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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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.

10. Questions?

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