Preventing Veteran Suicide with Karen Pearson, LCPC
- Onnie Michalsky, MA, LCPC
- 44 minutes ago
- 3 min read
This month, mental health professionals and community partners gathered to hear from Karen Pearson, LCPC, CEO and Co-Founder of Adaptive Performance Center. Karen shared the organization's mission to eliminate veteran suicide by rebuilding lives through physical fitness, human connection, and advocacy, while highlighting the vital role community plays in supporting those who have served. Attendees learned about the wide range of programs and resources available through Adaptive Performance Center, the positive impact these services have on veterans' well-being, and how providers can connect veterans with meaningful support both inside and outside the therapy room.
Rebuilding Lives Through Connection: Adaptive Performance Center's Mission to Prevent Veteran Suicide
Karen Pearson, LCPC, CEO and Co-Founder of Adaptive Performance Center (APC), shared the organization's inspiring mission to eliminate veteran suicide by rebuilding lives through physical fitness, human connection, and advocacy. APC serves veterans and active-duty military by providing more than just a fitness facility—it offers a community where veterans can rediscover purpose, belonging, and support. Karen emphasized that while exercise is an important component of healing, the relationships and sense of community built at APC are what truly set the organization apart.
Throughout the presentation, Karen highlighted the wide range of services available through Adaptive Performance Center, including personal training, peer outreach, occupational therapy, massage, acupuncture, yoga, boxing, HIIT classes, veteran liaison services, and connections to other community resources such as Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) and the Vet Center. With locations in Billings and Helena, APC serves approximately 80–100 veterans each day and remains committed to making services accessible through affordable memberships and scholarship opportunities.
Karen also shared encouraging outcomes reported by APC members. Many veterans experience reduced suicidal thoughts, decreased pain and improved mobility, greater willingness to socialize, and stronger connections to community resources after becoming involved with the organization. While much of their work is measured through member feedback and lived experience, these outcomes reinforce the powerful role that physical wellness, meaningful relationships, and community support can play in improving mental health.
Attendees left with a deeper understanding of the unique challenges many veterans face after military service and the importance of connecting them with supportive, purpose-driven communities. The presentation served as a reminder that suicide prevention extends beyond the therapy office and that collaboration between mental health professionals and organizations like Adaptive Performance Center can create lasting, life-changing impact for the veterans we serve.
Meet Karen Pearson
Karen Pearson, LCPC, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Adaptive Performance Center (APC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating veteran suicide by rebuilding lives through physical fitness, human connection, and advocacy. Under her leadership, APC has created a welcoming community where veterans and active-duty service members can rediscover purpose, belonging, and hope in a safe, judgment-free environment. Karen is passionate about helping those who have served reconnect with others, access meaningful resources, and experience the life-changing impact of community. With locations in Billings and Helena and plans for future expansion, she continues to lead APC's mission of ensuring every veteran has a place to find strength, support, and a path forward.
Lunch Sponsor:
Thank you Adaptive Performance Center for providing lunch at our monthly providers meet-up!
Helpful Links
Announcements
New Community Bulletin Section in YCMHA Weekly Newsletter: Submit listings to hello@ycmentalhealthalliance.com
Peer Consultation for Circle members is on July 16th
Next Provider Meet-up is August 12th at Noon (404 N. 30th)
Looking for More Opportunities to Connect?
The Yellowstone County Mental Health Alliance launched the Montana Circle, a statewide community designed specifically for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals. Circle members gain access to exclusive networking events, peer consultation calls, book discussions, resource sharing, and meaningful connections with colleagues across Montana. If you're looking to expand your professional network, collaborate with other clinicians, and feel more connected in your work, learn more about joining the Montana Circle at montanacircle.com
About the Yellowstone County Mental Health Alliance
The Yellowstone County Mental Health Alliance brings together mental health professionals, healthcare providers, educators, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to strengthen connections, improve collaboration, and support mental health services throughout Yellowstone County.
Interested in Speaking at a Future Meet-Up?
We are always looking for speakers to present at our monthly meet-ups. We meet at noon on te second Wednesday of each month and would love to have you come share about your organization and how we can work together to serve those seeking mental health services! Email support@ycmentalhealthalliance.com
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