Counseling Support for Stress

Counseling services through Military OneSource and the Military and Family Life Counseling Program are confidential.

That means a service member can receive counseling without it being reported to command, and without a family member's knowledge.

And eligible family members, or the legal guardian of a service member's dependents, can use counseling sessions without the service member's knowledge.

Learn more about eligibility and confidentiality »

Information disclosed during a counseling session is confidential. It will not impact your career or your spouse's career in any way. Your information will NOT be:

• Provided to the military or chain of command
• Shared with family or friends
• Released to other agencies

Be aware that there are three situations that legally require counselors to break confidentiality: when there's abuse, illegal activity or a threat of harm. In these instances, the chain of command could become involved.

Short-term counseling services can address a wide range of issues from relationship conflicts and stress management to coping with grief and deployment adjustments. It can be an effective
way to find answers to common emotional and interpersonal difficulties.

Learn more about the topics short-term counseling does and doesn't cover »

Counseling DOESN'T address certain issues, including:

• Active suicidal or homicidal thoughts
• Sexual assault
• Child abuse or domestic violence
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• Diagnosed mental health conditions such as PTSD

Services are NOT suitable for individuals who are:

• Receiving therapy with another practitioner
• Involved in an open Family Advocacy Program case
• Undergoing fitness-for-duty evaluations
• Undergoing court-ordered counseling

If you or someone you know needs help with one of these challenges, contact the Military Crisis Line at 988, then press 1, or access online chat by texting 838255.

For other stressors — relationships, stress management, PCS or personal finances — we're here to help.

Learn more and find appropriate sources of support for a range of issues »

Confidential counseling services and specialty consultations are available to:

• Active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force and Coast Guard.
• Spouses and immediate family members of active duty, National Guard and reserve service members. For Military OneSource counseling, children ages 6-12 may participate in family sessions with a parent present. Youth ages 13-17 must have a parent available at the first session to give consent. Children under 18 may receive MFLC services with written parent consent.
• Survivors.
• Transitioning veterans and families within a year of service through the Military OneSource program, and 180 days of service through MFLC.

Learn about Military OneSource eligibility for groups such as cadets, disabled veterans and civilian employees of the War Department »

All counselors have a master's or doctoral degree in a mental health field and a license to practice independently. Many are trained in military considerations. View options for confidential counseling or our specialty consultations.