Research & Outcomes
Dr. Curtis’ work is grounded in rigorous research, validated by military leadership, and demonstrated through clinical implementation
Elite Mental Toughness® Validation Study
The Question
Can a psychoeducation program reduce suicide ideation risk more effectively than existing military training?
The Method
Rigorous Delphi methodology with 8 senior Air Force officers (Chief Master Sergeant through Colonel) systematically evaluating Elite Mental Toughness® compared to standard Air Force suicide prevention training.
The Results—
What This Means
The difference isn't just noticeable, it's statistically robust. Military leaders who have had direct responsibility for troop suicide prevention rated EMT as significantly more effective than military training.
Expert Quotes:
“Elite Mental Toughness moves the needle away from suicidal ideation." - Senior Military Officer, Expert Panel
"If you can save one life it is worth it, and I feel that your program will save a lot." - Senior Military Officer, Expert Panel
Population Served
12+ Years Clinical Experience With:
Military & Veterans (2011 & 2020-2022)
Fort Wainwright Family Life Center
Individual and couples therapy
EAFB Mental Health Clinic research and suicide ideation risk management training
JBER suicide ideation risk management research
Indigenous Communities (2013-2025)
Fairbanks Native Association
Ralph Perdue Center
Adolescent residential treatment
Substance use and co-occurring disorders
Culturally-informed trauma care
High-Risk Adolescents (2013-2025)
Residential substance use treatment
Co-occurring mental health disorders
Complex trauma presentations
Group and individual therapy
High-Risk Adults (2021-2025)
Residential substance use treatment
Outpatient services
Co-occurring mental health disorders
Complex trauma presentations
Group and individual therapy
Complex Trauma Survivors
PTSD and C-PTSD
Childhood abuse and neglect
Sexual assault survivors
Treatment-resistant presentations
Clinical Outcomes
Intensive Trauma Therapy:
10+ intensive experiences delivered
High client satisfaction (testimonials forthcoming)
Rapid symptom reduction in PTSD presentations
Successful with treatment-resistant cases
Elite Mental Toughness®:
100+ group sessions facilitated
Consistently positive participant feedback
Successfully implemented across diverse populations
Military leadership validation (87.5% effectiveness rating)
Publications & Presentations
Curtis, Y. (2023). Elite Mental Toughness™: A military unit-based group suicidal ideation risk management program (Publication No. 30311461) [Doctoral dissertation, Alaska Pacific University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses.
Curtis, Y. (2020). Promoting mental health and identifying suicide risk factors. Presentation at Eielson Air Force Base 1st Sergeants Training.
Curtis, Y. (2014). Psychological trauma and memory. Presentation at Fairbanks Native Association annual conference.
Curtis, Y., Eddy, L., Ashdown, B. K., Feder, H., & Lower, T. (2012). Prelude to a coitus: Sexual initiation cues among heterosexual married couples. Sexual and Relationship Therapy, 27(4), 322-334.
Curtis, Y. (2011). What’s love got to do with it: Using attachment theory in couples domestic violence intervention [Unpublished master’s thesis]. University of Alaska.
Ongoing Research & Development
Dr. Curtis continues to refine and evaluate Elite Mental Toughness® through implementation feedback and outcome measurement. She is committed to evidence-based practice and continuous quality improvement.
Future research directions include:
Outcome studies with larger samples
Adaptation for specific populations
Long-term follow-up studies
Comparative effectiveness research
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