Wing welcomes Jill Garvin, new Director of Psychological Health Published Oct. 16, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Kerri Spero 102nd Intelligence Wing Public Affairs OTIS AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Mass. -- In 2010, Air National Guard leaders created new, wing-level positions to provide behavioral health support to Airmen and their families. The 102nd Intelligence Wing welcomes Jill Garvin as its new director of Psychological Health, or WDPH. In her role as WDPH, Garvin wants to work on preventative services and psychological fitness for Air National Guard members. "Anyone can come in and talk, even if it's just to vent. Services are confidential and free of charge," said Garvin. "A lot of people think that when coming to talk to a mental health person there needs to be a crisis, and that's not necessarily the case. I want people to come talk to me before they are in crisis mode. For example, if someone notices their sleep habits have changed or things are changing in their relationships, they can come talk to me and I can give them some useful tools to help with those issues." In her role as WDPH, Garvin supports the readiness of the 102nd IW through the promotion of psychological health and resilience. She consults with commanders regarding the psychological health of their members and units, while maintaining confidentiality of the members. As a member of the team of helping professionals, she supports and provides consultation to resiliency efforts, suicide prevention, traumatic stress response, and other programs supporting positive and mission-focused emotional well-being. Garvin is available to provide presentations to your unit or group on a variety of topics to enhance wellness; such as stress management, communication, conflict resolution, and relationships. She meets with Air Guard members to provide a clinical interview and referral to local mental health providers and other resources to address any issues hindering a member's maximum well-being. With case management, she provides continuity and helps the member address any challenges with receiving services. Garvin also collaborates with and assists with training local community providers regarding military culture, providing information related to best practices and treatment needed for ongoing counseling for Air Guard members and their families. Before taking this position in Mass., Jill Garvin was previously worked as an Army PTSD therapist in Germany. She is also a licensed clinical social worker in Massachusetts. "Working with service members in Germany gave me a better appreciation for what they do, which is why I am looking forward to supporting the members of the Air National Guard here," said Garvin. She enjoys the outdoors, mountain biking and yoga. Her office is located in building 197, room 10. She can be reached on her Blackberry, at 508-237-6652 and her temporary email address is Jill.Garvin@serco-na.com.