Is the chaplain considered a Psychologist for us or is there someone and somewhere specific for us in the army?

2020-01-30T12:20:52-05:00

Currently stationed at Fort Stewart

Response by SFC Marc W. made Jan 30 at 2020 12:29 PM

2020-01-30T12:29:44-05:00

Are you trying to see a pyschologist or are you worried about a psyc documenting everything?

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2020 12:48 PM

2020-01-30T12:48:05-05:00

You need to make an appointment at Behavioral Health

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 30 at 2020 1:09 PM

2020-01-30T13:09:15-05:00

You can always start with the Chaplain and see where that takes you. But to answer your specific question, a Chaplin on there own is not considered a psychologist.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jan 30 at 2020 1:22 PM

2020-01-30T13:22:30-05:00

The chaplain can be helpful, but if you have a behavioral health issue, you can walk into the behavioral health clinic. No referral, no appointment

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Jan 30 at 2020 1:33 PM

2020-01-30T13:33:19-05:00

Chaplains are not Psychologists --not now not ever. That is good and bad. NOTHING you say to a Chaplin can ever be used against you in any way. What you discuss with them is completely confidential. On the other hand they can only recommend things, never diagnose or prescribe. A military psychologist or counselor is a medical person, and going to see them will result in a medical record. Under certain conditions, they can be required to disclose information to commanders, investigators, etc. In other conditions they are absolutely required to. In most conditions, they will not as your medical information is personal and confidential. Also, military psychiatrists have the power to prescribe medication, and they can (and do!) commit you to inpatient mental health treatment if they consider you a danger to yourself or others.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 30 at 2020 1:36 PM

2020-01-30T13:36:32-05:00

A psychologist is a person with a Doctorate in Psychology. Most chaplains are certified or licensed for counseling, so you can see them if you are comfortable with that. If you feel you need treatment, drugs, or long term counseling then you should seek out the unit embedded behavioral health team at your BDE. The EBH team is who you would want to talk to for things like long term or chronic depression or addiction. Your chaplain is more oriented towards acute issues like sudden family issues, marital problems, or work stress.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 30 at 2020 5:04 PM

2020-01-30T17:04:03-05:00

One of the most important responsibilities of a chaplain is to be the eyes and ears of the commander. He/she is often a belly button to help service members.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Jan 30 at 2020 9:45 PM

2020-01-30T21:45:23-05:00

Chaplains are certified by their religious sect to the DoD. Individuals may have a variety of education or degrees depending on the requirements of their religion. Many protestant chaplains have a Masters of Divinity from a seminary. Some may have a Bachelors Degree in psychology or other subject. Our church's recently retired pastor had an MBA and MDiv.

Mental health professionals should be available to active duty personnel through the military medical system. You may need to access them through "sick call" the first time or the mental health clinic, possibly called "behavioral medicine" these days, should be able to handle walk-ins. On the other hand, the Chaplain should have relationships with mental health professionals so he or she could smooth the way for the service member to access them.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Jan 30 at 2020 9:49 PM

2020-01-30T21:49:08-05:00

No they are not.
You can go to medical and let them know exactly how you are feeling.

Response by LTC Ed McAvoy made Jan 31 at 2020 1:56 AM

2020-01-31T01:56:38-05:00

Some Chaplains are Counselors. Ask about their training and ask your medical clinic for referrals in the military and local community. I wish well in finding the best treatment.

Response by CH (MAJ) Scott Fluegel made Feb 12 at 2020 5:27 AM

2020-02-12T05:27:05-05:00

I am a retired Chaplain Major. The unit Chaplain is not a Psychologist. There are several Chaplains that are certified/licensed counselors, and these are the Family Life Chaplains. Chaplains provide and perform religious services, and they provide faith based counseling. We provide counseling for family issues, marital issues, individual, and work related issues. We often will work with Medical Platoon, and the embedded Behavioral Health Team. As a Family Life Chaplain I provided the same level of professional counseling as the Behavioral Health Clinic.