Can I walk into behavioral health without my chain of command knowing?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 01:18:38 -0400

I’ve been in almost 3 years and I feel I can’t do my job anymore and be as motivated as I was in the past. I don’t even trust my own company or unit to seek help

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jul 8 at 2020 1:45 AM

CAPT Kevin B. — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 01:45:35 -0400

You "should" be able to. The caveat is being junior, having appointments etc. is hard to avoid conflicts with your seniors as to why you have to be gone for an hour on a regular basis. In reality, people can fairly easily figure that out. That said, if your command has solid leadership, they will be grateful that a SM took the initiative to help himself and by extension, the Command. The senior skippers, like me, who have their own dragons to fight will be very supportive and will take a 2x4 to anyone who inhibits, demeans, or any other negative action. Smart CoCs know the pure business decision is to provide and support these services as being more cost effective and beneficial to the Command in the long run. It's OK to look out for Number 1, lest you wind up in a pile of Number 2. Good luck son.

Response by PO3 Jay Rose made Jul 8 at 2020 1:49 AM

PO3 Jay Rose — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 01:49:59 -0400

Absolutely, however I would strongly suggest asking to be excused for sick-call (make up a reason if you don’t think they will work with you) and request to be seen by behavioral health once there. They may have to refer you or ask you to come back when a behavioral healthcare doctor is available, but it will get your foot in their door. This should also ruffle a lot less feathers this way! There are several other options available like speaking with the chaplain. From what it sounds like, you need to be honest with yourself about one thing BEFORE GOING IN, and that is if you want help and to continue in the Army, or if you are seeking a discharge instead. Believe me, it’ll be one of their first questions! If a discharge is what you’re looking for, it may be a difficult road ahead to ensure that your DD Form 214 doesn’t contain anything that could ‘backfire’ on you either in seeking disability benefits, or in the civilian world.

BTW, If you are IN CRISIS, do WHATEVER IS NECESSARY to GET HELP ASAP! You are also more than welcome to hit me up with any questions, or to just speak with someone outside of your command that could help, but more importantly listen!

Best regards,

Jay

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Jul 8 at 2020 2:08 AM

SPC Nancy Greene — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 02:08:50 -0400

Excellent place to ask such an important question SPC Joseph Garcia!
I would suggest ‘sick call’ or the Chaplain to start; unless, you need assistance ASSP...Crisis line number: [login to see] . then press 1
If you want to talk, message me

Nancy

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 8 at 2020 9:36 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 09:36:54 -0400

Hell yes you can. What I would recommend though, is that you give your Team Leader a heads up that you are going to BH. They can't ask why.....well, they can but you don't have to tell them.....Or you go to sick call and ask for an appointment with BH. This way, accountability is covered and the help you needed is sought out.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 8 at 2020 9:44 AM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 09:44:09 -0400

Do you have a WTU/WTB at your post? Go to the emergency room if you are in a crisis mode.

Response by LT Brad McInnis made Jul 8 at 2020 2:16 PM

LT Brad McInnis — Wed, 08 Jul 2020 14:16:43 -0400

Absolutely. My recommendation would be to let them know that you are going. I had 5 sailors in my time that went, and I walked each of them over. Each one of them continued to serve without issues. Get the help you need.