To Seek or Not to Seek: Researching Determinants of Intentions to Seek Counseling Among Police Personnel in a Mid-Atlantic Department

Exposure to stressors can make policing a mentally harmful profession. Since police personnel are shouldered with responsibilities that carry public safety implications, understanding their intentions to seek counseling becomes important. Questionnaire data from ( N = 297) sworn and civilian police personnel working in a Mid-Atlantic law enforcement agency were collected to understand sample member intentions to seek counseling, and the factors affecting those intentions. Specifically, this study was interested in researching whether police personnel exhibiting symptoms of mental illness were willing to seek counseling. From frequency distribution output, approximately 70% of respondents indicated a willingness for treatment. Ordered logistic regression models revealed symptoms of burnout, depression, and alcohol use disorder decreased the likelihood to seek counseling, while anxiety increased the likelihood. Findings highlight a need for targeted interventions, such as peer support, that can assist police personnel in need of counseling.