Mental Health & Wellness
Mental health and wellness are critical components of long-term success and sustainability within the intelligence analysis profession. Intelligence analysts often work in high-pressure environments while managing significant workloads, exposure to traumatic material, operational stress, and constant demands for accuracy and performance. Over time, these challenges can contribute to stress, burnout, compassion fatigue, and other mental health concerns.
This page was created as a helpful resource for intelligence analysts seeking education, support, and practical tools to prioritize wellness, build resilience, and maintain balance both professionally and personally. Taking care of your mental health is not only important for your work, it is essential for your overall well-being.
Crisis Hotlines:
If you need emotional support, reach out to the national mental health hotline: 988.
International Law Enforcement Officers' Hotline
You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to connect.
Helpful Apps:
The #1 App for Meditation and Sleep
A journal for your wellbeing
The PTSD Coach app was designed for Veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD.
Substance Use Resources:
Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution.
Do you need help with a drug problem?
Everyone deserves the chance to thrive and lead a healthy life free from addiction.
The Research:
Trauma in the U.S. Intelligence Community: Risks and Responses
A model for secondary traumatic stress following workplace exposure to traumatic material in analytical staff
Impact of Traumatic Material on Professionals in Analytical and Secondary Investigative Roles Working in Criminal Justice Settings: a Qualitative Approach
Kerri-Lynne Black, LMFT, CFRC
Kerri-Lynne Black, LMFT is a Licensed Therapist, Intelligence Analyst, First Responder Mental Health Advocate, and member of the Metro New York Chapter of IALEIA. She is dedicated to bringing awareness to mental health and wellness within the analyst profession.
At the 2026 LEIU/IALEIA Annual Training Event, Kerri-Lynne presented on the importance of managing stress and maintaining wellness for analysts working in high-pressure environments. Her presentation highlighted the unique mental and emotional demands analysts face, including exposure to traumatic content, operational stress, long hours, and burnout. The graphic below is a summery of her presentation.
Through her combined experience in mental health and intelligence analysis, she provided practical strategies for recognizing signs of stress, building resilience, maintaining work-life balance, and prioritizing self-care. She also emphasized the importance of peer support, open conversations surrounding mental health, and reducing the stigma often associated with seeking help in public safety professions.
Kerri-Lynne continues to advocate for the wellness of analysts and first responders by providing education, resources, and support aimed at fostering healthier, more sustainable careers in the field.
