Donald Roussel, LICSW, 157 ARW director of psychological health

Donald J Roussel, LICSW, Director of Psychological Health,157 Air Refueling Wing, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., provides operational leadership consultation, direct client services, community capacity building, preventative, remedial, and support services aimed at improving and sustaining the psychological health of Air National Guard military members and their families.
 

Prior to his current position, the Director of Psychological Health was a Readjustment Counselor at the Lowell Vet Center, located in Lowell, Massachusetts. In this position, he provided psychotherapy services to Veterans and military members who suffered from post traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and substance abuse.


Before entering public service, he gained clincial experience as a psychotherapist working in child welfare, as a consultant in child welfare working specifically in Foster Care and as a Mental Health Provider within N.H. Community Mental Health System. He has also worked in a high school setting as a Behavioral Specialist, helping school leadership, teachers, students and families improve student educational and behavioral functioning.

Drawing upon his career as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, he has been able to gain direct experiences with various populations, such as children and adolecents, young adults, adults and military culture, both in private and in the public sectors. These experiences helped him develop a wide and deep knowledge of human challenges and strengths. His prior service in the Active Air Force gives him a keen understanding how the Air Force operates, and at the same time, helps him build essential trust among the Airmen he serves today.

Upon graduation, he worked as a Home-Based Family Therapist. In this role, Mr. Roussel met families in their homes and collaboratted with them by creating solutions to help improve their overall functioning. He came to realize the inherent strengths that struggling families can find in which to improve their situations. Familes under significant stress can often overcome life’s stressors with the help of a trusted provider. These incredible families have taught Mr. Roussel a great deal about the strength,spirit and persistance of the human condition.

EDUCATION
1997 Bachelors of Arts, Sociology, Rivier University, Nashua N.H.
2002 Master of Social Work, Univeristy of New Hampshire, Durham, N.H.

Military Career Chronology
January 1982- December 1983, Aerospace Ground Mechanic, Loring Air Force Base, Limestone Maine
December 1983- December 1987, Aerospace Ground Mechanic Production Controller, Torrejon Air Base, Spain

Major Awards & Decorations
Air Force Training Ribbon
Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon
Air Force Good Conduct Medal
Small Arms Expert marksmanship Ribbon
Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon

(Current as of August 2018)