Her Story
About Rachael
Rachael Thompson has built a career spanning more than three decades at the intersection of law enforcement and mental health. She entered law enforcement in 1994, serving nearly 13 years as a sergeant with the Monroe County Sheriff's Department, where her work focused on meth lab eradication, child sex crimes, domestic violence, and SWAT operations. In 2007, she transitioned into federal service, taking on a role in nuclear security as a subcontractor protecting Category 1 and 2 nuclear materials at one of the nation's largest nuclear stockpiles — a position she continues to hold nearly two decades later.
Alongside her operational career, Thompson pursued an extensive academic path, earning a bachelor's degree in behavioral sciences from East Texas Baptist University, a master's degree in counseling psychology from Liberty University, and, most recently, a doctorate in Community Care and Counseling Traumatology, also from Liberty University. Her doctoral research examined how military mindset shapes personal canine selection as a tool for mitigating PTSD, work that has drawn notable attention within her field and been downloaded hundreds of times by fellow researchers and practitioners. She is currently working toward licensure as a professional counselor to further expand her ability to serve veterans and law enforcement personnel.
Thompson's specialization in complex PTSD among military and law enforcement populations reflects both her lived experience and her clinical training, allowing her to connect with high-risk populations in ways few others in her field can. As one of a small number of women working in her specific role within a traditionally male-dominated environment, she has earned the respect of her colleagues through demonstrated capability and consistency over the years. Guided by values of resilience, service, and leading by example, she remains committed to mentoring others and encourages young women entering law enforcement and mental health fields to persevere, trust in their own growth, and accept support when it's offered.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rachael
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance and hard work, along with the mentors and colleagues who supported me along the way. Leading by example and staying the course, even through decades of service and advanced study, has carried me through.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've received came from mentors who reminded me, "You're bigger than this, you're better than this — push through it, push on." That perspective gave me the confidence to keep going during difficult moments.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Never quit. Anything you want is achievable, and you don't have to have it all figured out from the start. Stay the course, and don't be afraid to accept help when it's offered to you.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges I see are working within a male-dominated culture in tactical law enforcement roles, along with the physical toll and shiftwork demands that come with the job. At the same time, there are real opportunities opening up — particularly in mental health specializations for veterans and officers, remote and flexible clinical work, and closer integration between medical and mental health services.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Giving back to my community matters most to me, along with resilience and perseverance. I try to lead by example in everything I do, and I make it a priority to ensure the people I work with feel seen and heard.
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