Therapy

armycadet95

5-Year Member
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Feb 17, 2014
Messages
6
Hey, there! I've received a principal nomination to USMA and I'm wondering if seeing a therapist for the next few months could prevent me from getting appointed. I went through a lot of family stuff (including my parents' divorce) last year and I want talk about it with a professional. Does anyone know how this could affect my appointment?


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For me, yours is a tough question to answer. I would very much like you to obtain the counseling, but also read here about the pitfalls of having a 'new medical condition.' I recall another thread from months ago where a college student was feeling the need for counseling due to stress and was, similarly, trying to find the line between having a talk with a professional and a reportable medical condition.
A couple of threads down from this one is a post from the DODMERB Dep Director who suggests a look at the DODMERB site and specifically an area to ask personal questions. It seems like that is a very good place to start looking.
Be well, good luck, and if you are inclined, please update here about what you find and decide to do
 
Hey, there! I've received a principal nomination to USMA and I'm wondering if seeing a therapist for the next few months could prevent me from getting appointed. I went through a lot of family stuff (including my parents' divorce) last year and I want talk about it with a professional. Does anyone know how this could affect my appointment?


Sent using the Service Academy Forums® mobile app

I recommend seeking "counseling" from a licensed clergy member (MDiv or Dr of Divinity). They have rudimentary training in therapy and isn't accessible via medical records.

Let me be clear to ALL...

If your issues included thoughts of suicide, homicide, or chronic major depression, I would recommend you seek the help of a licensed medical provider of any level.

Best of luck!
-Dr. G.
 
Under HIPAA aren't psychotherapy notes maintained separately from the rest of the EMR and afforded more protection? I understand that if medication is prescribed that would be a different issue. But psychologists do not prescribe medication, correct?

I recommend seeking "counseling" from a licensed clergy member (MDiv or Dr of Divinity). They have rudimentary training in therapy and isn't accessible via medical records.

Let me be clear to ALL...

If your issues included thoughts of suicide, homicide, or chronic major depression, I would recommend you seek the help of a licensed medical provider of any level.

Best of luck!
-Dr. G.
 
Under HIPAA aren't psychotherapy notes maintained separately from the rest of the EMR and afforded more protection? I understand that if medication is prescribed that would be a different issue. But psychologists do not prescribe medication, correct?

Regardless of whether you're correct or not, and I actually have no idea, I think the point is that "I met with a clergyman to help me deal with X" is a far different statement than "I met with a therapist to help me deal with X". It raises different flags, or doesn't raise flags at all. Nevertheless if one feels they need a professional therapist they should meet with one. Meeting with a clergyman first who can guide you to that conclusion, if needed, might be wise.
 
I don't disagree with your point at all. I was just asking for clarification about documentation in the EMR by mental health professionals.

Regardless of whether you're correct or not, and I actually have no idea, I think the point is that "I met with a clergyman to help me deal with X" is a far different statement than "I met with a therapist to help me deal with X". It raises different flags, or doesn't raise flags at all. Nevertheless if one feels they need a professional therapist they should meet with one. Meeting with a clergyman first who can guide you to that conclusion, if needed, might be wise.
 
I don't disagree with your point at all. I was just asking for clarification about documentation in the EMR by mental health professionals.

Let's use AHLTA as an example. If someone goes to behavioral health and a note is generated, anyone with BASIC access can see the date and location of the visit, but no diagnosis. If a credentialed provider wants to access the full note (including NPs and excluding RNs), they have to "break the glass" on the note.

In the civilian world, the PT must sign a consent form for 3rd parties to view his notes. Clergy are protected by privileged communication and don't write clinical notes. I wouldn't seek clergy for complex issues, but many "school trained" clergy can perform supportive therapy (fancy term for a venting session).
 
Thanks for the clarification.

It is unfortunate that there is a stigma attached for seeking mental health services.

Let's use AHLTA as an example. If someone goes to behavioral health and a note is generated, anyone with BASIC access can see the date and location of the visit, but no diagnosis. If a credentialed provider wants to access the full note (including NPs and excluding RNs), they have to "break the glass" on the note.

In the civilian world, the PT must sign a consent form for 3rd parties to view his notes. Clergy are protected by privileged communication and don't write clinical notes. I wouldn't seek clergy for complex issues, but many "school trained" clergy can perform supportive therapy (fancy term for a venting session).
 
I might suggest if you are looking for Psychological Therapy (vs. Psychiatric) you MAY not have to disclose it. The Present Health Questionnaire on the DoDMERB website asks if you have received any Medical, Psychiatric or Dental care since your last DoDMERB exam.

Psychiatrists make a clear distinction between their work and what Psychologists do. If you need to speak with a Psychologist you are getting Psychological Care NOT Psychiatric. I am sure the word Psychiatric was chosen very specifically -- if they wanted to be more general, they easily would have used Psychological.

Also, on the "Report of Medical History", it seems to ask two pertinent questions.

Have you ever had OR now have. . .

22. Depression, Anxiety, excessive worry or nervousness
23. Any mental condition or illness

People seek counseling for all types of issues in their lives and neither they NOR their therapist would determine the individual suffered from any of those conditions.

If you feel you need to speak with a counselor, you should.
 
I might suggest if you are looking for Psychological Therapy (vs. Psychiatric) you MAY not have to disclose it. The Present Health Questionnaire on the DoDMERB website asks if you have received any Medical, Psychiatric or Dental care since your last DoDMERB exam.

Psychiatrists make a clear distinction between their work and what Psychologists do. If you need to speak with a Psychologist you are getting Psychological Care NOT Psychiatric. I am sure the word Psychiatric was chosen very specifically -- if they wanted to be more general, they easily would have used Psychological.

Also, on the "Report of Medical History", it seems to ask two pertinent questions.

Have you ever had OR now have. . .

22. Depression, Anxiety, excessive worry or nervousness
23. Any mental condition or illness

People seek counseling for all types of issues in their lives and neither they NOR their therapist would determine the individual suffered from any of those conditions.

If you feel you need to speak with a counselor, you should.

Thanks for digging for that info. I think your conclusions are good ones.
 
I might suggest if you are looking for Psychological Therapy (vs. Psychiatric) you MAY not have to disclose it. The Present Health Questionnaire on the DoDMERB website asks if you have received any Medical, Psychiatric or Dental care since your last DoDMERB exam.

Let me clarify:

-Psychological Therapy: Medical intervention via "talk therapy"
-Psychiatric: Medical intervention via psychopharm (psych meds)

Psychiatrist prescribe...
 
Let me clarify:

-Psychological Therapy: Medical intervention via "talk therapy"
-Psychiatric: Medical intervention via psychopharm (psych meds)

Psychiatrist prescribe...

So in theory, I could go to a therapist to simply talk through issues and I wouldn’t have to report it to the academy unless they prescribed me meds?
 
You have to answer all medical history questions honestly and comprehensively. If you are already in a final status and there’s a change in your medical status, you are required to report it. If you’re looking for rationalization on a public forum, well....
 
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