Being a Soldier isn’t just about physical strength. Mental toughness is also a vital component and being able to handle the stresses of the military is crucial. Mental Health Specialists play an important role in ensuring every individual is taken care of through the care and treatment of psychiatric, drug, and alcoholic concerns.
The Mental Health Specialist assists the Guard's health care team with the management and treatment of inpatient and outpatient mental health care. Under the supervision of an Army psychiatrist, social worker, psychiatric nurse, or psychologist, you will collect and record patient data; counsel and treat patients with personal, behavioral, mental health, or substance abuse problems; and provide bedside care in hospitals.
Some of the Skills You’ll Learn
• Patient care techniques
• Emergency medical techniques
Helpful Skills
• Enjoy helping and caring for others
• Ability to communicate effectively and work under stressful conditions
• Interest in chemistry, biology, psychology, general science, and algebra
• Strong attention to detail
Through your training, you will develop the skills and experience to enjoy a civilian career with hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. With a Mental Health Specialist background, you may consider a career as a psychiatrist's assistant, a medical assistant, or a physician's aide.
Earn While You Learn
Instead of paying to learn these skills, get paid to train. In the Army National Guard, you will learn these valuable job skills while earning a regular paycheck and qualifying for tuition assistance.
Job training for Mental Health Specialists consists of 10 weeks of Basic Training, where you'll learn basic Soldiering skills, and 20 weeks of Advanced Individual Training. Training consists of both classroom and field work.
Benefits
Requires military enlistment. Programs and benefits are subject to change. Ask your Army National Guard recruiter for the most up-to-date information. Actual MOS assignment may depend on MOS availability.
The National Guard is a unique element of the U.S. military that serves both community and country. The Guard responds to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counterdrug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. Any state governor or the President of the United States can call on the Guard in a moment’s notice. Guard Soldiers hold civilian jobs or attend college while maintaining their military training part time. Guard Soldiers’ primary area of operation is their home state.
The Guard dates back to 1636, when Citizen-Soldiers formed militias to defend community and country. And for 377 years, the Guard has stayed true to its roots. Enlisting in the National Guard means more time at home. Training typically requires one weekend each month, with a two-week training period once each year. Get a degree with money for school, learn job skills that translate to the civilian world, make bonds that last a lifetime and earn pride for life. When you become a Guard Soldier, your family will thank you, your country will thank you and your future will owe you. Contact a recruiter to find more specifics about your opportunities in the Army National Guard.
