The Art of Referral and Collaboration in the Military REL E 600 Pastoral Counseling and Chaplain Care Ministry

The Art of Referral and Collaboration in the Military “Collaboration Increases the Role of the Chaplain, the Healthcare Professional and Others in the Military.”

The Art of Referral and Collaboration in the Military Overview Collaborative Relationship between Chaplains and Mental Health Professionals Establishing a Collegial Relationship Institutional Cross Over Military Resources for Assistance, Referral and Psycho Education

Collaborative Relationship between Chaplains and Mental Health Professionals Make an appointment to talk to mental health professional—Attend one of their weekly staff meetings Ask about training available concerning suicide awareness, etc. Ask how can you help in a joint effort to educate (prevention). Become part of the base newcomers briefings

Collaborative Relationship between Chaplains Mental Health Professionals and Others Establish a collegial relationship Psychiatrist Clinical Psychologists (Counseling Psy) Social Worker (usually work for family advocacy) Other mental health professionals in other relief organizations

Collaborative Relationship between Chaplains Mental Health Professionals and Others It takes about 6 month for installation to realize that you are part of the team. Become involved in briefing—Reintegration training, deployment cycle and other trainings. Visit different agencies on the installation to find out programs offered, etc.

Military Assistance Agencies Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society Air Force Aid Society Army Community Services Army Emergency Relief Coast Guard Mutual Assistance School Liaison Officer Exceptional Family Member Program

Institutional Cross-Over Garrison/Installation/ Base Commander Medical Command American Red Cross Military Relief Organizations School Liaison Exceptional Family Member Program Security Forces Case Review Committee/ Abuse Drug and Alcohol   Exceptional Family Members Mental Health Services Hospital and Medical Clinics Chaplain Assigned to a Command or Unit Though it is not written in instructions, policy or regulations, chaplains have a historical precedent for helping and assisting soldiers and family members in need, especially when they are involved with other military relief agencies. It is understood by these agencies or organizations that when the chaplain asks questions they are asking them in the best interest of the unit and the service or family members involved, and though normally not members of these organizations they are listened to. Some of these agencies involved in this cross over are the medical health service corps which includes medical professionals, mental health providers, and drug/alcohol specialists. Other installation programs included in this cross-over are: armed forces  relief agencies like military relief organizations, family advocacy, legal, housing, schools, military police and child day care services. Due to the title “chaplain”, it is inherent in their role as a care giver, and they are one of the few staff officers that can perform this function. It should be noted that the author is not aware of any research that has been done on the dynamics of institutional cross-over by military chaplains. This is an area where chaplains function as advocates for soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coastguardsmen in a system that can be unwieldy, at times. In this role, chaplains strive to work with the various agencies in taking care of the men, women and families of the armed forces. By doing this, they are supporting the readiness mission of the command.   Legal Housing Child Develop. Family Advocacy

Observations Get to know movers and shakers in the community. Make sure you convey their importance to the community. Collaborate with mental health and others. Keep in touch, just don’t visit once to do information survey. Be sensitive to their programs and schedules. Present a respectful tone concerning collegues. Training should be bi-directional.

Questions?

Source Budd, Frank C. “An Air Force Model of Psychologist—Chaplain Collaboration.” Professional Psychology: Research and Practice 30, no. (1999):552-556. Personal Experience, Chaplain (COL) Vance P. Theodore, USA (ret.)