In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley and Dr. Michelle talk to William Negley, Former Officer within the Directorate of Operations of the CIA, Master in International Relations, and Founder and President of Sound Off
From CIA Operative to Mental Health Advocate
William Negley, the founder and president of Sound Off, recognized a significant gap in mental health support for veterans, service members, and intelligence community officers during his time as a CIA operative. He observed how stigma and security clearance concerns hindered individuals from seeking help. In response, Negley developed Sound Off, an anonymous mental health support app aimed at overcoming these barriers and providing assistance to those who may not feel comfortable seeking traditional care.
6 Programs to Help Veterans’ Mental Health
- Sound Off App: Available on the AppStore and Google Play, Sound Off is a mobile resource connecting people seeking help with long-term mental health support. All interactions are end-to-end encrypted and entirely anonymous.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
- VeteransFirst by Sofia Health: The VeteransFirst Program provides veterans and staff of participating VAs access to unlimited yoga, meditation, and wellness classes. Not at your VA? Visit Sofia Prime to purchase a membership or contact us to request to start services for your location.
- Vector Accelerator: This course is there to help all veterans find clarity as they transition from military to civilian life, providing access to 10+ engaging videos, 25+ guided exercises, and discussion prompts, a 38-page course workbook, and weekly community meet-ups.
- The Step Up Foundation: Founded by Sara Wilkinson, the foundation supports veterans by raising funds through physical challenges and speaking engagements. These funds are dedicated to research and treatment programs for injuries suffered by veterans.
- Warriors at Ease: Warriors at Ease is dedicated to ensuring every member of the military community is trained in how to use the practices of yoga and meditation to alleviate the stressors of military life and aid in the prevention and rehabilitation of physical and invisible injuries.
Sofia Health connects you to traditional, integrative, nutritional, holistic, and spiritual healing professionals to help you personalize your healing journey.
Bridging Mental Health Gaps
William Negley, founder and president of Sound Off, has recognized the critical gap in mental health support for veterans, service members, and intelligence community officers. His personal journey, coupled with professional expertise, underscores the pressing need for accessible and confidential support within these communities. Sound Off's anonymous mental health support app addresses this need by providing assistance to individuals hindered by stigma and security clearance concerns. Tragically, Negley's brother-in-law's suicide, occurring three years after SoundOff's establishment, highlights the ongoing necessity for effective mental health resources. Negley emphasizes the importance of clinicians maintaining awareness and responding appropriately to disclosures made within the app to ensure timely intervention when necessary.
Sound Off: Supporting Those Who Served on Their Terms
Unlike traditional crisis lines, Sound Off allows users to engage with the same professional repeatedly, fostering a sense of continuity and trust. Negley emphasized that while Sound Off isn't a crisis intervention service, it offers users the flexibility to choose the type of support that best suits their needs, whether it's from a clinician or a peer. The platform's emphasis on anonymity and user empowerment sets it apart, providing a safe space for individuals to seek help without the fear of judgment or stigma.
Furthermore, Negley underscored the dedication and heart-centered approach of the clinicians and peers on the Sound Off platform, acknowledging their commitment to supporting the community. He highlighted the importance of empathy and genuine engagement in providing effective mental health assistance, emphasizing that cultural competency, while valuable, should not overshadow the core principles of compassionate care. As Sound Off continues to evolve, Negley expressed gratitude for the clinicians who have joined the platform, recognizing their pivotal role in fulfilling the organization's mission to provide accessible and impactful mental health support.
Advocating for Change in Mental Health Support
Negley emphasizes the importance of clinicians' involvement in providing mental health support through the platform, clarifying that compensation is available for their services. He highlighted the streamlined onboarding process for clinicians, which includes license validation and identity verification, making it easy for them to join and contribute. Negley also encouraged prospective peer supporters to undergo training approved by Sound Off, emphasizing the platform's flexibility in recognizing alternative training programs.
Additionally, Negley discussed the ongoing challenge of addressing mental health issues within the military and emphasized the need for cultural and structural changes to encourage seeking support. He advocated for diversifying options for mental health care beyond traditional channels like the VA and DoD, suggesting alternative organizations and highlighting Sound Off as a viable option for those hesitant to engage with conventional resources.
More from Sofia Health
Check out the full episode of the Sofia Unfiltered podcast, "Anonymous Mental Health Support For Veterans And Operatives with William Negley", available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
Whether you prefer a subscription over live classes or want to shop for individual services, classes, or products, we have you covered. We're here to help you meet your wellness goals for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. You can also take advantage of the services offered by one of the providers at the Sofia Marketplace.
Better yet, make a daily dose of wellness part of your routine. Sofia Prime offers both live classes and an extensive on-demand video library. Choose from high-quality offerings in wellness, nutrition, fitness, and meditation.
Start your two-week trial today and discover the difference that dedication and expert help can make.
Disclaimer: The Sofia Unfiltered Podcast by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.
