Gerald Hughes
Columbia,SC
Summary
Mental health professional with extensive experience in clinical counseling, assessment, and research methodology. Expertise in behavioral monitoring and trauma-informed care. Leadership in multidisciplinary settings, including military intelligence and correctional mental health. Dedicated to advancing evidence-based practices and enhancing understanding of mental health disorders.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community Advisory Board Member
Uniformed Services University
Honolulu, HI
10.2025 - Current
- Community Advisory Board member developing research on behalf of service members developing essential tools to address moral injury
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
Battle Captain
US Army Pacific
Honolulu, Hawaii
08.2024 - Current
- Managed intelligence teams analyzing domestic and international threats
- Liaised with DOD, federal, and state agencies for strategic dissemination
- Coordinated tactical operations for mission readiness and execution.
- Assisted in planning training exercises to enhance team capabilities.
Career Development Facilitator
Blythewood High School
Columbia, SC
06.2017 - 06.2022
- Promoted youth empowerment and leadership through Children’s Defense Fund initiatives
Guidance Counselor
Dreher High School
Columbia, SC
05.2019 - 05.2022
- Supported students’ academic and emotional development through strategic counseling
Mental Health Advisor to Violent Crimes (QMHP)
South Carolina Department of Corrections
Columbia, SC
- Conducted trauma assessments and psychological evaluations for victims
- Delivered crisis intervention and emotional support during forensic procedures
- Coordinated referrals and tracked progress of mental health services
Counselor II – Special Operations
Department of Mental Health – Columbia Area Mental Health Center
Columbia, SC
- Provided patient-centered mental health services and crisis management
- Supported Highway to Hope MHC initiatives in community outreach
- Maintained QA-compliant clinical documentation
Education
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
South Carolina State University
Orangeburg, SC05.2021
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science & Information Technology
University of North Carolina
Pembroke, NC05.2015
Skills
- Team collaboration
- Strategic planning
- Patient-centered care
- Community outreach
- Emotional support
- Conflict resolution
- Social case histories
- Behavioral assessment
- Crisis intervention
- Trauma assessment
- Family therapy
Certifications And Skills
National Security Adjudication (2024), DOD HSPD-12 Credentialing (2024), Praxis Series (2020) Crisis Prevention (2020) Career Development Facilitator (2019)
Additional Highlights
- TS/SCI Clearance
- NCE Certified
- Strong interdisciplinary background blending clinical psychology, education, and intelligence analysis
- Committed to advancing mental health care through research, service, and leadership
Security Clearance
TS/SCI Cleared
Teaching And Mentorship
- Dreher High School, Columbia, SC, Guidance Counselor, 05/01/19, 05/01/22, Supported students’ academic and emotional development through strategic counseling
- Blythewood High School, Blythewood, SC, Career Development Facilitator, 06/01/17, 06/01/22, Promoted youth empowerment and leadership through Children’s Defense Fund initiatives
Research
Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP), Honolulu, HI, Research Team Member/Leader, 10/01/25, Present, Lead and contributed to projects on dissemination of evidence-based psychotherapies, Conducted health services research to improve clinical processes and patient outcomes, Investigated factors and impacts of mental health disorders through applied research
Certification
NCE
Timeline
Community Advisory Board Member
Uniformed Services University
10.2025 - Current
Battle Captain
US Army Pacific
08.2024 - Current
Guidance Counselor
Dreher High School
05.2019 - 05.2022
Career Development Facilitator
Blythewood High School
06.2017 - 06.2022
Mental Health Advisor to Violent Crimes (QMHP)
South Carolina Department of Corrections
Counselor II – Special Operations
Department of Mental Health – Columbia Area Mental Health Center
Master of Science - Mental Health Counseling
South Carolina State University
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science & Information Technology
University of North Carolina