If you’re looking for information about psychological health care, but are unsure what resources are available or which ones are confidential, the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) created a fact sheet of psychological health resources that answers those questions. You can use the fact sheet to identify a health care resource that will best benefit your specific needs.

Resources for Psychological Health Care

The fact sheet lists resources ranging from hotlines to self-assessments to one-on-one counseling sessions.

Information and hotline assistance

Reach out for relevant information or immediate help.

• The DCoE Outreach Center provides trained, professional health resource experts to help answer questions about psychological health and traumatic brain injury issues. The center provides 24/7 assistance by phone at 866-966-1020, online chat or email at [email protected].

• The Department of Veterans Affairs operates a suicide prevention hotline “Military Crisis Line” to provide service members in emotional crisis access to trained counselors 24/7 at 800-273-8255 (press 1 for military).

Confidential self-assessments

Assess your situation to find out which kind of care best suits your needs.

• Afterdeployment.org is a website that offers online, confidential assessments on common post-deployment issues such as post-traumatic stress, sleep disorders, depression, anger, resilience and work adjustment, for military members and their families.

• Military Pathways is a voluntary, anonymous mental health and alcohol education screening program for military members and their families.

Counseling and treatment

Know what’s available. You can find confidential counseling options on most military installations that provide medical and non-medical support services. Keep in mind that certain circumstances may require a counselor to break confidentiality, so be sure to discuss your confidentiality agreement with your health care professional before beginning counseling or treatment.

• Military OneSource (800-342-9647) provides support to all branches of the military and offers direct access to medical professionals through face-to-face, online, email and phone sessions. The services are private and confidential, with a few exceptions.

• inTransition provides personal coaching by phone to support service members receiving mental health services as they transition between health care systems or providers. The program is free and assistance is available 24/7 at 800-424-7877.

• Community service centers, staffed by trained professionals and volunteers, are available on some bases and offer free services — including counseling. Most can provide confidential, short-term counseling, and information and referrals if needed.

• Military chaplains are a good first stop if you aren’t ready or are unsure about your need to see a medical professional regarding behavioral health concerns. Many are also clinical psychologists.

• The same primary care manager you see for routine medical issues can also diagnose and treat many psychological health conditions, such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.

• Although there are several names for behavioral health clinics and military treatment facilities across the services (psychology, psychiatry, mental health, life skills, etc.), these types of clinics offer specialized services for psychological health concerns in a confidential environment.

Most communities offer military health, psychological health, family support and other services. Locating these services and understanding which may benefit you most can make a world of difference in managing your psychological health care. Download the DCoE fact sheet “Resources for Psychological Health Care” for more information — it’s never too late to learn about the right care or treatment option for you.

Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury: www.dcoe.health.mil

 Provided by Diana Moon, Public Affairs for DCOE/blog

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