David Speciale

Who David works with

David Speciale is a PhD in Clinical Psychology Practicum and Internship student with Walden University. David has spent the past 15 years working as a paramedic and serving in various first responder roles, with the majority of that time spent in Emergency Medical Services. David has a special interest in serving first responders in Emergency Medical Services, Fire Service, Law Enforcement, and Emergency Service Dispatchers, due to his time serving as a first responder and firsthand experience with the stress and trauma many first responders face. David also has a special interest in serving Military service personnel, and any other individual who has experienced, or is dealing with trauma and other mental health struggles.

Specialties

David specializes in peer support for first responders and is trained in critical incident stress debriefings through the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. David is also an ordained minister and has the education and ability to incorporate Christian faith into counseling, dependent on the client’s wishes or needs. David has cultural awareness and understanding of the various first-responder cultures and subcultures, based on his lived experiences as a first responder. David is also a developing mental health professional as a PhD student in Clinical Psychology.

Treatment approaches

Holistic, humanistic, person-centered, crisis response, culturally informed, and culturally humble, trauma-focused, and faith-based. Trained in personality and cognitive assessments, CBT trained, EMDR trained, and under supervision. Will be receiving DBT training in the near future with supervision from DBT-certified and trained licensed professionals.

Practice philosophy

I believe the majority of first responders are often overlooked in terms of mental health services, and I hope to help bridge that gap as a current first responder and a developing mental health professional. I also firmly believe that nobody should feel as though they are alone when the struggles of life, and adverse life experiences, become (figuratively or literally) too heavy to carry alone. We are all in this world together, and I believe we should strive to uplift and encourage one another to the best of our abilities.

Current License

Seeking licensure as a licensed psychologist as a current PhD student in Clinical Psychology in the practicum and internship phase of the degree

Degrees

Associate’s degree in Paramedic Science, obtained from MountWest Community and Technical College, 2016. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology: Crisis Counseling, obtained from Liberty University, 2021. Master of Arts in Human Services Counseling: Crisis and Trauma Counseling from Liberty University, 2023. Current doctoral student for PhD in Clinical Psychology, anticipated completion in 2027 from Walden University

Year started

2026

Personal interests

Currently on a personal journey of physical fitness, exercise, and weight loss, with 124 pounds lost since November 2024. Reading and researching first-responder mental health and continuing my educational journey towards becoming a licensed psychologist.