Mental Health Evaluations

JRTC & Fort polk office of the Inspector general

In accordance with DoDD 6490.1, a commander may refer members of the Armed Forces for discretionary (Command referral) or non-discretionary (regulatory) Mental Health Evaluations.  The procedures and standards for each type vary and have requirements that must be followed to prevent an allegation of improper mental health referral.

1.  Discretionary (Command Referrals):

     A.  Non-Emergency or Routine

          1.  Consult with a Mental Healthcare Provider (MHP) at least 72 hours prior to the Soldier arriving at BJACH.

          2.  Notify the Soldier using DoDI 6490.4, Enclosure 4, at least 72 hours prior to the appointment at BJACH.  A Soldier must be allotted a minimum of 48 hours to consult with the SJA, IG, and Chaplain (if applicable). Soldiers can not refuse notification.  If the Soldier refuses to accept the notification, commanders must write a statement as to why.

           3.  Process and deliver the DoDI 6490.4, Enclosure 3, to BJACH BMH NLT 48 prior to the Soldier’s appointment time.

           4.  Ensure the Soldier is escorted to BJACH by permanent party personnel in the grade of E5 or above on the day of his/her appointment.

 

     B.  Emergency

           1.  Make every effort to contact a MHP prior to referring a Soldier for a Mental Health Evaluation.  If one can not be contacted, that does not mean you must wait to send a Soldier to BMH, the welfare of the Soldier comes first in an emergency.

           2.  Ensure the Soldier is escorted to BJACH by permanent party personnel in the grade of E5 or above. 

           3.  Deliver the DoDI 6490.4, Enclosure 4, to BJACH in accordance with DoDI 6490.4, para 6.1.1.5.5, “by facsimile, overnight mail or courier to the mental healthcare provider or other privileged healthcare provider, if a mental healthcare provider is not available, as soon as is practical.”  If faxed, ensure receipt of the form by a MHP.  A courier should be in the pay grade of E5 or above.

2.  Non-discretionary (Regulatory): Non-discretionary referrals are requested by the commander and coordinated with MHP.  Commanders are to call the MHP and arrange an appointment.  Commanders are to complete MEDDAC Form 514 or a Memorandum for Record stating the reason for the referral.  Soldiers must be provided a copy of the FK Form 4388-E for their records.  BMH will not see a Soldier for non-discretionary referral without the proper documentation.

 

There are two classifications of non-discretionary mental health referrals:

     A.  Recommendations for enlisted separations under AR 635-200 chapters

           1.  13, Separation for Unsatisfactory Performance

           2.  14-3, Separation for Misconduct, Acts or Patterns of Misconduct

           3.  15, Discharge for Homosexual Conduct

           4.  5-13, Separation for Convenience of the Government, Separation because of personality disorder (if medically initiated and substantiated)

           5.  5-17, Separation for Convenience of the Government, Other designated physical or mental conditions (if medically initiated and substantiated)

 

* Chapters 5-13 and 5-17 must be recommended by a Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) provider.  If command requested, DoDI 6490.4 must be followed. *

 

* If Chapter proceedings have not been initiated, DoDI 6490.4 must be followed. *

 

     B.  Evaluations for Mental Status Evaluations as directed by AR 614-200

           1.  Drill Sergeant applications

           2.  Recruiter applications