A. Chief Counselor (COUNS)
B. Assistant Chief Counselor (ACOUNS)
C. Other Positions
I. Overview
While the Medical Department keeps the crew in a good physical condition, the Counselling Department takes care that all crewmembers are feeling mentally well. Because Counselors can be seen as psychological doctors, the Counselling Department is often considered a part of Starfleet Medical.
The Counselling Department is responsible for the psychological health of the crew. Like the Medical staff, the Counselors conduct periodic examinations. They help crew members with personal, psychological and emotional problems by providing individual guidance.
The Chief Counselor is the head of this rather small Department. Generally the Chief Counselor has no staff, but may have one or two assistants on larger starships. Especially if the ship has a large civilian contingent present the Chief Counselor directs a staff of trained psychologists to provide the crew with the ability to seek out counseling in all situations.
Counselors are also trained advisors and are frequently called upon by their command staff to use their skills and insights when negotiating with foreign or alien beings. Empaths or telepaths are very useful here, although on board a ship normal psychologists are also helpful.
II. Position Descriptions
A. Chief Counselor (COUNS)
The ship's Chief Counselor is always a trained Starfleet officer, and is frequently a member of a species which possesses a high degree of empathic and/or telepathic abilities, although this is not a requirement for the position. The Chief Counselor is an expert in "human engineering" and carefully monitors the crew's emotional state.
If an officer is psychological or emotional confused, the Chief Counselor has been given the power to relieve him off duty. He or she can even remove the Commanding Officer of his duty if he is determined to by mentally unfit.
A Chief Counselor is also expected to advise the CO on critical decisions and situations (I.e. when dealing with other people or races). A telepathic counselor will report any information (learned by telepathic means) relevant to the ship's mission to the CO. This can help the Captain in making his decision. In addition, all related matters and missions shall be coordinated with the consultation of the Counselor.
The Chief Counselor is considered a member of the Senior Staff and is responsible for his or her Department. On small ships the Chief Counselor has no staff, on larger ships he or she may have one or two Assistants. When there are civilians aboard, the Chief Counselor may work closely with those specializing in psychology and social work. The Chief Counselor also works closely with the ship's Chief Medical Officer when their responsibilities overlap. On larger starships, the Chief Counselor will generally have his own office.
B. Assistant Chief Counselor (ACOUNS)
The Assistant Chief Counselor has to aid the Chief Counselor in the execution of his/her duties. He/she can assume the role of Chief Counselor on a temporary or permanent basis if he/she is unable to perform his/her duty adequately.
D. Other Positions
Counselor
On a large ship it may be not enough capacity for the Chief Counselor and his/her Assistant to keep the whole crew mentally healthy. There will be needed additional Counselors.
