Counseling Resources at West Point

[jaydee]

What kind of resources are there at West Point for mental and social health? This past year I attended a public university that provided free counseling on a range of issues from relationships to mental problems. I visited a counselor just to have someone to talk to that wasn't simply another 18 year old and found it very beneficial. It kept me from feeling completely overwhelmed with school, social life, and family issues. Does USMA offer resources such as this, counselors and/or psychologists?

It is also in the back of my mind that going out of your way to see someone like this can look bad in the eyes of your peers and cadre, but can also put up red flags in your own file if there are certain issues present. I understand that the Army would not want an individual with serious mental issues to be leading other men and women, but I am also afraid that USMA may want to cut a cadet off if there will be issues in the foreseeable future. Maybe there are some current cadets or recent grads that can shed some light on these topics.

 

[lightfoot]

USMA has plenty of counseling resources available to cadets. The main resource, besides chaplains, is CPD (Center for Personal Development). I'm pretty sure all the officers that work in CPD are licensed psychologists, so there is no need to worry that the treatment/counseling you receive is sub-par.

Also, unless they are concerned that you are going to hurt yourself or other people, you do not need to worry about the effect going to see them will have on your record. Even if you are brought up for separation (due to academics, military, etc.), they won't say anything about what you've told them, because they feel it is not their place to bring anything personal you've told them into that kind of environment. They are there to help you.

However, if they think you're going to be a threat to yourself or other people, they will take the necessary action to make sure nothing bad happens.

 

[TheKnight]

To add to lightfoot's post, during CBT there is a set group of cadre members whose sole purpose is to provide counseling services for new cadets. These cadre members are themselves cadets and work alongside CPD to provide a preliminary line of watch for those who might be experiencing any sort of issues that require counseling as well as a peer-like resource for new cadets to vent to/be counseled by.