Michael Gatson

Michael D. Gatson, Ph.D., ACSW, is an expert in military social work and psychology with issues related to military mental health. He is a licensed clinical psychotherapist and professor with over 16 years of experience. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Northwestern State University. He later earned a Master of Social Work degree from Grambling State University and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University.

Michael also supervises counselors and social workers to help improve their clinical abilities. He is a certified volunteer trainer for the American Psychological Association’s (APA’s) HIV Office for Psychology Education (HOPE). He also served eight years as an officer in the United States Army Medical Reserve.

Michael has dedicated his career to improving the lives of active military personnel and war veterans faced with combat trauma and hardships, evidenced in his clinical work and research with military service members, veterans, and family members over the years. He provides numerous training focusing on PTSD, suicide prevention, and HIV/AIDS at the local, state, and national levels. Michael has presented over 100 workshops on PTSD, suicide prevention, and HIV/AIDS. He has published in several professional journals on PTSD, suicide prevention, and LGBTQ military families.