If I seek counseling, will it kill my chances to work in Law Enforcement?

[bankythehack]

Hey everyone. I'm in college seeking a CJ degree, looking to work in LE after graduation.

My question is, I've had a rough couple of years and I feel a bit depressed, and I've been experiencing some social issues. Nothing really serious or anything, I just thought it would be helpful to take advantage of the free counseling services provided through my university.

If I did so, would I effectively be killing my chances to get hired? In other words would this DQ me or hurt my chances of getting hired?

[GoDirectly2Jail]

This is not to discourage you from seeking the help you think you need, but my answer is, "It might."

The reality is that police work is very stressful and depressing. More than a few who get into it can't cope and end up eating their guns. To come into the profession already displaying symptoms of depression may be too much of a risk for some agencies.

[madchiken]

To add on the previous post:

If you think you need help, don't pass up the opportunity to get treatment just because you're worried about the hiring process. I'd rather see someone have trouble getting hired than to have another LEO take their own life!

[GigAg04]

You are expected to be human. LEOs go through counseling all the time. We as a profession have a higher divorce and suicide rate than our non-sworn contemporaries. If you choose to speak with the counselor (which I encourage) just be sure to be open about it in your hiring processes.

As long as the psych eval person sees you fit to carry out duty then you'll be fine. Wanting to talk about being stressed is a normal healthy response. I think it is a mature move. Good luck.

[bankythehack]

OK, I feel a bit better about going to counseling. After all, it's not like I have a serious mental illness or anything. I'm just down on my luck and need some help picking myself back up. I've already made great strides on my own from where I was before and I feel optimistic for the future.

[Joeyd6]

Are you talking peer counseling or a professional doing the counseling?

[bankythehack]

Are you talking peer counseling or a professional doing the counseling?

These are real counselors, either people with masters in counseling or doctorate level psychologists

[Joeyd6]

You are expected to be human. LEOs go through counseling all the time. We as a profession have a higher divorce and suicide rate than our non-sworn contemporaries. If you choose to speak with the counselor (which I encourage) just be sure to be open about it in your hiring processes.

As long as the psych eval person sees you fit to carry out duty then you'll be fine. Wanting to talk about being stressed is a normal healthy response. I think it is a mature move. Good luck.

GigAg04,

You are claiming to be a LEO and do not have a verified tag, a violation of the TOS. Please get verifed or refrain from making such claims.

Thanks!

[Joeyd6]

Ah....that woudl be reportable when you apply and ask if you have ever got counseling. If you need help, get it!

[Sgt. Slaughter]

You are expected to be human. LEOs go through counseling all the time. We as a profession have a higher divorce and suicide rate than our non-sworn contemporaries. If you choose to speak with the counselor (which I encourage) just be sure to be open about it in your hiring processes.

You make it sound like this job is full of people who can't handle it. I haven't seen any statistics that show LE has a higher suicide rate. If you have data from a reputable source, I'd like to see it. LEO's DON'T go through counseling "all the time". Some do here and there, but you're making a blanket statement like it's a big part of this culture and it's just not true.

GigAg04,

You are claiming to be a LEO and do not have a verified tag, a violation of the TOS. Please get verifed or refrain from making such claims.

Thanks!

49 posts in 4 years. May be a while before he pops his head back up.

[Adrenolize]

I would say a lot has to do with the topic.

If it is... WTF is wrong with her? She goes crazy once a month and I'm supposed to know when this is and forgive her of everything for an ENTIRE week, when she can read off all my transgressions for the past 10 years like she has prepared for my parole hearing!!! (If this is the case, we probably all need some therapy).

VS.

Those voices in my head are telling me some crazy ****....except for that one that speaks only Portuguese - I'm not too sure what he wants. (this may cause some red flags.)

[bankythehack]

I would say a lot has to do with the topic.

If it is... WTF is wrong with her? She goes crazy once a month and I'm supposed to know when this is and forgive her of everything for an ENTIRE week, when she can read off all my transgressions for the past 10 years like she has prepared for my parole hearing!!! (If this is the case, we probably all need some therapy).

VS.

Those voices in my head are telling me some crazy ****....except for that one that speaks only Portuguese - I'm not too sure what he wants. (this may cause some red flags.)

It's neither actually. It's more like just general frustration with life. Difficulty making friends at college, meeting girls, etc.

[greg72982]

It's neither actually. It's more like just general frustration with life. Difficulty making friends at college, meeting girls, etc.

Want some advice from the RP ladies' man?

[Sgt. Slaughter]

Want some advice from the RP ladies' man?

On how to fail - miserably?

[greg72982]

On how to fail - miserably?

Don't be so sure of that ;)