USU’s Center for Deployment Psychology Named One of America’s Top Online Learning Providers by Newsweek

Honor reflects CDP’s role in preparing behavioral health professionals to support service members and their families.

A purple-tinted banner image featuring a diverse group of six military service members in uniform sitting and conversing on outdoor stone steps. In the foreground, large white text reads "CDP" above the official seal and logotype of the "Uniformed Services University."

CDP’s online offerings are designed to meet the complex needs of clinicians serving military-connected

populations. (USU photo)

November 26, 2025 by Sharon Holland

The Uniformed Services University’s (USU) Center for Deployment Psychology (CDP) has earned national recognition as one of America’s Top Online Learning Providers for 2026, according to Newsweek in partnership with Statista. The ranking, based on extensive learner feedback, highlights CDP’s growing reputation for delivering high-quality, accessible training to behavioral health professionals across the country.

Headquartered within USU’s Department of Medical and Clinical Psychology, CDP develops and delivers specialized online courses for clinicians who work with active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Its portfolio includes self-paced eLearning modules, live webcasts, and training in evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for conditions such as PTSD, insomnia, suicide risk, and other deployment-related mental health concerns.

“We are honored that Newsweek and Statista have recognized CDP’s online training programs,” said Dr. William Brim, Executive Director of the Center for Deployment Psychology. “This reflects our sustained commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible training for mental health providers who support the military community.”

The Newsweek ranking draws on more than 10,000 survey responses from U.S. learners who recently completed online professional development courses. Providers were evaluated on factors including program organization, learner support, cost, reputation, practical relevance, and overall satisfaction.

CDP’s online offerings are designed to meet the complex needs of clinicians serving military-connected populations. Among its most innovative platforms is the award-winning Virtual Education Center in Second Life, where learners engage in immersive, clinically relevant scenarios—such as conducting suicide risk assessments or developing safety plans with virtual patients.

“This national recognition underscores USU’s ongoing commitment to advancing military mental health through innovative, accessible, and mission-focused education,” said Dr. Eric Elster, Dean of USU’s F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine.