Master’s Learner MHC in HS
I have a question about how to deal with current service members that return and they & their family need help. The question is how to help them when they are gay or lesbian and are terrified to ask for help due to the “don’t ask don’t tell” policy because they may be dishonorably discharged for discussing their “family issues” with a partner and or children?
How do I handle such a situation? Is there a way that is safe for them without endangering their careers?
I believe that they may not recieve the help they need because of this issue.
Please help
December 4th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
That’s a great question and an issue of concern.
I was on a GLBT Task Force for APA. Our job was to assess the availability of mental health services to GLBT military members.
Our work found that the active duty practitioners thought it was not a problem and basically ignored the “don’t tell, don’t ask” issue. The also believed that the issue was being managed at the local level without negative effects on military members.
However, that was not the view held by GLBT vets and military members. They had the fear that there would be some form or retribution towards they.
What a dilemma. The GLBT vets are fearful; the providers say, no sweat. Its a bad mix. The vets already have transition and adjustment problems and on tp of it, they fear the “system”.
As we gave found, vets of all persuasions do not go back for counseling or assistance, however, those who do are quite satisfied with what they find.
There are increasing number of non-uniformed mental health practitioners and counselors willing to provide help. That would certainly be a place where I would go if I was i that situation.
There have also been GLBT groups who know where to get help and how to support each other. I might take a look on line to see if any of those would be helpful.
Here is a site that might help: http://aver.us/aver/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48&Itemid=80
Another:
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/1151/enter.html
Vets always seek out veterans first. Maybe all the other things and worries don’t count. We need to look after each other - after all, we have been through a lot.
February 10th, 2009 at 2:22 pm
Interesting question.
In the division of the American Psychological Association that I currently lead, we have expressed considerable concern for the plight of the G, L, and T military members who have all the current burdens of the military — as well as potential fear due to the “Don’t Tell, Don’t Ask” policy
We have conducted interactions and surveys with active duty psychologists who report understanding and compassion as well as local authority to over ride the reporting requirement.
The word out there in the field seems to be that it is really not an issue.
But look at it from the point of view of the G, L, B service member. There has to be fear.
If there is concerns that the local military mental health services might report, there are large groups of practitioners willing to provide service, either free or at a reduced cost.
I can put you in touch with some of these.
Will
will.wilson@capella.edu
December 15th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
Great question! Military One Source is a great resource that is often not accessed enough. Any military member can call a confidential 800 number in order to access their number and are asked some basic information in order to verify if they are eligible for services. Services are available to all active duty or reservists. The soldier or family member will be authorized 6 sessions and referred to a civilian mental health professional in their community in order to address any personal issue. This service is based on the EAP model of Corporate America.