Technology has developed virtual counseling for behavioral health. Would you use it?

Maj Kim Patterson — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:59:01 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 4:06 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:06:59 -0400

I would. And I would certainly let my Soldiers know about this as well. Speaking of, where can I locate this virtual counseling?

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 30 at 2015 4:09 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:09:54 -0400

I am not so sure this would work Maj Kim Patterson. Hard to replace the human contact and interaction, especially with those that walked the same ground with you.

I cannot stand surveys and that's exactly what this sounds like, a survey that will point you to a collection of videos....I am not sold on it and would hate that a computer algorithm cannot recognize the body language of one of our Active or Veterans that is reaching out for help and passes them by as ok.....it takes a live person to do that with a high degree of accuracy.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Jun 30 at 2015 4:39 PM

SFC Mark Merino — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 16:39:33 -0400

It has been in use for years. When I was working in Alaska, we had the virtual counseling setup with counselors in Hawaii. It worked well for us but it is not for everyone. Some people want the counselor in the room with them and that is their right. We can't force the technology on anyone but some preferred it.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 30 at 2015 6:17 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 18:17:37 -0400

I have doe something like this for a assessment. While mobilizing soldiers there were on previous deployments had to see a behavioral health doc. So I was able to do a video conference with one. I didn't care that he was there in person as long as he could do what he needed.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 30 at 2015 7:31 PM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:31:18 -0400

As others have already stated, computer algorithms and programs simply cannot read body language and voice tone.

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made Jun 30 at 2015 7:36 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 19:36:08 -0400

In some cases, where you just need a prescription refill, it would be great. If someone is having issues, the therapist needs to read body language.