help, highlighting the need for cultural and systemic change (Irwin Army Community Hospital, 2024). Using the Social- Ecological Model and Social Cognitive Theory, the project identifies risk factors such as isolation, deployment stress, and military cultural norms, while emphasizing protective factors like peer support and confidential counseling. Evidence-based programs such as Ending Self- Stigma for PTSD (ESS-P) demonstrate how increasing self-efficacy and modeling help-seeking behaviors can reduce stigma (Drapalski et al., 2021). Recommendations include leadership training, expanded embedded behavioral health services, culturally responsive interventions for at-risk groups, and advocacy across institutional, community, and policy levels to foster a culture where seeking help is recognized as a sign of strength (Britt et al., 2020).
Objectives/Strategies/Interventions/Next Steps: This project outlines five key objectives to guide professionals in reducing counseling stigma and preventing suicide among service members and veterans at Fort Riley, Kansas. First, promote leadership engagement through stigma-reduction workshops emphasizing mental health advocacy and model help-seeking behaviors. Second, expand confidential and embedded behavioral health services by partnering with Irwin Army Community Hospital and the VA to ensure accessible, stigma-free care. Third, implement the evidence-based Ending Self-Stigma for PTSD (ESS-P) program to enhance self- efficacy and reduce internalized stigma. Fourth, collaborate with the Military Family Life Counselors Program and local mental health agencies to foster connection and awareness and develop community-based peer support and outreach initiatives. Finally, advocate for policy reform to strengthen confidentiality protections and improve Department of Defense–Veteran Affairs care coordination. These objectives provide a comprehensive, multi-level strategy for sustainable cultural and systemic change.
