Does anyone know if this will matter?

Question

I really want to join the army, but I don't know if I even qualify. When I was in 5th, 8th, and 10th grade I seen 3 different therapist. I also had to stay at the adolescent psychiatry dept at a local hospital for a week. Will they know this if I don't tell them? I would feel kind of guilty about not saying anything because my reasons for going those places was my behavior [due to some childhood abuse]. At the same time I know people that had worse behavior & that always got in trouble but excelled in the military. I have been doing great and taking control of my life. I'm now in college. . .

So is all that worth mentioning or will they know anways? I'm not sure if the hospital or therapists kept anything on record esp since two of them went out of business.

Answer 1

Be as honest as you feel comfortable with. If you do not tell and a back ground investigation is done for a security clearance is done and they find out, you will quickly find yourself out of the military. It is your choice and it may only mean a little more paperwork to get the ball rolling. Good luck.

Answer 2

It is always best that you are upfront with the Military about any complications you may have had with health or mental issues besides sexuality.   The records may have been recorded but I don't know for sure if they are available to the military because you were a minor.  

If you have had any suicidal tendencies I believe they may count against you, but I am only speaking from my own knowledge which may or may not be true or accurate.

Answer 3

talk to a recruiter, he/she will tell you whether that information matters to the army or not.

i think its better to tell them because if you have any psychiatric problems while you're in the army, they have the right to go back and look in your records, to see if you have a medical history of those problems. and if you lie, you could get in trouble.

i had the same thing.. i've broken 13 bones in my body and didnt wanna tell the army because i thought they wouldnt take me.. but i ended up telling em anyways, got it cleared by a doctor and im shipping out september 3rd!!

Good luck!! :]]

Answer 4

Tell the truth. It might require you to be examined by a psychiatrist at the MEPS. But, your therapy appears to be part of a healing process following mental trauma and not rooted in any neurotic or psychotic disorder. So, it shouldn't bar you from entry, even though you were admitted to a mental health facility and were under outpatient therapy.

At worst, they can apply for a medical waiver to gain your entry.