Leadership in the time of COVID-19: BHSU alum Casey Allington

Headshot - Casey Allington
Allington
Casey Allington graduated from BHSU in 2009 and serves as a clinical psychologist at the White River Junction Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center in Vermont. Because of the pandemic, he now meets with his patients via telehealth technologies, but his commitment to providing care to veterans remains unchanged.

Allington’s interest in psychology began at Black Hills State. After taking a psychology course that piqued his interest, Allington says faculty took him under their wing.

“The BHSU faculty showed me what a career as a psychologist looks like and the number of avenues you can go down as a clinical psychologist – from clinical work, to therapy, research, and academics,” says Allington.

The prospect of getting to help others in his chosen profession intrigued Allington. He completed a summer internship at the Sheridan, Wyo., VA during graduate school which solidified his goal to work with America’s veterans.

“It was a focused choice for me to pursue a career working with veterans,” says Allington.  “I felt fortunate to get an internship with the West Haven VA in Connecticut after graduate school, and also when this job opened up in Vermont.”

Allington says his patients are reporting health-related anxiety about potentially contracting COVID-19, especially those with pre-existing conditions who are more vulnerable to complications.
Patients are also expressing concerns about finances, isolation, and not being able to follow their normal routines.

“Day-to-day I am working with my patients on how to maintain some sense of normalcy, in spite of the adjustments they are making to stay safe during this time,” he says.

Learn more about the BHSU Pscyhology program at www.BHSU.edu/Psychology