WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. -- Westover welcomed Dr. Bryan Wade, PhD., their new Military Family Life Counselor, to the 439th Airlift Wing family in October.
Wade is the first MFLC to be assigned to Westover on a permanent basis. Previously, Westover MFLCs served on a rotating basis and were shared with Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts.
Getting his start as a mental health counselor inside correctional facilities, including five years with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Department, Wade believes he gained valuable experience dealing with a population as diverse and as high risk for mental health struggles as those who are incarcerated.
“You see every type of diagnosis under the sun,” said Wade. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had and it taught me a lot.”
Dr. Wade is no stranger to the military. He served in the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Air Force Reserve, and the Massachusetts Army National Guard.
Wade said his service in the armed forces helped him gain a respect for veterans and he’s wanted to help them ever since.
“I’ve always had a love for working with vets since I got out of the service,” said Wade.
Dr. Wade hopes to take his unique knowledge from past experiences and help members of the Westover family struggling with mental health issues in a confidential or “off the radar” setting.
“It’s just about being there to help you with the daily stressors of life,” said Wade “you see so many vets hurting and they don’t know where to go.”
Dr. Wade said he is available to counsel on various things such as military life, deployments, communication issues, or relationship struggles.
“My office is always open,” said Wade. “My goal is to help people with their stressors so that those stressors don’t increase and reach the next level.”
As part of the mental health services offered by Dr. Wade, children of military members can utilize counseling as long as a parent is present. Virtual counseling sessions are available, as well as counseling sessions in alternative locations that do not include your place of residence.
Dr. Wade’s office is located at Westover inside building 1100. He can be reached at (413) 335-0022 or at wadeb@magellanhealth.com.