Stuff that Matters, Ep. 43 - Ben Ingraham, Therapy, Veterans, Marine Corps, Mental Health, Suicide Prevention

Ben Ingraham is a clinical social worker specializing in trauma-focused care for individuals in high-stress, high-responsibility professions, including military service members, veterans, first responders, and medical professionals. With over 12 years of clinical experience in the medical field both in the civilian realm as well as the military, his work centers on helping clients understand, process, and recover from the lasting effects of trauma in a way that is practical, respectful, and sustainable.Ben's commitment to trauma work is deeply personal. Prior to entering the clinical field, he served as a Hospital Corpsman in the United States Navy, spending the majority of my time embedded with the U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Battalion, 8th Marines at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. That experience shaped his understanding of responsibility under pressure, moral injury, and the long-term impact of carrying others through their worst moments. It also instilled a deep respect for the quiet resilience—and often unseen suffering—of those in service-oriented roles.His mission is to provide compassionate, trauma-informed care that meets people where they are, honors their lived experience, and supports real, lasting change. He is especially passionate about improving access to care, reducing stigma around mental health in service professions, and helping individuals move from simply surviving to living with greater resilience, clarity, and purpose.(00:01:58-00:15:17) - His experience working with the armed forces and how it relates to mental health, areas for improvement, potential gaps and lack of resources.(00:15:20-00:21:54) – The culture of mental health amongst veterans and active-duty military over the years. How things have changed and how things haven’t. Ben’s family history and view of what he does currently.(00:23:40-00:39:58) – Why there is a lack of resources for veteran mental health. Dissecting the 22KILL initiative which was implemented to combat roughly 22 veterans who take their own life every day due to mental health and struggles with PTSD. The state of today’s generation of incumbent military personnel.(00:39:59-00:54:04) – Diving into the VA system.(00:54:06-01:04:34) – How his lived experience serving the country has benefited him as a mentor and social worker. (01:04:36) – The stuff that matters.Subscribe and like, rate and review. You can watch full episodes on YOUTUBE.Check out our  to learn more about New Hope on our WEBSITE.