Military creates mental health hotline - A new automated phone-in assessment program

[Kadie]

Military creates mental health hotline
By KIMBERLY HEFLING, Associated Press Writer
7 minutes ago


WASHINGTON - U.S. troops who have been reluctant to seek help for mental health problems may soon be able to find it with a phone call.

A new automated phone-in assessment program is the latest effort by the military to reach out to soldiers and family members who might not otherwise seek help for post-traumatic stress or other psychological issues.

The program is similar to an anonymous mental health screening effort begun online last year. About 40,000 troops or their family members — roughly 7 percent of them in Iraq — have participated.

There's much concern among those in the military that seeking help will affect someone's career, so it's good to have more anonymous options, said Dr. Jay Weiss, a former Air Force psychiatrist in private practice in Louisiana who has treated Iraq veterans.

While seeking help via telephone and Internet is not ideal, it's "certainly better than nothing," he said.

snip...
Participants in telephone screening are transferred to a counselor if they indicate they might be suicidal or if they wish to speak to a live person. Callers are given an immediate result from their assessment and phone numbers for treatment or educational resources.

more...
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070129/ap_on_he_me/troops_phoning_for_help_1

[mike_c]

1. OMG-- "if you're feeling sad, press one, if you're angry, press two...."

The ultimate worst automated phone system evah.

[Jackpine Radical]

2. First, answer these simple questions to help us assess your

mental health status. Press 1 for Yes and 2 for No:

1) Would you vote for Bush if he were running?

2) Do you think Iraq or Saddam had something to do with 9-11?

3) Do you fault Fox news for not telling about the GOOD things that are happening in Iraq?

4) Do you think John Kerry made fun of you?

5) Do you sleep with a hand grenade under your pillow for emergencies?

Count 1 point for each Yes answer. If your score is equal to or greater than zero, your country needs you. Please volunteer to return immediately.

If your score is zero, please hold for a moment while we arrange to get you immediate support and help.