An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EST on September 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status without pay until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
To learn how the lapse in appropriations affects your TRICARE benefit, visit 
tricare.mil/shutdown.

News | Sept. 22, 2020

Suicide Prevention Resources: Take Care of Yourself and Each Other

Globally, people are facing challenges caused by COVID-19. The pandemic may cause anxiety and stress. These feelings may feel stronger with less social interaction. Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or lonely might increase the risk for suicide for some people. It’s important to tend to your mental health and find ways to cope. There are many resources to help you. These include, but are not limited to, TRICARE mental health services.

Are you or someone you know having thoughts of suicide? Call the Military Crisis Line for free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), option 1. You can also send a text to 838255, or start an online chat. If you think you have a medical health emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room. The hospital department that provides emergency services to patients who need immediate medical attention.

Everyone can play a role in preventing suicide. The Defense Suicide Prevention Office and National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can help you learn about the risk factors and warning signs. Learning this information may help you determine if a loved one is at risk and needs help.

Some risk factors for suicide may include:

  • Mental disorders
  • Alcohol and other substance use disorders
  • Job or financial loss
  • Loss of relationship
  • Lack of social support and sense of isolation

Some warning signs that may indicate a risk of suicide include: 

  • Talking about suicide or making a plan for suicide
  • Withdrawing from family, friends, or unit
  • Expressing feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, or worthlessness
  • Sudden changes in mood or personality
  • Excessive use of alcohol or drugs

If you feel these warning signs or see them in another person, you should seek help. During the pandemic, you can still reach out for help safely. If you’re a service member, veteran, or family member, you may seek help through your primary care manager, chaplain, Military Family Life Counselors, or Military OneSource. Depending on your needs and military status, you can also find support through the Real Warriors CampaignMake the Connection, and inTransition.

“TRICARE offers mental health care services for beneficiaries coping with excessive depression, grief, and people who might have thoughts of suicide,” said Dr. Krystyna Bienia, a clinical psychologist and senior policy analyst at the Defense Health Agency. “You may even be able to get help through telemedicine services from your own home.”

Getting mental health treatment as well as learning coping skills, may help reduce the risk of suicide. As outlined in the TRICARE Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Fact Sheet, TRICARE covers many mental health services. These include:

You may need a referral or pre-authorization for some mental health services. However, most office-based outpatient mental health services don’t require you to get a referral or authorization. If you’re an active duty service member, you do need to get a referral for all services.

During Suicide Prevention Month, take actions to help yourself and others who may be feeling stress due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more about suicide prevention resources. If you think you or someone you know should seek mental health services, get help. Take care of yourself and others, and take command of your health.

Picture of a doctor using a stethoscope on a patient's chest; "Patients needed on Oct. 17 for a focus group discussion about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD."

Share your experiences with COPD care and treatm...

News
Sep. 30, 2025

Have you been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD? Your feedback could play a key...
Read More
Service member presses down on another service member's arm while lying on a medical table.

National Guard or Reserve? Learn What To Do if Y...

News
Sep. 25, 2025

Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserve? If so, it’s important to know how TRICARE covers you if you...
Read More
DHA logo and Unlock Your Health logo; Medical professional in scrubs shows man in wheelchair papers on a clipboard.

Learn How TRICARE Can Help You Manage Chronic He...

News
Sep. 23, 2025

Living with a chronic health condition can feel hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. TRICARE offers...
Read More
Woman in a dentist's chair holds a mirror and looks at her teeth.

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

News
Sep. 19, 2025

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you crack a tooth or have severe mouth pain,...
Read More
Young boy smiles and hugs mother

Unlock Your Health: How TRICARE Can Support Your...

News
Sep. 18, 2025

Childhood and teen years can be full of ups and downs. It’s normal for kids to be sad or irritable or to have...
Read More
Dental care provider wearing gloves performs dental procedure on patient in dental chair.

Opioids, Pain Management, and Your Oral Health

News
Sep. 17, 2025

If you’ve had certain dental procedures, like wisdom teeth removal, a root canal, or oral surgery, some...
Read More
Woman wearing dental bib opens her mouth as a dentist uses dental equipment.

The Power of Prevention: Using the TRICARE Denta...

News
Sep. 16, 2025

When it comes to your oral health, a little prevention goes a long way. That’s why the TRICARE Dental Program...
Read More
Unlock Your Health graphic, DHA logo, elderly woman and medical care worker sit together on a couch

Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Home Health Care...

News
Sep. 16, 2025

Is leaving home for care a challenge? TRICARE covers solutions that make it easier to get the care—and...
Read More

Sept. 30, 2025

Share your experiences with COPD care and treatment at Oct. 17 Clinical Practice Guideline patient focus group

Have you been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD? Your feedback could play a key role in developing and updating clinical practice guidelines across the military and veteran health care systems.

Sept. 25, 2025

National Guard or Reserve? Learn What To Do if You Need Line of Duty Care

Are you a member of the National Guard or Reserve? If so, it’s important to know how TRICARE covers you if you become sick or are injured while activated for 30 days or less. This article explores how, where, and under what circumstances National Guard and Reserve members can get line of duty care.

Sept. 23, 2025

Learn How TRICARE Can Help You Manage Chronic Health Conditions

Living with a chronic health condition can feel hard. But you don’t have to do it alone. TRICARE offers programs and coverage to help you live better with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, anxiety, and depression.

Sept. 19, 2025

What To Do in a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Whether you crack a tooth or have severe mouth pain, knowing what to do can save your smile and reduce damage.

Sept. 18, 2025

Unlock Your Health: How TRICARE Can Support Your Child’s Mental Health

Childhood and teen years can be full of ups and downs. It’s normal for kids to be sad or irritable or to have trouble paying attention or interacting with others at times. But sometimes, these feelings and behaviors are signs that your child could need mental health care. Learn how TRICARE can support your child’s mental health and find tips and resources for supporting your child’s well-being.

Sept. 17, 2025

Opioids, Pain Management, and Your Oral Health

If you’ve had certain dental procedures, like wisdom teeth removal, a root canal, or oral surgery, some dentists may prescribe an opioid painkiller to help manage your pain. While your comfort is a priority, it’s important to also understand any potential negative side effects posed by opioids and the importance of using opioids responsibly.

Sept. 16, 2025

The Power of Prevention: Using the TRICARE Dental Program Benefit To Save You Money

When it comes to your oral health, a little prevention goes a long way. That’s why the TRICARE Dental Program covers two routine dental cleanings and examinations each year.

Sept. 16, 2025

Unlock Your Health With TRICARE Home Health Care and Pharmacy Home Delivery

Is leaving home for care a challenge? TRICARE covers solutions that make it easier to get the care—and drugs—you may need. Your TRICARE plan may cover certain in-home health services and pharmacy home delivery options. This gives you flexibility and convenience in your care.

Sept. 10, 2025

Explore Available Counseling and Mental Health Services

Are you a service member, family member, or survivor? Your TRICARE benefit covers a variety of mental health services. But did you know there are other counseling services available to you? This article explores what services you can access if you need support.

Sept. 9, 2025

Live in the West Region? Learn if You Need To Take Action on Your Referrals Before Oct. 1

Are you a TRICARE Prime beneficiary living in the West Region? Are you currently using a referral to get specialty care? If you used the West Region referral approval waiver to see a specialist between Jan. 1 and June 30, 2025 and need to continue seeing that specialist, you’ll need to get a new referral to a network specialist before Oct. 1, 2025. If you’re still using a valid referral issued by a previous contractor before Jan. 1, 2025, you also need to get a new referral for any care received starting Oct. 1.