AUSTIN (KXAN) — The shooting in Chattanooga follows several other shootings at military facilities over the last two decades. Several of the suspects in previous shootings have been linked to mental illness or even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

KXAN’s Robert Hadlock sat down with Professor of Psychology Dr. Michael Telch to talk about his views on Gov. Greg Abbott’s order for National Guardsmen to be armed.

“If Guardsmen are carrying weapons it may actually deter people from trying anything. And among those who do try, the second major benefit is it may actually help. People may respond better if they’re armed. And that could potentially save many lives. If they’re going to arm these Guardsmen, it makes sence to do a careful screening – a mental health screening. And not just a screening for PTSD, but a screen for other mental health problems as well.”

Dr. Telch and his team at UT are conducting ongoing treatment studies for PTSD. He is accepting patients for free state of the art non-medication treatments.

For information call the UT Lab at 512-404-9118.

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