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Address That Stress

Whatever’s weighing on you, you have expert support to help address it – free and confidential for service members and military families.

 

Life is full of challenges. MilLife is too. But toughing it out isn’t always the best way to deal with stress.

From financial issues to relationships to caregiving, we’re here to help by connecting you to expert support. It's confidential, short-term counseling that's 100% free. See why so many other service members and their families have addressed their stress with Military OneSource.

Talk Today

See all the ways you can connect with expert help to tackle your challenges.

Covering a Range of Mental Health Challenges

You have support on call for all of these stressors and more:

Three Ways to Connect

If you or someone you know is in crisis, 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.

Call to Connect to Help

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Request Non-Medical Counseling

What Happens When You Call

Here’s what happens when you call Military OneSource to connect to counseling, personal coaching or support.

1. Confirm Your Eligibility

When you call Military OneSource, a consultant will ask you questions to confirm your eligibility for support. You can call anytime, anywhere.

2. Review Limits

Your consultant will explain all the help they can offer and when counselors legally have to break confidentiality: when there’s abuse, illegal activity or a threat of harm.

3. Share Your Preferences

What kind of counseling do you prefer? Will you go solo or as a couple or family? Online or in-person? Do you prefer a male or female counselor? Military-affiliated or community-based?

4. Select and Connect

Your consultant will look up and list professionals who fit your preferences. After you choose one, your consultant will call with you on the line to set up your first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions About Counseling

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 non-medical counseling sessions without the service member’s knowledge.

Learn more about eligibility and confidentiality in the article Understanding Confidential Non-medical Counseling Services.

Information disclosed during a non-medical 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 in the article Understanding Confidential Non-medical Counseling Services.

Non-medical 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. To learn more and find appropriate sources of support for a range of issues, read the article Understanding Confidential Non-medical Counseling Services.

Non-medical counseling services and specialty consultations are available to:

  • Active-duty service members and their immediate family members
  • National Guard and reserve service members (regardless of activation status) and their immediate family members
  • Survivors
  • Transitioning veterans and families within a year of service

Learn more about eligibility for groups like cadets, disabled veterans and civilian employees of the Department of Defense in the article Eligibility for Military OneSource.

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. Learn more about the process for different methods of support:

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About Military OneSource

Military OneSource is your free 24/7 gateway to information, answers and support. As a Department of Defense-funded program, we put expert confidential help to work for service members, immediate family and survivors who need a little extra guidance for all things MilLife. Just ask.


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