During the hour-long meeting, held over Zoom on Thursday, committee members questioned possible gaps in providing mental health resources to Army Reserve members.
MAINE, USA — Mental health experts from the U.S. Army Reserve Command shared details with members of a Lewiston committee Thursday about the procedures they follow when soldiers experience a mental health crisis.
During the hour-long online meeting, Col. Mark Ochoa answered committee members’ questions about what steps a soldier takes before and after he is recommended for mental health treatment, as well as potential pitfalls regarding how soldiers are screened.
During his testimony, Ochoa explained that while family members and other personnel can express concerns about an individual’s mental health, it is the commander who has the authority to initiate the process of requesting an evaluation or treatment.
“[Commanders] “There’s really an ability to reach out and ask for help,” Ochoa said. “That’s the message I want to get across to the team.”
In some cases, treatment may be available through the U.S. Army Reserve’s Psychological Health Program (PHP), which connects soldiers to local resources based on mission, location and insurance.
“We’re just one tool in the toolbox to help care for our military members,” Ochoa said.
Ochoa further explained that in certain circumstances, there can be gaps in both communication and follow-up with people seeking mental health services, such as when reservists seek help through private medical facilities or refuse treatment.
Maine has a VA hospital but no active-duty military hospital, so some may seek private medical facilities.
“At that point, the commander may or may not have oversight, because the commander can’t let that person go, right? Because that person hasn’t had the training,” committee member Dr Anthony Ng agreed.
Ochoa did not go into detail about how Robert Card was evaluated in the months leading up to October, but explained that committee members hope to speak with sanctuary members at upcoming committee meetings.
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