Catholic Charities’ Rachel Bomgardner is Agency’s First to Complete Evidence-Based Training Program to Help Those Struggling with PTSD

Monticello, NY – Often called the “hidden epidemic,” Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be devastating for those who suffer. If left untreated, addiction, depression, and suicide can be tragic consequences. Thanks to its membership in the Independent Practice Association, CBHS, and funding from The Gavin Farrell Foundation, Catholic Charities’ clinicians are receiving training in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help individuals who are struggling with PTSD.

Catholic Charities’ clinician Rachel Bomgardner, LMHC, was the first of her cohort to complete the rigorous training program and earn her CPT provider status designation.

As a counselor at Catholic Charities alcohol and drug treatment clinic in Monticello, Rachel has seen first-hand the relationship between PSTD and substance use and abuse. “People suffering from PSTD frequently self-medicate to dull or avoid PTSD symptoms,” said Ms. Bomgardner. “Utilizing the Cognitive Processing Therapy training, I’m able to work with my clients with co-occurring SUD and PTSD to identify ways in which the trauma impacted their behavior and focus on repairing the damage, address negative beliefs, and help them develop a healthier perspective on their experience so that substances are no longer necessary to manage the pain of trauma.”

The Gavin Farrell Foundation’s mission is to improve the lives of individuals with PTSD by subsidizing affordable, high-quality training to licensed clinicians and mental health agencies so that more professionals are trained to recognize and treat PTSD effectively. According to their website, in the U.S. 7 – 8 percent of the population will experience PTSD in their lifetimes. More than half also battle substance use disorders.

“We are grateful to the Gavin Farrell Foundation for funding this gold-standard in training. It will save lives by making our clinicians even better in their jobs,” said Amy Kolakowski, Chief Clinical Officer “We’re incredibly proud of Rachel for being the first in our agency to receive provider status. As both a leader and direct care clinician, Rachel is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those who are struggling with SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders.”

Rachel joined Catholic Charities in 2014 as a Clinician in the Day Rehabilitation Program at the Monticello campus and became Program Coordinator of Day Rehabilitation in 2017. Last month, Rachel was promoted to the position of Clinical Director of Outpatient Services.

A resident of Middletown, Rachel earned her Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Marist College and her undergraduate degree in Psychology from SUNY Oswego, where she graduated summa cum laude.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol, drugs, or other substances and would like to speak with one of our licensed professionals, call 845-794-8080 to schedule an appointment. CCOSU provides treatment and support to those in need regardless of insurance status and provides a sliding fee scale for un- and under-insured clients.

Rachel Bomgardner, of Middletown, was promoted to Clinical Director of Outpatient Services at Catholic Charities’ Sullivan County campus. She recently completed training with The Gavin Farrell Foundation to provide evidence-based Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help those struggling with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)