As a military family, managing benefits and following standard operating procedures can feel discouraging before you ever get started. Getting the help you need is easier than you think. Here are a list of questions we often hear from military soldiers and their dependents and our answers to help you get started. If you have additional questions, don't hesitate to give us a call!
Will anyone there be able to understand what it feels like to be a military family?
As an organization we make sure that we are trained and knowlegable of the cultural challenges you face being in the military. A majority of our practice works with military members and their families and has made the commitment to support your service.
I am an active duty soldier. How do I get an appointment with someone at The Center for Care and Counseling?
Getting behavioral health care off post can be a bit of a process. There are several options you have for getting started. If you would like to use your Tricare benefits, simply talk to your PA, physician, or primary care provider. You can talk with them about wanting to see one of our Tricare approved therapists at the Center.
If you are looking for help quickly, you can use your Military Onesource benefit, our therapists may be MOS approved. MOS bypasses the procedure on post as long as you have not been previously diagnosed with a mental health condition. Having one of our therapists names in hand during your phone screening may help expedite the process. See the Tricare vs. Military Onesource question below for more.
I am a spouse, do I need a referral from my physician to get an appointment?
No! As a military spouse, you and your children do not need a referral for behavioral health care in the form of counseling (not including inpatient or residential services). Simply download our intake packets, bring it to us, and schedule an appointment.
Can anything I say in session be reported back to command?
No. Everything said in session is completely confidential from your command. Other than following ethical and legal obligations to report child and elder abuse or threats to harm yourself or someone else, we hold confidentiality seriously. Your information is also protected under the HIPPA act that keeps your medical record private. Military One Source is the only exception that asks us to additionally report domestic violence.
Should I use my Military OneSource or Tricare benefits?
Both are beneficial in paying for counseling services. We recommend using MOS if you are a soldier looking to bypass the difficult or lengthy process of getting approved for off post care. MOS can also be helpful if you are struggling with minor adjustment or life issues you feel could be resolved within the 12 sessions they provide, as MOS cannot be used if you have been diagnosed with a mental disorder or condition. If you and your therapist feel you need more than the 12 sessions, you will be provided a referral to another provider.
Tricare is easily billed for military spouses and dependents (children) as well as soldiers who are given a referral from their primary care provider. Additional sessions can be requested until issues are resolved.
We want to come in for marriage counseling, but my soldier is having a hard time getting approved for an off-post referral. What should we do?
Because military spouses do not need a referral to use their Tricare behavioral health benefits, we recommend that you make an appointment for marriage counseling through the military spouse's name. Your chart as a couple will be held and billed through the spouse's name and benefits.