Pedro Alicea
M.Ed. Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Military and Veterans Concentration
Education
- 2025, William & Mary, M.Ed. in Counseling - Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Military and Veterans Concentration
- 1998, University of Texas at El Paso, Master in Public Administration
- 1992, Joint Military Intelligence College, Postgraduate Intelligence Program
- 1984, U.S. Naval Academy, B.S. in Engineering
What kind of educational and professional experiences did you have prior to beginning this degree?
I entered the W&M counseling program after serving for more than 35 years in federal government, as a Marine Corps officer in the active duty and reserve components, and as a senior manager and leader in the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense.
Why did you choose this field, and what motivates you in this work?
As a reservist mobilized to active duty in the aftermath of 9-11, I experienced firsthand how the system that so expeditiously deployed us was not prepared to take care of families while reservists were mobilized, or to take care of the service member/reservist once they returned to civilian life. I have witnessed the reluctance to seek treatment, and the stigma still associated with mental health in the 21st century. My goal is to work primarily with the military community—active duty and reservists, veterans and their families—and federal employees in the national security sector. This community has taught me about selfless dedication, commitment and fellowship; it helped shape me as an adult and a professional. I desire to continue to serve, and I owe it to my family and the families and service members and federal employees whose careers have crossed mine—in short, my Tribe—to give back by taking care of their mental health and being their advocate.
What do you hope to be doing after graduation? In 10 or 15 years?
I am entering private clinical practice and pursuing licensing as a professional counselor. Over the mid-to-long term, I aim to broaden beyond clinical practice into research and training other practitioners to work with military and federal government-affiliated clients. I am also interested in completing a doctorate in counselor education.
Why did you choose William & Mary and specifically your degree program? What sets this degree program apart from those offered at other colleges?
I chose William & Mary because it was the only accredited counseling program in the country to offer a specialization in military and veterans counseling, and the faculty included professors who were military affiliated and/or had experience working with the military population. As a W&M parent, I had been impressed with the quality of education, attention and dedication to students, and innovative programs the college offered and was confident the counseling program would exhibit the same high standards of innovation and student care.
What has been the most influential experience you've had so far in your program?
As I reflect on the program, I believe the most influential experiences have been the many conversations and interactions with professors and students in and out of class, the practicum and internship courses, and my participation in the Student Ambassador program as host of the MVC Corner.
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CLINICAL MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELING - MILITARY AND VETERANS CONCENTRATION
