Army Mental Health Specialists (MOS 68X) work under the supervision of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, or psychiatric nurses. It is an entry-level position open to women, enlisted personnel, active duty personnel, and those in the Army Reserve.Army Mental Health Specialists assist with the care and treatment of inpatient and outpatient mental health problems and issues, peacetime or on-site, in the U.S. or around the world. Army mental health specialists collect and record psychosocial and physical data, and treat and counsel military patients with behavioral, personal, and mental health problems, including addiction and mental health problems.
In the military, there are a number of mental health specialist positions that vary in scope and responsibility. There are four qualification levels, including:
- Skill Level One: Collects and records physical and psychosocial data under careful supervision, assists in the treatment of drug and alcohol and psychiatric patients, and counsels clients and patients with mental, personal, and behavioral problems.
- Difficulty level two: collects and records physical and psychosocial data and assists in the treatment of drug and alcohol patients and psychiatric patients. Counsels clients and patients with mental, personal and behavioral problems.
- Skill level three: collects and then records psychosocial and physical data, assists in the direct treatment and care of psychiatric patients and drug and alcohol patients. Provides counseling for in/out psychiatric patients, counsels patients with personal, psychological, and behavioral problems to adjust and achieve a more satisfactory personal, social, and professional status, and helps manage patients' mental health activities.
- Skill level four: assists and supports professional staff in managing and monitoring inpatient and outpatient mental health activities. Assists staff in the care and supervision of patient treatment programs and personal matters. Administers and evaluates psychological tests. Takes over, supports and helps employees in tax, administrative and technical matters.
What kind of positions can an army mental health specialist hold?
Army mental health specialists actively treat and prevent mental health crises in enlisted personnel. Duties include conducting patient interviews and psychological testing, counseling, and making sure a patient's physical needs are met.
Army mental health specialists are trained to work in a variety of related areas, including:
- Advisor
- Social worker
- Caseworkers
- Psychiatric help or technicians
- Administrative Assistant
- Chaplin Wizard
- Counselors for substance abuse and behavioral disorders
You work on base or in the field; in the U.S. and around the world, in peacetime or during conflict.
Learn more about how to become an Army mental health specialist.
Typical employment conditions for an army mental health specialist
Army mental health specialists work in a variety of sectors, including:
- VA Hospitals
- Clinics
- Locally – in the USA or overseas
- Psychiatric hospitals
- Medical inpatient and outpatient treatment centers
- Mental health and family advocacy organizations
- Substance abuse programs
The Army Medical Service Corps also offers mental health professionals significant opportunities to expand into areas outside of traditional clinical roles, including teaching, research, and administration.
Include additional opportunities and areas of employment:
- Psychologist
- State certified psychiatric technician 4
- State-certified psychiatric technician 3
- Specialist in medical exercises
- Certification as a medical administrative assistant
Ways for an Army mental health specialist to increase appeal as a candidate
An Army mental health specialist can increase appeal as a candidate by gaining knowledge in psychology, math and communication and becoming passionate about patient care, counseling and mental health for military members and their families. You must be enthusiastic about a career in the armed forces and committed to military service.
Below is the educational pathway for an Army mental health specialist:
Army mental health specialists must graduate from high school and have a technical score of 101 or higher on the ASVAB (a multiple aptitude test that measures skills and helps predict future academic and career success in the military). According to GoArmy.com , ideal applicants will have knowledge and coursework in psychology, chemistry, general science, biology, and algebra. Coursework and skills include:
- Psychology
- CPR training
- Diagnosis of problems and issues
- Training in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV)
- Treatment medications
- Therapy and counseling
- Personality and mood disorders, including: phobias, depression, and schizophrenia
Professional training for a mental health specialist requires 10 weeks of basic combat training and 20 weeks of advanced individual training, including inpatient care. In basic training, a person learns soldier skills and 20 weeks of advanced individual training, which includes practice in inpatient care. The duration of training varies depending on the subject.
Some of the skills an aspiring mental health specialist will learn are:
- Emergency medical techniques, including CPR
- Patient care techniques
- Counseling techniques
In addition, the Consolidated Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) provides advanced training for mental health specialists for all branches of the military – the METC course combines supervised clinical practice and classroom work. Students learn about "psychopathological disorders, psychological testing, communication techniques, human development, counseling, interviewing, psychiatric behavioral interventions, and combat operational stress control (COSC).
Formal education (completion of MOS 91B and 91X course under the auspices of AHS) is mandatory.
While an enlisted member of the armed forces, a mental health specialist can expect:
- Up to 129.020 U.S. dollars to go to college while in service
- Up to 86.$536 to go to college after military service, with rent covered by the military for three years
- Up to 20.000 US dollar sign-up bonus
- Repayment of the student loan in the amount of up to 20.000 US dollars
- Free medical and dental care
- 30 vacation
- Free ride
- and more..
Certifications
Army Credentialing Opportunities OnLine (COOL) lists professional certifications for which 68X may qualify based on training, exams and experience, including:
- Mental health specialist
- Certified social worker
- Certification in couples or family therapy
- Alcohol and drug counselor
- Addiction Counselor
- Grief Counselor
Army COOL does not specify whether they provide assistance in paying exam fees, and the only certification that can be reimbursed under the GI Bill is National Certified Counselor.
Characteristics employers look for in an Army mental health specialist
To be successful as a mental health specialist in the Army, a person must have the following characteristics, including:
- Time critical problem analysis
- Accurate, informed and immediate decision-making skills
- Ability to operate under stress
- Ability to apply critical thinking skills
- Ability to make quick decisions and transfer those skills to battlefield conditions when needed
- Enjoy helping and caring for others
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Interested in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science and algebra
- A lot of attention to detail
Opportunities for an Army mental health specialist to increase his or her salary
Army Mental Health Specialists can increase their salary by gaining knowledge and furthering their education. Advancement in rank (from enlisted member to officer) can also increase opportunities for advancement and salary.
Other options
Army mental health specialists may be eligible for civilian employment after serving in the Army by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees an interview with military-friendly employers who may be looking for trained veterans to join their organization. for more information on the Army PaYS program, visit http://www.armypays.com.
Army Mental Health Specialist Continuing Education (CE) Sources
Directly related or skill-based certifications have the greatest potential for aspiring mental health specialists to leverage training and education acquired in the military, using the skills and knowledge you gained while earning a civilian ID card. Credentialing boards set the requirements for licensing and certification.
Typical requirements are the following:
- Training
- Training
- Work or professional experience
- Exams
Contacting the certifying agency confirms applicable licensing or certification requirements and provides application forms and exam preparation materials, as well as information on fees associated with applying for a credential. Individuals can also determine if the Army training or experience they received will be accepted by the credentialing agency or if additional steps are required.If the credentialing agency indicates that military experience and training will not be credentialed, an individual can determine whether he or she can complete an individualized assessment of military training and experience and what is required to complete and initiate the assessment.