21 MDS welcomes Schriever's first psychologist

Photo By PA Workflow | Capt. Jordan Simonson, 21st Medical Squadron psychologist, arrived at Schriever Sept. 9. He's slated to begin treating patients at the Schriever Mental Health Clinic in early October.  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

09.12.2013

Story by PA Workflow 

50th Space Wing

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The final piece of the Schriever's new mental health clinic has arrived. Capt. Jordan Simonson, 21st Medical Squadron psychologist, opened his office door Monday and is slated to begin treating patients in early October.

The Wisconsin native did his undergraduate work in psychology and sociology at the University of Wisconsin and completed his doctorate in clinical psychology at Seattle Pacific University.

He earned his Air Force commission soon after, then spent a year in residency at Joint Base Andrews, Md.

"Residency was pretty intense," Simonson said. "It's all about making you an Air Force psychologist through clinical practice. You work extremely long hours and treat a lot of patients. During the year, you conduct group and individual therapy, alcohol and drug treatment and other kinds of behavioral medicine."

The avid cyclist and runner found it difficult to contain his excitement upon learning of this assignment.

"I'm looking forward to riding and running here in Colorado and now I've got the chance to ski and do more mountain-oriented activities," he said.

Sporting activities aside, Simonson is most excited about his new job and duty station.

"While I was in residency I hoped I might get the chance to start a new program, but figured I would instead be assigned to an existing unit where I would serve as the youngest psychologist," he said. "I feel extremely fortunate to get this opportunity. I couldn't have hoped for a better first assignment."

Here, Simonson will treat patients, but he also has an opportunity to develop a mental health program from scratch.

"Very few Air Force psychologists come right out of residency and get to have their own program. That's pretty cool. There will be some challenges such as figuring out all of our operating procedures and all of the hiccups that come with starting something new. So, at this point I'm trying to smooth out the bumps along the road and get up and running," Simonson said.

He said one of the biggest draws to working as an Air Force psychologist was knowing of the urgent need. And, he's looking forward to the opportunity to deploy in the future.

"I think it's important in many circumstances to provide mental health treatment as early as possible," he said. "Early treatment has shown to be most effective for people who experience traumatic events and you can't get any earlier intervention than at a deployed location."

Simonson's primary role here will be providing patient care, including individual therapy and potentially group therapy if he sees an interest for it. Down the road, he envisions the mental health clinic providing alcohol and drug treatment as well. He'll also lead the clinic in its outreach, education and training programs.

"We are very excited about the arrival of our new psychologist, as this will be the first-ever full-time mental health services program available to our patients right here at Schriever," said 21st MDS Commander Lt. Col. Brent Sonday. "This is such a great benefit for our active duty and dependent patients to have access to this valuable service in our Schriever clinic."

To find more about services available at the Schriever Medical Clinic, visit the clinic in Building 220 or call 567-4455.

• Date Taken: 09.12.2013
• Date Posted: 09.12.2013 15:16
• Story ID: 113542
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US