The Peace Corps is often described as “the toughest job you’ll ever love.” Whether you are currently staring at a mountain of medical clearance paperwork or you’ve been home for years and still feel like a part of you is back at your site, the Peace Corps experience changes the trajectory of your life.
As a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV Bulgaria 1998–2000), the spouse of an RPCV, and the brother of two others, I don’t just understand the Peace Corps—I live it. I know the unique mix of idealism, grit, and complexity that comes with the 27-month commitment.
For Future Volunteers: Navigating Medical Clearance (your first adventure)
The medical clearance process can feel like a full-time job. If you have a history of therapy or a mental health diagnosis, the Peace Corps’ Mental Health Evaluation requirements can be particularly daunting.
Because I provide virtual therapy and assessments, I can assist applicants in any state with the evaluations, assessments, and documentation required for clearance. I help you:
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Complete the Evaluation: I provide the clinical assessments and “statement of stability” the Peace Corps Medical Officers (PCMO) require.
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Narrative Support: We work together to demonstrate how you have built the resilience and coping skills necessary to handle the isolation and stressors of service.
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Bridge the Gap: My goal is to help you present a clear, professional, and accurate picture of your mental health so you can focus on your invitation to serve.
For RPCVs: Navigating Reintegration (adventures continue)
Coming home is often harder than going. While your friends and family are excited to have you back, you might feel like a stranger in your own country. The “re-entry” process is its own kind of turbulence.
I help RPCVs navigate:
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Reverse Culture Shock: Feeling overwhelmed by the pace, consumerism, or “small talk” of life back in the States.
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Processing the Experience: Making sense of the highs and lows of your service, including “service-related grief” or unresolved trauma.
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Identity Shifts: Figuring out who you are now that you aren’t “the volunteer” in your village.
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Career & Life Transitions: Handling the anxiety of what comes next after the Close of Service (COS).
A Therapist Who Speaks Your Language
You won’t have to explain what a “counterpart” is, the frustration of a “bucket bath,” or the specific ache of saying goodbye to your host family. I get the nuances of the Peace Corps lifestyle because I’ve been there.
Whether we are working on proactive strategies for your upcoming departure or untangling the “post-PC” blues, I offer a space where your service is understood without explanation.
Let’s Start the Journey
You don’t have to navigate the clearance process or the transition home alone.
Reach out today, Let’s work together to ensure your Peace Corps story—past or future—is one of growth and resilience.
