Child and Youth Behavioral Military and Family Life Counselors


A woman and a little girl at a table playing Candyland.

Child and youth behavioral military and family life counselors understand the issues military children face. These counselors, who are part of the Military and Family Life Counseling Program, can provide support to meet the individual needs of military children, particularly during challenging periods, including deployments and the umpteenth move.

Child and youth behavioral military and family life counselors benefit military children in several ways, which include a positive effect on:

  • General behavior
  • Performance in school
  • Relationships with family members and teachers

As if that isn't enough, parents can appreciate that the counselors are licensed with a master's degree or higher, and they have all passed criminal background checks.

Topics covered

The licensed counselors in the Military and Family Life Counseling Program address:

  • Self-esteem issues
  • Communication and relationships at home and school
  • Life skills, such as problem solving and adjustment
  • Behavioral issues, including bullying and anger management
  • Changes at home, such as deployment, reunion, divorce and grief

Understand that topics covered in these sessions stay between your child and his or her counselor. The only exceptions to this rule are cases of domestic violence, abuse, and suicidal or homicidal threats.

Eligibility

Give

your teenager the tools they need to manage their stress.

As long as you, or your spouse, are an active-duty, National Guard or reserve service member or a Department of Defense civilian designated as civilian expeditionary workforce, your child is eligible. Surviving children are also eligible. If your child is 18 years old or younger, you must give consent for counseling sessions.

Get in touch

Ask if there are child and youth behavioral counselors at these locations near you:

Let your child talk through the stresses of life as a military brat with a trusted individual who understands. Make the first move for a one-on-one session with a child and youth behavioral military and family life counselor before your next deployment or PCS.


INSTALLATION PROGRAM DIRECTORY


Find programs and services at your local installation.

View a directory of installations

Service members, family members, surviving family members, service providers and leaders rely on Military OneSource for policy, procedures, timely articles, cutting-edge social media tools and support. All in one place, empowering our military community.