TRICARE extends Web-based counseling program 3/29/2011 - FALLS CHURCH, Va. (AFNS) -- The TRICARE Assistance Program has been extended through March 20, 2012. This demonstration program lets active-duty service members and their families' beneficiaries use the Internet and a webcam to speak face-to-face with mental health counselors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year from any location in the U.S. The extension allows more time to measure the effectiveness of TRIAP, improving beneficiary access to behavioral health care by incorporating Web-based technology. TRIAP, which launched Aug. 1, 2009, is a Web-based videoconferencing program that provides short-term, solution-focused, non-medical counseling for situations resulting from commonly occurring life circumstances such as deployment stress, relationships, personal loss and parent-child communications. All TRIAP services are provided on a one-to-one basis, in the context of a confidential relationship, with a licensed professional. TRIAP services are available in the U.S. to active-duty service members, active-duty family members (children must be age 18 or older), beneficiaries using TRICARE Reserve Select and beneficiaries covered under the Transitional Assistance Management Program. A referral or prior authorization to use TRIAP services is not needed. If a beneficiary requests TRIAP services, he or she will receive an initial assessment with a licensed professional. If video services are not possible or Web-based counseling is not an appropriate level of care, the licensed professional will refer the beneficiary to the correct organization to receive services. For more information about TRIAP or to link to the regional health care contractors' TRIAP sites, beneficiaries should go to www.tricare.mil/TRIAP. TRIAP does not include medication management or financial counseling. It is not a crisis or suicide hotline. The Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs national suicide hotline is 800-273-8255. In an emergency, beneficiaries should call 911. They may also find other behavioral health services at www.tricare.mil/mentalhealth.