Michael D. Gatson, LCSW-C, is a renowned expert in the area of military social work and/with issues related to military mental health. He brings with him an extensive wealth of knowledge and personal experience. Michael is also a licensed clinical psychotherapist at the Washington DC VA Health Care System. He is a global war on terrorism coordinator; involved in the treatment of veterans with chronic combat-related post-traumatic stress disorders and marital issues. He is certified by the VA in Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure and Step Qualified in Marriage and Family Therapy. Michael also provides clinical supervision to counselors and social workers to help improve their clinical abilities. He also serves as a 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Medical Reserve, 393rd Medical Logistics Company, and is a certified volunteer trainer for the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) HIV Office for Psychology Education (HOPE).

Michael recently volunteered his time and talents to two milestone events. First, Michael participated in a roundtable discussion on veterans and their families with First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden, as part of the Joining Forces Initiative. Second, Michael provided clinical counseling and crises intervention services for outreach support at all of the events surrounding His Holiness Pope Francis’ visit to Washington, D.C.

Michael has dedicated his career to improving the lives of active military personnel and war veterans faced with combat trauma and hardships which are evidenced in his clinical work with veterans and family members. He is published in several professional journals on PTSD, suicide prevention, and LGBTQ military families. He continues to provide training focusing on PTSD, suicide prevention, and HIV/AIDS at the local, state and national level.