Antidepressants

[jmicheals1984]

If you have been prescribed antidepressants does that disqualify you from getting a CHP? Aslo what are the regulations regarding mental health when it comes to getting a CHP in VA? What is "Having received mental health treatment in a residential setting" and "Committed to the custody of the Commisioner of behavioral health and development services"?

[eaglefrq]

No they won't. I believe the residential setting refers to in house treatment like a half way house. The other question means the courts have placed you in a mental institution. These are just assumptions, but that is how I read them.

[ Post made via Mobile Device ]

[jdonovan]

If you have been prescribed antidepressants does that disqualify you from getting a CHP?

By it self, no. Depending on the circumstances, it might. You were upset over the loss of your pet cat and took medication for 3 days to get over the loss... not a very big deal. You were on medication for years because the voices were telling you to kill.... uhhhh thats going to disqualify you.

"Committed to the custody of the Commisioner of behavioral health and development services"

This refers to a non-voluntary detention at a mental health facility, of any kind.

Also what are the regulations regarding mental health when it comes to getting a CHP in VA?

#18
http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504 ... d+18.2-308

I'm not a lawyer, so do your own homework....and talk to one.

My recollection from having discussed this previously...
The key word in #18 is treatment. Mental health counselling is not the same as treatment.

The residential setting, is not the same as out-patient care. I believe that 'residential' is a full time 24/7 facility. Think more like a dorm type setting. Vs in-patient which is more like a hospital type setting.

[RocKor]

Unless you've been committed by the courts or have voluntarily checked yourself into a 24/7 mental health facility (within the last 5 years before applying for a CHP) you're fine. Just seeing a psychiatrist or therapist and/or being prescribed medications is not grounds for disqualification. Besides the state really has no record of what medications you take. I am not a lawyer but I speak from personal experience.

[jmicheals1984]

Thanks for the responses. I plan on getting my CHP this year and want to have all my bases covered.