How can counseling help?
Confidential, short-term, solution-focused counseling is provided through Military OneSource and the MFLC program by counselors with a master’s degree or higher. Counselors can provide support for issues such as:
- Low self-esteem
- Communication and relationships
- Problem-solving and adjustment
- Concerns and fears that arise after tragedies or difficult life situations
- Behavioral issues, such as bullying and anger management
- Changes at home, such as deployment, reunion, divorce and grief
- Feelings of isolation and loneliness
Conversations in these sessions stay between your child and the counselor. The only exceptions are cases of domestic violence, abuse, and suicidal or homicidal threats. If your child is in immediate crisis, call the Military Crisis Line at 988, and press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255.
Military OneSource counseling
Children and youth ages 6-17 of active-duty, National Guard or reserve service members, and recently retired or separated service members are eligible for confidential counseling through Military OneSource.
Counseling sessions can happen in person, or by video. A parent must attend each session for children age 12 and younger. For youth ages 13-17, a parent must be available at the start of each counseling session to give consent.
Child and youth behavioral military and family life counselors
CYB MFLCs are part of the Military and Family Life Counseling Program. CYB MFLCs may be available through your installation’s child development center, youth and teen center, on- and off-installation public schools, including Department of Defense Education Activity schools, and at some camps.
Children of active-duty, National Guard or reserve service members and DOD civilians are eligible for counseling with consent from a parent.
Arranging counseling for your child
Contact Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 or via live chat to learn whether counseling is right for your child. If you are outside the continental United States, you can use overseas calling options. If a consultant determines the service is appropriate, you will be authorized for up to 12 counseling sessions and connected with a counselor who best suits your child’s needs.
To arrange counseling through your MFLC program, use the MFLC locator to find contact information for your nearest child and youth behavioral military and family life counselor. You can also also connect with your Military and Family Support Center and ask if there are MFLCS at these locations near you:
Support for Military
