PERS42 Puts Out Request for TS/SCI Cleared Therapists
Millington, TN - Earlier this week the navy posted 24 job openings for therapists with a TS/SCI Clearance. These TS/SCI therapists are required due to more commands realizing the importance of mental health. Unfortunately, the submarine force is facing a critical shortage of these professionals, forcing many submariners to talk to NOFORN-cleared therapists, or worse, DOC.
While there is a lot of trauma surrounding prototype and power school, most therapists are well equipped to handle these issues. However, some submariners require therapists who are cleared to discuss TS/SCI material due to their time in [REDACTED], doing [REDACTED], while getting yelled at by [REDACTED].
Despite the acknowledgment for the need of TS/SCI therapists, the nation is in the midst of a mental health crisis and finding enough mental health professionals with the proper clearance to talk to submariners may be impossible.
Dr. Jon Hermstead is a NOFORN-cleared therapist specializing in trauma surrounding nuclear power who has been forced to see many patients requiring TS/SCI help. Dr. Hermstead discusses his frustrations dealing with a patient who needed a therapist with an elevated clearance.
“It was impossible to get anywhere with [REDACTED],” said Dr. Jon Hermstead. “Everytime we got close to unpacking an underlying issue, he would tell me that we were not in a SCIF, and even if we were I am not privileged to certain information.”
This sort of experience has become commonplace as NOFORN-cleared therapists attempt to fill the void created by such a shortfall in TS/SCI therapists.
At the time of publication, the navy only has two TS/SCI therapists available and both are booked for the remainder of your time in the navy.