Kelly Williams takes care of people who need care, and she’s creating an army of therapists like her to try and meet the needs of people wrestling with PTSD throughout San Diego. Williams is Clinic Director of The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at Veterans Village of San Diego.

Kelly received her bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in Psychology and her master’s degree from San Diego State University in Counseling. Today as Clinic Director, she helps San Diego-area active-duty service members, veterans and military families in an environment that was created just for them.  “It’s difficult enough to find a therapist who you can connect with, and then the added stress of finding one who can be sensitive to your specific military background can be even harder.” 

In her spare time, Kelly supervises and mentors up-and-coming therapists in San Diego. Additionally, she takes part in public speaking opportunities in the community on the importance of mental health care, particularly for the military community.  She also is a dog lover and enjoys reading, lifting weights, spending time at parks and exploring San Diego through kayaking, beach days and bay walks.

June was PTSD Awareness Month. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a national mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. While approximately 50 to 60% of Americans experience at least one traumatic event during their lives, only 7 to 8% experience PTSD.

If you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD or any other mental health issue, call 988. Active-duty military, veterans and military families should call 988 – then press 1.

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