Seeing the "shrink"

[hla825]

Hello,

I wanted to ask how mental health services are handled in your department. Not the psych evaluations every person gets when they apply, I mean counseling and such.

Since that’s kinda general, let me add a few sub-questions.

1. Do you have to see a psychologist within the department or who is specifically approved? Or is it just handled through your health insurance and you can see anybody privately?
2. Are there certain rules with privacy that are different from a civilian?
3. Is counseling compulsory after certain events?
4. Is there a stigma about seeking treatment voluntarily?

Thanks,

[retdetsgt]

1. Only if the dept requires you to go. You can go to anyone anytime you want. But the dept has people experienced in PTSD and other problems cops usually have.

2. No. But others rarely find out unless you tell them.

3. Yes, after a deadly force incident. You are required to have four sessions before returning to work.

4. No

[Kimble]

Same for my agency, with the addition to #3 that we have to have a psych debrief after returning from a deployment in a war zone (Iraq, Afgan, Africa, etc.) since our agency does work in those areas. Services are available, and no real stigma is held against those who use them when needed.

[hla825]

Glad to hear it.

Just one thing, I didn't word the privacy question so great: what I was asking was if you get less privacy if you are an active officer. Normally a counselor has to inform certain people if you express the desire to harm a specific person (I think that's how it works). But barring that, if you are, say, compelled to go after a deadly force incident, will the counselor say anything to your superiors afterwards? I mean other than you completed the sessions and are fit for duty?

[retdetsgt]

If the psychologist determines you shouldn't be working as a cop, yeah they tell the dept., as they should. But they don't give specific details.