DND to fund therapy for Kingston military members who've been victims of sexual misconduct

Resolve Counselling is receiving $225K to provide services to current and retired members.

A Kingston-based organization is receiving funding from the Department of National Defense.

Resolve Counselling Services Canada is receiving $225,000 to help support current and retired military members who are survivors of sexual misconduct.

Executive Director Stafford Murphy says this means their patients won't have to pay out-of-pocket.

Resolve Counselling is one of 20 community-based organizations in Canada that are receiving funding from the DND. It will create a new initiative that will see current and former Canadian Armed Forces members and Department of National Defense employees receive priority, no-waitlist access to therapy. 

Murphy says they have more than 50 years experience in clinical counselling and trauma recovery, and this funding will allow them help more people.

Murphy hopes by using their services, patients will experience improved resilience, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and an enhanced sense of empowerment and recovery.

Murphy says as the program evolves they will be able to reduce wait times, improve mental health outcomes, and strengthen collaboration between community and military partners.

Story by Ken Hashizume