Rebecca Dougherty M.Ed. ’23

Motivated by her many personal experiences and family members within the military population, Rebecca "Becca" Dougherty saw a need to fulfill in the service-connected community. With the lack of mental health providers, she positioned herself to dive deep into clinical study and research, specifically for military personnel and their families. Becca became a graduate assistant for W&M's Office of Student Veteran Engagement, facilitating support systems and establishing military connections on campus.

As the president of Chi Sigma Iota at W&M, Becca focused on inclusivity among all counseling students. She created community initiatives alongside her practicum experience and student veteran work and united the Omega Mu chapter members. After graduating with her Master's in Military & Veteran Counseling, Becca stayed in the Williamsburg area. She currently works as a psychology associate at Eastern State Hospital and as a psychology representative for an interdisciplinary treatment team, advocating for the patients under her care.

Becca took what she learned from W&M and translated that into her clinical work, providing psychoeducational restorative and therapeutic services to the forensic population, including local veterans. She not only became a fortified bridge for her counseling peers but also for military-affiliated William & Mary students and the surrounding community, driving her remarkable mission of equal access to mental health care in every corner.

Learn more about Becca's academic path at William & Mary

• See how W&M's Military & Veterans Counseling program, the only one of its kind in Virginia, trains counselors to work with veterans and their families.