St. John’s Alumnus Directs Mental Health
Programs for Army Reserves
St. John’s University alumnus Dr. Tremaine Sayles ’09 Ph.D. has
been appointed Director of Behavioral Health Services for the
United States Army Reserves, based in Washington, D.C.
As Director, he will oversee programs that promote the mental
health of Army Reservists affected by overseas contingency
operations in regions such as Afghanistan and Iraq. He will
collaborate with other government agencies and the military on
programs that enhance the mental fitness and well being of all Army
Reserve Soldiers.
A licensed clinical social worker and Army Reservist for nearly
20 years, Dr. Sayles was considering graduate programs for
Psychology, when a friend referred him to
Mark Terjesen, Ph.D., Associate Professor in St. John’s
Department of Psychology. “He was a very friendly and welcoming
person,” Dr. Sayles observed. “I was excited about applying.” Dr.
Sayles was accepted, but had to defer for one year because he was
called to active duty in Iraq. Following his service, he began the
program.
Dr. Sayles’ primary area of study was pediatric
neuropsychological assessment. He also worked briefly in the area
of cardiovascular responses to stressors.
Dr. Sayles spoke highly of several faculty members within the Department
of Psychology who enhanced his academic experience at St.
John’s and gave generously of their time, including Chairperson
Raymond DiGiuseppe, Ph.D.,
Robin Wellington, Ph.D. and
Elizabeth Brondolo, Ph.D. “They presented a cordial environment
that allowed you to build collegial, professional relationships,”
he said. “Many programs are cold and distant. At St. John’s, the
faculty created a environment that inspires professional and
personal growth.”
As a student, Dr. Sayles worked closely with the
Military Services Initiative (MSI), a program spearheaded by
the Center for Psychological Services. Informing soldiers about
this critical service has been a priority for Dr. Sayles. “There is
an increasing demand for therapeutic and psychological services…and
a stigma behind using the limited resources (of the military) for
fear of suffering negative consequences, such as a loss of security
clearance and denial of training and mission-related
opportunities.”
Designed to address the multiple psychological issues and
stressors faced by soldiers before, during and after deployment,
the MSI offers confidential therapy and counseling outside normal
military channels. Dr. Sayles stressed the importance of this
initiative, stressing that soldiers and their families need not
worry about possible negative consequences of disclosing these
issues through the normal chain of command.
“I’ve seen firsthand some of the difficulties [our soldiers]
experience so any and all opportunities to extend assistance to a
service member are a good thing.”