An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
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.

News | Aug. 23, 2022

Let’s Talk: Youth, Mental Health, and TRICARE

By TRICARE Communications

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health challenges among youth are on the rise nationwide. During childhood, mental wellness is especially important because it contributes to physical health, resiliency, and social skills. It’s also key to reaching developmental and emotional milestones. TRICARE covers mental health services for beneficiaries of all ages.
 
“Mental health impacts every aspect of your child’s life. This includes how your child may handle stress, relate to others, and make healthy choices,” said Dr. Krystyna Bienia, clinical psychologist, and senior policy analyst at the Defense Health Agency. “If your child is struggling, don’t wait to find them help.”
 
Notice Changes in Your Child’s Behavior
As a parent or caregiver, you may notice new behaviors—like talking back or acting out—beginning to show up in daily life. You may also see it’s harder for your child to focus on tasks or control impulses.
 
According to Mentalhealth.gov, children who may be experiencing mental or emotional distress often display signs or symptoms that include:
  • Emotional outbursts, increased irritability, or out-of-control behavior
  • Persistent sadness that lasts two weeks or more
  • Worries or fears that interfere with daily life, such as difficulty concentrating or participating in usual activities
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Changes in academic performance, causing trouble in or avoiding or missing school
  • Withdrawing from or avoiding social interactions or other drastic changes in personality or behavior

Signs of possible mental health problems in youth can vary. They can be mild and brief or more serious and persistent. So, it’s important to know what to look out for. And take proactive steps when you notice changes in your child’s behavior.
 
Start a Conversation
If you’ve seen changes in your child’s behavior, or if you have concerns about your child’s mental health, what should you do next? 
 
First, talk with your child about what you’ve observed. Ask how they’re doing and if there’s anything they want to talk about. Let your child know you care about them and want to help.
 
Next, consider scheduling an appointment with your child’s primary care manager (PCM). Many providers ask about mental health concerns at well-child visits or annual physicals to detect potential problems early on. Let your child’s PCM know of your concerns and request a mental health screening.
 
“Talking to a professional can give you and your child important information and insight,” said Bienia. “Showing your child that you care communicates that you’re there for them. That they’re not alone.”
 
Seek Medical Care
Some military hospitals and clinics offer mental health services for children and youth. But, you can make an appointment with a TRICARE-authorized mental health network provider no matter what health plan you have. You don’t need a referral or pre-authorization for most outpatient mental health care. If you need help finding a mental health provider, you can use the Find a Doctor tool or call your TRICARE regional contractor.
 
Your child may also be able to speak with a mental health professional by audio or on video in the comfort of your home. Your regional contractor has a network of providers who offer telemedicine services. You can search for one through your regional contractor’s network provider directory.
 
If your child is in suicidal crisis or emotional distress, dial 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The three-digit number connects you with trained counselors who can help your child get the help they need right away.
 
Seek Non-Medical Care
You can also get help for your child through non-medical resources. Military OneSource is a Department of Defense program that provides a safe space to speak confidentially with a licensed mental health provider. This free, short-term, non-medical counseling is available in person, by telephone, via secure chat, and by secure video sessions.
 
Another option is the Military and Family Life Counseling Program, which is offered at and near many military installations worldwide. Military and family life counselors are licensed professionals who provide situational, problem-solving counseling confidentially.  
  
Take the First Step
Mental health is a vital part of the overall health and well-being of your children and the entire family. If you think your child needs help, take the next step. Learn more about how to get mental health care, covered services, costs, and more on the TRICARE website. You can also find specifics about covered treatments in the Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Services Fact Sheet. For a quick overview on seeking mental health care, check out this new mental health video from TRICARE.
 
Would you like the latest TRICARE news sent to you by email? Visit the TRICARE Subscriptions page today, and create your personalized profile to get benefit updates, news, and more.
TRICARE Open Season Webinar graphic

Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Regio...

News
Oct. 29, 2024

Are you ready for TRICARE Open Season and the upcoming changes to TRICARE in 2025? Mark your calendar for a...
Read More
Woman looking at laptop screen

Q&A: What To Know as TRICARE Open Season Begins ...

News
Oct. 24, 2024

TRICARE Open Season begins Monday, Nov. 11—that’s just a few weeks away. If you’re a TRICARE beneficiary, this...
Read More
Man works on a laptop

TRICARE Claim Form Updated To Assist in Processi...

