Is there any MOS or branch as an officer that's equivalent to Mental Health Counseling?

SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 19:58:35 -0400

Hello, I'm a new graduate student in their MS3 year in ROTC that's getting a masters in Clinical Mental Health. I also plan on getting licensed as a professional counselor. My question relates to branching into something that's relevant to my degree. The only thing I can think that relates is Med Services which I understand is an overview of medical services like patient administration etc. Although I wouldn't mind branching into Med Services overall would I be able to do something relevant to counseling as a Med Services officer? The only thing I'm seeing is regarding Clinical Psychology which would mean additional years of school to gain a doctorate. Can anyone give me any information on this.? ***Also, I do understand that it up to the OML and I should be more open minded to be put into any branch, but I'm just thinking ahead regarding Med Services and would like to know my options regarding this specific branch.

Thanks.

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Aug 26 at 2020 8:03 PM

LTC Eugene Chu — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:03:20 -0400

Medical officers have different specialties, but ROTC usually get regular branches (including medical service/ administration) or nursing. If you specifically want to be a military mental health counselor, talk to MEDDAC recruiter about direct commission. You may not be able to get out of current ROTC obligation though

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2020 8:10 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:10:01 -0400

Social Workers, Psych NPs or Psychiatrists. Each has its quirks.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2020 8:15 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 20:15:07 -0400

The military absolutely has clinical social workers. I've seen and worked with several. It's also generally a short AOC, Officer, in the Army. I would speak with your PMS if that's what you want to go into. They should be able to help you with that.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 26 at 2020 9:39 PM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 26 Aug 2020 21:39:20 -0400

73A: Social Work Performs social work functions including providing direct services, teaching and training, supervision, research administration, consultation, and policy development in various military settings. These functions are provided in order to enhance the social well-being of military members, their eligible family members, and DA civilians.

73B: Clinical Psychology Applies psychological principles, and techniques through direct patient services, consultation, education, and research in problems of human effectiveness, adjustment, and emotional disturbance in medical and other settings. Concerned with investigations, evaluations, and amelioration of mental and behavior disorders; prevention of mental illness; promotion of effective mental health.

71F: Research Psychology Conceives and conducts research to determine the effects of physiological and social variables on the health and performance of military personnel.

Response by COL Jon Thompson made Aug 27 at 2020 6:32 PM

COL Jon Thompson — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 18:32:26 -0400

As a general rule, you cannot branch into one of the specialty branches from ROTC. There are behavioral health officer positions but require professional certification and/or licensing. Medical Service Corps would be your best bet.