Physician or counselor near Great Neck

J

Juniper 2014

Juniper 2014
5-Year Member
Joined
Jul 12, 2010
Messages
18
My mid has been having a hard time this last month with anxiety. He cannot figure out any reason for it, and now is wondering if it is some depression as well. He would like to talk to someone and would consider medication, if necessary. He does not want to go to Patten, as he is concerned it would be on his record and affect him somehow.

Does anyone know of a good counselor or physician near Great Neck who he could see? Or would Patten be the best place? Also, if he does end up on some medication, will it affect his ability to go to sea or anything in his future? Thanks.
 
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Sorry to hear of your mid's troubles. The Navy chaplain at USMMA is bound by confidentiality, unless someone is a danger to themselves or others. They are trained in pastoral counseling as military chaplains, and it's not a "religious thing." That's a place to start.
 
I agree, start with the chaplain. If he sees a professional counselor he will have to disclose that when he applies for a security clearance. If he is on prescription meds he will have to disclose that to the USCG on his medical evaluation for his license. Neither should keep someone from getting help if the really need it but it should be kept in mind when choosing where to start seeking assistance.
 
I echo this.

I had a very stressful semester while a junior at VMI (which, when I look back on it, probably wasn't so serious in the grand scheme). I'm an atheist (wasn't really sure what I was back then), but I nonetheless spoke to a Catholic priest who was incredibly helpful to me at that time (being that the school is not DOD, he wasn't a military chaplain, but helpful nonetheless..he never once mentioned a religious solution). Two lengthy conversations with him, and I was right out of the slump.

It's a good place to start.
 
Thank you

Thanks for the responses. I forwarded them to my mid. They have a new chaplain on campus. He said he doesn't believe this chaplain can relate to him because he doesn’t seem to understand a lot of what is going on there and the language barrier makes it difficult to communicate.

He is considering an appointment off campus with a counselor. Is there anything wrong with doing that other than it may affect the security clearance down the road as mentioned? Is there something that requires mids to notify Patten if they seek medical care outside of Patten?

Thanks again - very much.
 
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There maybe another chaplain in the area he is comfortable than the one on campus. If he knows a mentor back at home possibly he could email them.

Check your box. Sent you a PM!
 
Juniper 2014 said:
My mid has been having a hard time this last month with anxiety. He cannot figure out any reason for it, and now is wondering if it is some depression as well. He would like to talk to someone and would consider medication, if necessary. He does not want to go to Patten, as he is concerned it would be on his record and affect him somehow.

Does anyone know of a good counselor or physician near Great Neck who he could see? Or would Patten be the best place? Also, if he does end up on some medication, will it affect his ability to go to sea or anything in his future? Thanks.
Click to expand...

Be extremely cautious about medications, they are potentially disqualifying for a Coast Guard merchant mariner license. Among the top reasons mariners are denied for medical unfitness is regular use of benzodiazepine medications.
 
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Thank you JDCavo and Mr. Rodgers

I sincerely appreciate your insights and will pass them along to my mid.
 
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