Advancing Psychological Health and Resilience through Trauma Research, Education, and Consultation. Government
The appearance of advertising on this page does not imply endorsement by CSTS, USU or the U.S. The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) was established in 1987 to address United States Department of Defense concerns around the psychological impact and health consequences resulting from the impact of traumatic events, to include weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, and natural disasters.
06/15/2026
SAFEGUARD is a new CSTS study using machine learning predictive modeling and targeted interventions to transform military su***de prevention.
In this new article, CSTS Scientists provide an overview of SAFEGUARD. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/443YaV7
06/11/2026
Leaving military service marks a major life transition—and for some Soldiers, it can come with significant challenges.
CSTS Scientists helped develop predictive models to identify service members at highest risk for unemployment, homelessness, and su***de-related behaviors after separation from the US Army.
The results suggest that data-driven identification could help direct more intensive support to the service members who need it most.
Read more: https://doi.org/10.1038/s44184-026-00192-8
06/08/2026
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Robert J. Ursano on his well-deserved retirement and thanking him for his decades of service to CSTS and USU.
On 29 May 2026, friends and colleagues honored the career of Dr. Ursano, former Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Founding Director of CSTS, in a retirement festschrift. The festschrift featured a distinguished group of speakers from around the world who reflected on Dr. Ursano's influence on their research and science.
📽️ Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQowkGLdkTI
06/06/2026
Childhood adversity doesn’t just affect mental health—it can shape physical health, too.
New research from CSTS’ Ms. Sierra Martin and colleagues highlights the differential influence of specific adverse childhood experiences on pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms, thereby revealing opportunities to better target prevention and early intervention efforts.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ffZmvC
06/02/2026
In his new article, CSTS’ Dr. Edward G. Howe proposes that painful emotions are key to determining which ethical practices need improvement. He does this by examining “curious engagement,” a new approach created by Anna D. Goff & Joseph J. Fins, as well as by introducing two clinical examples.
Read more here: https://bit.ly/3Qb9hsa
05/31/2026
May is , a time to honor and recognize past and present members of the military for their many contributions.
To learn more about how to support service members and their families, browse our Courage to Care fact sheet collection here: https://www.cstsonline.org/education-and-training/health-campaigns/courage-to-care-health-campaign
📸Sgt. 1st Class Heath Doppke for US Army
At CSTS, we are grateful to have experts on our team who serve in the National Guard helping us maximize the impact of our work in support of the National Guard.
Katie Duffy, one of our CSTS team members and National Guard Behavioral Health Officer, shares about her work at CSTS and its connection to her recent deployment with the National Guard.
📽️ Watch below!
05/21/2026
CSTS is pleased to share a video recording and transcript of the Brain, Behavior, & Mind 2026 Spring Conference that took place on April 21, 2026, and featured national and international scientists, clinicians, and leaders in the field of psychological stress and trauma.
The video and transcript are available now on our website: https://bit.ly/4v6P2Lg
05/18/2026
While simulations are helpful, they can also be stressful to learners in healthcare.
In a new article by CSTS’ Dr. Elizabeth A. Greene and colleagues, institutional promotion of psychological safety is described for students taking a sexual assault assessment and management course as a potential model for best practices during high-intensity healthcare simulation.
Read more: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41642309/
05/13/2026
In times of conflict, prioritizing mental health is more critical than ever.
In this paper, CSTS’ Dr. Robert J. Ursano and colleagues discuss the ECNP Traumatic Stress Network webinar series, in which experts come together to share knowledge, address urgent challenges, and explore key topics impacting mental well-being during periods of crisis. These “Hot Topics in Dark Days” virtual meetings foster collaboration, insight, and support for those working on the frontlines of mental health care.
Read more:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nsa.2026.106995