How much of a, "career killer" is it now days to seek help for mental health in the ARMY? How can it affect your life once out and in the civilian world as far as jobs, benefits, ect?

I want to know from personal experience or someone you know.

I can't speak to the military but as a former long time human resources professional in the civilian world, no future employers will know unless you disclose it. Under HIPPA privacy, this information can not be shared with anyone other than a medical professional and the benefits admin for your future employer. It is not a "career killer" in the civilian world.

One day you will lose your 2A rights. It's already happening.

There is a section on the SF 86 (even if you have a valid clearance from being in the service, some/most government agencies make you apply for it again) that asks about your mental health history.   That section of the form is very clear that any mental health counseling you received due to combat related trauma does not need to disclosed.   I do not know if the form has been changed yet, but there was official guidance put out that counseling for military sexual trauma also does not have to be disclosed.

I think the only time it could be used against you is applying for LEO jobs, but that is unlikely.

2A rights are certainly a concern and I am sure that is going to come to a federal appellate court in the near future.  Due process is due process, so I predict a victory for veterans and no SCOTUS case even though obama has appointed some clowns to the courts.

Seeking counseling doesnt do anything to you. Now if you were commited to care thats a whole different story, but at that point you probably dont have a career to worry about anyway.

All the career killing talk 999/1000 is bullshit mostly propagated by people who know a guy who knew a guy that heard about THAT guy and rarely based on fact. Commands prefer that you seek the care you need so they dont have to refer you to it after you already fucked up. Its not looked down upon as weakness. That assumes of course that you arent trying to play the system and have legitimate issues.

While there have been isolated incidents of doc going full retard on perfectly sane service member or veterans, its an extreme circumstance and usually resolved before the idea gets any speed.

While in, it can keep you from certain schools and/or career fields. Once out, nobody will know unless you tell them. I usually recommend guys contact the many resources outside of the military system.

From what I observe it's a fine line on how it can affect you then. I know it's better to get help on your own terms than have a command referral.

My BIL is going through some conselling he as active duty 1/75th RR and it has not affected his career whatsoever and it is helping him deal with alot of issues he has, not just combat related stuff but stuff from his childhood. He still deploys, he was promoted to Sgt. without any hiccups and is doing fine as far as his career path is concerned.

I personally do not think a person can go out and do the job he does with out it changing you, so i support soldiers sailors and Marines being able to talk to professionals.