Guest Perspective: My Experience with The Summer Institute
By: Lianna Benjamin
From a young age, I’ve felt a deep calling to serve others. Whether through volunteering at my church, school, or in the community, I consistently sought opportunities to help where I could. I believe that service is a core aspect of our humanity—and for some of us, that drive is especially strong, leading us to careers in the helping professions. For me, that path is in behavioral health.
I officially enlisted into the Army September of 2023 and then contracted as a cadet in Illinois State University’s Army ROTC program a few months later. I have always had the upmost respect for our service members because my Papa served in the Vietnam War in the Air Force, but it wasn’t until I joined myself that I truly understood the honor and sacrifice it requires.
Being a civilian is very different than being in the miliary or having prior experience. The military has its own culture and with that its own challenges. My time as a cadet has deepened my commitment to pursuing a career as a Behavioral Health Officer (BHO). I’ve seen first-hand how critical behavioral health is to the well-being and mission readiness of our troops. However, navigating the path to becoming a BHO was initially unclear. I knew that as a cadet I would become an officer, but I did not know how I could specialize in behavioral health.
As a current Master of Social Work (MSW) student, my advisor made me aware of the opportunity to attend the Summer Institute. After reading the description that the program targeted those who wanted to become BHOs, I knew that this was an opportunity made for me.
Over three days, MSW students and doctoral psychology students from across the country came together to learn from leading experts in military behavioral health and what it meant to serve as a BHO. The Summer Institute offered valuable insights into the profession and opened the door to meaningful discussions. As someone already in the Army, I enjoyed hearing from other students around me who had also served or are currently serving and their perspectives of military culture and behavioral health. Not everyone attending the Summer Institute had military experience, so it was also beneficial for us serving to discuss with them what military culture is like so they can further make the decision to join a branch of service.
Before attending, I was uncertain whether to pursue social work or psychology long-term. After speaking with LCSWs, DSWs, Ph.D./Psy.D. psychologists, Army recruiters, and current BHOs, I left with clarity: I plan to pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology following completion of my MSW. I also left with new knowledge, useful resources, and a strong professional network.
The Summer Institute was transformative—it not only helped define my career path, but also affirmed my passion for serving others through behavioral health. I am grateful for the experience and the community it introduced me to.
For anyone considering a career as a Behavioral Health Officer, I highly recommend attending the Summer Institute. It will expand your knowledge, connect you with leaders in the field, and equip you to make informed decisions about your future in military behavioral health.
Editor's note: For more information on the Summer Institute or any of the other Pathways to Military Behavioral Health Careers programs, please visit: https://deploymentpsych.org/pathways-to-military-careers
The opinions in CDP blogs are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science or the Department of War.
By: Lianna Benjamin
From a young age, I’ve felt a deep calling to serve others. Whether through volunteering at my church, school, or in the community, I consistently sought opportunities to help where I could. I believe that service is a core aspect of our humanity—and for some of us, that drive is especially strong, leading us to careers in the helping professions. For me, that path is in behavioral health.
I officially enlisted into the Army September of 2023 and then contracted as a cadet in Illinois State University’s Army ROTC program a few months later. I have always had the upmost respect for our service members because my Papa served in the Vietnam War in the Air Force, but it wasn’t until I joined myself that I truly understood the honor and sacrifice it requires.
Being a civilian is very different than being in the miliary or having prior experience. The military has its own culture and with that its own challenges. My time as a cadet has deepened my commitment to pursuing a career as a Behavioral Health Officer (BHO). I’ve seen first-hand how critical behavioral health is to the well-being and mission readiness of our troops. However, navigating the path to becoming a BHO was initially unclear. I knew that as a cadet I would become an officer, but I did not know how I could specialize in behavioral health.
As a current Master of Social Work (MSW) student, my advisor made me aware of the opportunity to attend the Summer Institute. After reading the description that the program targeted those who wanted to become BHOs, I knew that this was an opportunity made for me.
Over three days, MSW students and doctoral psychology students from across the country came together to learn from leading experts in military behavioral health and what it meant to serve as a BHO. The Summer Institute offered valuable insights into the profession and opened the door to meaningful discussions. As someone already in the Army, I enjoyed hearing from other students around me who had also served or are currently serving and their perspectives of military culture and behavioral health. Not everyone attending the Summer Institute had military experience, so it was also beneficial for us serving to discuss with them what military culture is like so they can further make the decision to join a branch of service.
Before attending, I was uncertain whether to pursue social work or psychology long-term. After speaking with LCSWs, DSWs, Ph.D./Psy.D. psychologists, Army recruiters, and current BHOs, I left with clarity: I plan to pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology following completion of my MSW. I also left with new knowledge, useful resources, and a strong professional network.
The Summer Institute was transformative—it not only helped define my career path, but also affirmed my passion for serving others through behavioral health. I am grateful for the experience and the community it introduced me to.
For anyone considering a career as a Behavioral Health Officer, I highly recommend attending the Summer Institute. It will expand your knowledge, connect you with leaders in the field, and equip you to make informed decisions about your future in military behavioral health.
Editor's note: For more information on the Summer Institute or any of the other Pathways to Military Behavioral Health Careers programs, please visit: https://deploymentpsych.org/pathways-to-military-careers
The opinions in CDP blogs are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Science or the Department of War.