Sooner or later, we all face challenges. And the deployments, frequent moves, and other stressors of the military lifestyle can make things even more complicated for service members and their families. When you or someone in your family is struggling to cope, help is just a phone call or a few keystrokes away.
The Department of Defense makes non-medical counseling available for a wide range of issues from communication and parenting skills to anger management and relationship problems. This overview of available counseling services will help you better understand the kinds of issues that non-medical counseling can help resolve and how you can get the help you need, when you need it.
What is non-medical counseling?
Non-medical counseling is intended to prevent the development or exacerbation of lifestyle conditions that may compromise military and family readiness. Non-medical counseling programs provide confidential, short-term counseling to active duty members, National Guard and Reserve service members, and their families. Counselors possess a master's or doctorate degree in a mental health field and are licensed or certified in a state, territory, or the District of Columbia to practice independently.
Non-medical counseling is designed to address issues such as improving relationships at home and work, stress management, adjustment issues (e.g., returning from a deployment), marital problems, parenting, and grief and loss issues. Non-medical counseling is short-term, problem solving, and solution-focused.
Non-medical counseling is available through both Military OneSource and through Military and Family Life Counselors. Each person seeking counseling may receive up to twelve sessions per issue at no cost.
Non-medical counseling is not intended to address such issues as active suicidal or homicidal thoughts, Family Advocacy Program cases, sexual assault, child abuse, domestic violence, alcohol and substance abuse, or mental health conditions that have required recurring in-patient hospitalizations. Non-medical counseling is also not suitable for those who have been prescribed psychoactive medication, who are currently receiving therapy with another practitioner, or for fitness-for-duty evaluations or court-ordered counseling.
Confidentiality
Although discussions between you and your counselor are strictly confidential, counselors are required to report situations in which you may be a danger to yourself or to others or that involve domestic or other violence against another person, child abuse or neglect, and any present or future illegal activity.
Face-to-face Counseling
Face-to-face counseling may be provided in a variety of settings depending on the needs or preferences of the person seeking assistance, counselor availability, or other factors. An individual seeking counseling may attend traditional fifty-minute counseling sessions in an office setting with a counselor located in the local community, or sessions may be provided with counselors on assignments up to 180 days on an installation.
Counseling over the telephone and online
Counseling sessions are also available telephonically or online. Service members can access counseling services from anywhere in the world by calling Military OneSource at (800) 342-9647 (see the Military OneSource website for international phone numbers) or by visiting the Military OneSource website. Military OneSource is accessible by phone or online any time of the day or night, any day of the year, including holidays.