News
Oct. 23, 2024

If you’ve submitted a claim for reimbursement, then you may be familiar with the TRICARE claim form, Patient’s...
Read More
TRICARE Enrollment Freeze Oct. 25-27, 2024

TRICARE Enrollment Freeze and Scheduled milConne...

News
Oct. 21, 2024

It’s almost time for TRICARE Open Season, which begins Nov. 11. That means you should check your information...
Read More
Man receives a vaccine.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Get Your F...

News
Oct. 17, 2024

The fall and winter months bring an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and...
Read More
Three women smiling at the camera

Unlock Your Health by Scheduling a TRICARE Well-...

News
Oct. 16, 2024

With TRICARE, you have access to a wide range of preventive care specific to your needs. For women, this...
Read More
Woman sits at table looking at laptop with smartphone next to her.

Live in the West Region? Update Your TRICARE Pay...

News
Oct. 10, 2024

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states (Arkansas, Illinois,...
Read More
Uniformed service member smiles with his wife and toddler as they pose for a selfie.

Learn How Referrals and Specialty Care Will Work...

News
Oct. 08, 2024

Health care delivery under new TRICARE contracts starts on Jan. 1, 2025. These new contracts will improve...
Read More

Oct. 29, 2024

Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Region Changes at Nov. 14 Webinar

Are you ready for TRICARE Open Season and the upcoming changes to TRICARE in 2025? Mark your calendar for a TRICARE webinar, “Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Region Changes,” on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2–3 p.m. ET on Microsoft Teams Live.

Oct. 24, 2024

Q&A: What To Know as TRICARE Open Season Begins Nov. 11

TRICARE Open Season begins Monday, Nov. 11—that’s just a few weeks away. If you’re a TRICARE beneficiary, this is the time when you can enroll in a health plan or change health plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2025. You can make these changes through Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Oct. 23, 2024

TRICARE Claim Form Updated To Assist in Processing Overseas Claims

If you’ve submitted a claim for reimbursement, then you may be familiar with the TRICARE claim form, Patient’s Request for Medical Payment (DD Form 2642). In September 2024, this form was updated to include fields that’ll make it easier when filing claims for care received overseas.

Oct. 21, 2024

TRICARE Enrollment Freeze and Scheduled milConnect and Beneficiary Web Enrollment Outage Beginning Oct. 25: What To Know

It’s almost time for TRICARE Open Season, which begins Nov. 11. That means you should check your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System as soon as possible. There will be a global TRICARE enrollment freeze from Oct. 25-27, and limitations to the Beneficiary Web Enrollment self-service portal between Oct. 28 and Dec. 31.

Oct. 17, 2024

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Get Your Flu Shot With TRICARE

The fall and winter months bring an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Getting your flu shot is an easy way to help ward off illness. The vaccine lowers your chance of getting sick, going to the hospital, or even dying from the flu.

Oct. 16, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Scheduling a TRICARE Well-Woman Exam

With TRICARE, you have access to a wide range of preventive care specific to your needs. For women, this includes comprehensive services like an annual well-woman exam.

Oct. 10, 2024

Live in the West Region? Update Your TRICARE Payment Information With TriWest

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states (Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin) moving to the West Region in 2025? If you pay for your TRICARE coverage via credit card or bank electronic funds transfer, you can now securely give your recurring payment information to the incoming West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

Oct. 8, 2024

Learn How Referrals and Specialty Care Will Work as New TRICARE Contracts Start in 2025

Health care delivery under new TRICARE contracts starts on Jan. 1, 2025. These new contracts will improve quality and access for beneficiaries in the United States by enhancing referral management and access to specialty care. Learn more about what to expect starting Jan. 1.

Oct. 7, 2024

DOD Announces Health Care Supplement Program Pilot for DOD Civilian Employees in Japan

The Department of Defense (DOD) today announced a one-year pilot program to provide no-cost supplemental health support services to DOD civilian employees serving in Japan after a yearlong effort to identify and address concerns regarding access to medical care.

Oct. 3, 2024

2025 Changes to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration

Are you expecting a baby in 2025? Have you considered getting breastfeeding counseling or support from a labor doula? If so, you should know about some changes coming to the TRICARE Childbirth and Breastfeeding Support Demonstration on Jan. 1, 2025, including expansion overseas.