Dr. John Whelan served in the Canadian Armed Forces for nearly nine years before leaving to pursue a career as a psychologist in trauma care. Ever since, he has been dedicated to treating Veterans who are dealing with mental health illnesses.
Based on his experiences in the military and having been director of a base addictions program, John developed a comprehensive proposal for a treatment clinic for Veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder and an addiction issue. From fostering a working relationship with Veterans Affairs Canada and balancing an ever-increasing caseload, to filing and cleaning, he puts his heart and soul into the establishment and successful operation of the clinic.
While operating a busy clinic, Dr Whelan willingly helped other organizations that are dedicated to supporting Veterans, earning him great respect within the Veteran community. He has closed the clinic during the pandemic, while continuing to treat individual Veterans.
He has spent countless volunteer hours developing a curriculum for Camp Aftermath, a charity to assist Veterans living with PTSD or experiencing mental health problems arising from a public health role. And his commitment to that group provides a strong clinical foundation while attracting other mental health experts and volunteers.
Dr Whelan has also been active with the mental health charity CanPraxis, developing a specialized workshop to educate therapists in understanding the unique Veteran culture and mindset and contributing to the group in other ways.
His books relating to Veterans and mental health have proven very helpful in curriculum and program development: Going Crazy in the Green Machine: The Story of Trauma and PTSD Among Canada’s Veterans (2014), Ghost in the Ranks: Forgotten Voices and Military Mental Health (2016), and Narcissus Called My Name: Heroes and the Cost of Specialness (2017). A new book will be released soon: Genes, Gods, and Red Herrings: Transforming Canada's Addiction Treatment System (2021).