I agree with this, Atheists need Chaplains also.

It would be nice to have such people to talk to with 100% confidentiality, something that your Mental Health professionals at the on-base clinic do NOT provide.

Go talk to a shrink

I was a Chaplain's Assistant, and I absolutely agree. It's great that the military has psychiatric social workers, but they aren't imbedded in the battalions the way chaplains are. There are many chaplains who were respectful of others' faith (including humanistic and atheistic beliefs), but the judgment is often there. I would consider myself a secular humanist at this point. I'm not an atheist, per se, but would not feel comfortable seeking counsel from a religious person. I remember my mother was hospitalized while I was deployed and I was told I "need to trust in Jesus." I wasn't trying to go home at all, I just needed a little support, which apparently could not be provided through a Christian lense.

I agree, Atheist all need a Phycologist. ;-) And just for the record, everything you tell a chaplain is not 100% confidential.

People view oing to mental health as a sign of weakness. From what I've heard it also takes a long time to get an appointment. If someone is having a crisis now they don't want to be preached at, but they need to get help immediately. Sometimes waiting a week or more is too long and we may have lost that person or had them take a different route that leads them to poor decisions that effect their career in a negative way.

I have been very fortunate to have what you have wished for, very few have ever tried to PUSH onto me when I merely wished to talk. I hope you find one sooner than later to change your opinion.

It's a relief to know they are out there.

That's where Chaplains are wrong. They are there to listen and encourage. Love on the troops just as they are.

Bingo. No one else on the base can grant you 100% confidentiality.

Lt Col (Join to see) Too many people don't appreciate this. I was never suicidal, but experienced a lot of death in my personal life and then downrange. It was so nice just to be able to talk to somebody who has experienced a lot of the same and have it all be between the 2 of us. I still consider the chaplain a very close friend and never hesitate just to pop in and say hi occasionally. The chaplain corps is an amazing asset to the armed services.