If I have a masters in psychology/behavioral health, how do I request an assignment to become a Behavioral Health Officer (BHO)?

2020-12-13T22:53:27-05:00

Any help appreciated

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 13 at 2020 11:13 PM

2020-12-13T23:13:46-05:00

I believe you require a Doctorate if you want to become an officer in Mental Health.

https://www.airforce.com/careers/detail/psychiatrist

U.S. Air Force - Career Detail - Psychiatrist

Welcome to the United States Air Force. Learn about great opportunities for enlisted airmen, officers and health care professionals.

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Dec 13 at 2020 11:34 PM

2020-12-13T23:34:16-05:00

I would contact an AMEDD recruiter (not a regular hometown recruiter) and ask about direct commissioning.

You can’t just be assigned. You need to be appointed

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Dec 14 at 2020 12:35 AM

2020-12-14T00:35:37-05:00

Looks like you are in the right path, academically speaking.

Anyway, what you are really asking for is not for an assignment but (my guess) a commission as a Clinical Psychologist. If that’s the case, that path is thru the Army Medical Department Recruiting.

https://m.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/career-match/science-medicine/physical-mental-health/73e-clinical-psychologist.html

Clinical Psychologist

As a Clinical Psychologist in the U.S. Army, you’ll have the opportunity to work with a rewarding patient base—Soldiers and their Families—in a variety of settings and conduct vital, life-saving research alongside committed and focused colleagues.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 14 at 2020 11:45 AM

2020-12-14T11:45:01-05:00

You will need to be licensed in your state to be a behavioral health officer. The only fields the Army commissions for mental health are Psychology and Social worker. You aren't a Psychologist with a Masters and unless you are licensed as a Social Worker, you are not eligible to be a BHO.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Dec 14 at 2020 4:42 PM

2020-12-14T16:42:17-05:00

You find a Medical recruiter and enlist, etc. for it.

Response by CPT Anthony Motsinger made Dec 26 at 2020 9:08 AM

2020-12-26T09:08:06-05:00

As a Veteran BHO, I commissioned as a licensed clinical social worker (MSW+2 years practice and passing the ASWB clinical exam). For a master’s level BHO, you must be licensed at the highest level in social work in any US state to meet initial entry requirements; only a master’s degree in social work meets the requirements. For a doctoral level BHO, one must earn an APA-approved PhD or PsyD in clinical or counseling psychology and earn independent licensure.