The Foreign Service Journal, June 2016

46 JUNE 2016 | THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL I n preparing the focus on mental health care for the Foreign Service in the January-February issue of the FSJ , we invited members to respond to a set of questions concerning their experience with menta l health services. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject, and known concerns about privacy, we took the unprecedented step of offering to print comments without attribution. Based on the significant and substantive response, it was clear that issues relating to support for family mem- bers, and particularly FS children, needed a separate discussion. Here then are the comments we received concerning mental health and special needs support for FS children, presented as an opener to that important discussion. A vital aspect of this topic, support for FS children diagnosed with special needs, is addressed in this month’s Speaking Out col- umn (see p. 17 ) . —The Editors Mental Health Support for Foreign Service Children: Parents Weigh In FS children are just as at risk for mental health problems as the average American child, perhaps even more vulnerable. This is a critical issue for FS families. a The Video Option I n many locations, mental health services are poor. Language barriers only worsen this situation. The regional psychiatrist is capable of providing digital video camera (DVC) counseling, and other services such as the Employee Consultation Service also help. There are very insufficient services for children. Most local child psychiatrists speak a different native language than the children and are of no help. The regional psychiatrists are more capable of assisting adults. This leaves the children without needed services. Psychiatry and counseling can be effectively conducted remotely using DVC if parents and schools are supportive. It should be mandatory that each post have this capacity. FEATURE