Why the US military can’t recruit more mental health professionals

Because we drive them crazy? Seriously, it’s always about the almighty dollar.

They do a terrible job of recruiting, it takes too long to onboard. Additional duties on top of heavy workloads just make it really unpleasant. Counselors are rarely recruited, preference is given to social workers and so there are simply not enough first line people to see troops who need help. The up or out system rewards the wrong things in medicine; too much emphasis on non medical duties.

Well- I know they do not utilize them in the Guard and we have interest. ANG does not feel they are necessary.... not sure about full time force, but after thought and a CYA field to show they care in my opinion after several years in the med side.