Counselor
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A counselor is a position aboard Star Fleet vessels and installations, usually held by a senior Star Fleet officer with training in psychology.
Qualified psychiatrists served aboard starships during the 23rd century. (
By the mid-24th century, starship and starbase crews included a counselor, who was responsible for the mental well-being of the crew and civilian staff. The position was considered vital enough that it warranted inclusion in the senior staff of the Federation flagship; in that instance at least, the ship's counselor also had a diplomatic role, advising the captain in first contact and other situations.
As with the chief medical officer, the ship's counselor has the power to relieve other officers and crewmembers of duty if he or she feels that their patient is suffering from a condition that may hinder their ability to perform their duties effectively.
At the captain's discretion, the ship's counselor may be allowed to wear something other than their normal Star Fleet uniform while on duty. This was the case with Deanna Troi, the ship's counselor on the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-D--D . Troi elected to wear a uniform permanently after being told to do so by Captain Edward Jellico.
Some Star Fleet officers, such as Captain Lisa Cusak and Chief Miles O'Brien, disliked the concept of a designated ship's counselor, preferring to seek advice about their problems from friends.
Counselors
Deanna Troi trained in psychology before joining Star Fleet. She served as counselor aboard the USS Enterprise-D and the USS Enterprise, NCC-1701-E--E before transferring to the USS Titan with her husband, William T. Riker.
Deep Space 9 had several counselors during its time in operation, including Telnorri and Ezri Dax, who was previously an assistant counselor on the USS Destiny.
The USS Voyager was not originally assigned a counselor, as its mission was intended only to last a few months. Later, Neelix (External Link) appointed himself morale officer, a position of his own invention, to take on the responsibilities of a counselor.
Benbasset was a counselor assigned to Starbase 235 in 2375.
