Will this 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

Yes, the Army will find out about this. If you don't tell them, they will probably either find out by history records or a psychological test. Now I'm not sure why you were with a therapist, but depending on the situation, it might be waiverable. The medical requirements say that you could be rejected if:

-You've been admissioned to a hospital or residential facility.

-you've had care by a physician or mental health professional for more than 6 months.

-Symptoms or behavior of a repeated nature that impaired social, school, or work efficiency.



If it was because of Suicide, you cannot join. If you've had an eating disorders after age 12, you cannot join.

Mostly, if the reason you went to a psychiatry dept. interferes with the miltary & still effects you today, you may not be able to join. But I would definetly talk to a recruiter & see what you can do because most things today can be waivered by your recruiter. But definetly tell the army about this. It is better for you to tell them than for them to find out some other way.