FALLS CHURCH, Va. –
Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. This resource connects you with trained counselors who can help you get the help you need, 24/7.
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?
“We recognize that military life can be difficult. No one should have to manage these challenging situations alone,” said Thomas Turnbaugh, LCSW-C, a behavioral health specialist at the Defense Health Agency. “That’s why the department offers programs and services through Military OneSource. These short-term services can help service members, and their family members, find their way to solutions, so they can get back on track.”
This article explores what services you can access if you need support.
The Office of Military Community and Family Policy
TRICARE doesn’t offer or cover non-medical counseling services directly. However, you can access them through the
Office of Military Community and Family Policy. MC&FP establishes policies and programs that help service members, their family members, and survivors be well and mission ready.
MC&FP oversees Military OneSource, your gateway to MC&FP programs and services. These programs and services support the everyday needs of the military community. You can access Military OneSource around the world, all year round, 24/7.
Military OneSource Counseling
Do you have a life issue that doesn’t require long-term counseling?
Military OneSource counselors are available for short-term counseling services. They can help with a wide range of issues. All services are free and confidential. These include:
- Relationship conflicts
- Stress management
- Parenting issues
- Coping with grief and loss
- Managing deployments
- And more
Military OneSource professional counselors hold a master’s or doctoral degree in:
- Psychology
- Counseling
- Social work
- Marriage and family counseling
These professionals hold a license to practice independently.
Counseling sessions are available for you or a family member:
- In person
- By phone
- By secure video
- By secure online chat
Keep in mind that Military OneSource counselors don’t give diagnoses. They also don’t treat diagnosed mental health conditions. Medical therapy services may be available through TRICARE or your nearest military hospital or clinic.
Military and Family Life Counseling
Another option is the
Military and Family Life Counseling Program. The program is offered at or near many military installations worldwide. Military and family life counselors are licensed professionals who provide counseling for life situations. All sessions are free and confidential.
Counselors help service members and their families deal with issues such as:
- Improving relationships at home and work
- Stress management
- Adjustment difficulties
- Parenting
- Grief or loss
Adult, teen, youth, and child behavioral MFLCs are assigned to:
- Units
- Schools
- Child development centers
- Other locations around the world
These counselors also deliver briefings and presentations to the military community. You always have support through the MFLC program.
Child and youth counseling
Does your child need mental health support? Non-medical care is available through
Military OneSource resources. These programs offer a safe space where your child can speak with a licensed mental health provider. All services are free. They’re also available:
- In person
- By telephone
- Via secure chat
- Via secure video sessions
TRICARE-covered mental health services
Are you finding that you or a family member needs more than short-term non-medical counseling?
TRICARE is here for you. As described in the
TRICARE Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Fact Sheet, TRICARE covers a variety of mental health services. These include:
- Outpatient
- Inpatient
- Emergency
- Nonemergency
- Substance use disorder services
Note: Some services, like marriage counseling, may only be covered by TRICARE under certain conditions. But you may be eligible to get these services for free through Military OneSource or MFLCs.
If something feels off, seek mental health care early on. This applies to adults, young people, and children. Learn more about youth mental health and how TRICARE covers your child.
You have options to get short-term help through one of Military OneSource’s free programs or through your TRICARE health plan. Take action to take care of your and your family members’ mental health.
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