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HomeBenefitsMilitary OneSource Counseling
Military OneSource Services

Military OneSource Counseling

Support is a click or a call away

Military OneSource counselors are available for free, short-term, solution-focused, confidential counseling services for a wide range of issues, including relationship conflicts, stress management, parenting issues, coping with grief and loss, and managing deployments.

Military OneSource counselors are professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree (in psychology, counseling, social work or marriage and family counseling) and a license to practice independently.

Sessions can take place in person, over the phone or via secure video or online chat.

Private and personalized

This free support is confidential. Services are not reported and will not affect your or your spouse’s career or security clearance. That means you can receive counseling without anyone’s knowledge, including:

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You can get personalized help 365 days a year by telephone and online.

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  • Chain of command
  • Your spouse or partner
  • Friends or family, including your parents (if you’re 18 or older)
  • Other agencies

There are only a few exceptions. Counselors are required by law to report illegal activities or situations where there could be danger to you or to others. This includes suspected domestic violence, child or elder abuse or neglect.

Designed for your life today

Our counseling services help individuals, couples and families address and prepare for everyday challenges as well as those specific to military life. We provide counseling in four different ways:

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In person

Face-to-face confidential counseling may occur in an office setting with a counselor located in the local community. A Military OneSource consultant will put you in touch with a counselor that best suits your needs. You will have 30 days after authorization to schedule your session. If you’re not able to start your sessions within those 30 days, you can contact Military OneSource to start over.

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Telephone

Confidential telephonic Military OneSource counseling can benefit service members and their families who can’t attend in-person counseling sessions because they’re overseas or due to other circumstances. Telephonic counseling is only available to adults aged 18 and older.

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Secure online chat

Online counseling via secure chat involves a real-time conversation between you and the counselor using instant messaging. Military OneSource uses state-of-the-art technology to securely transfer information over the internet. However, you’re responsible for keeping your location private and your email and passwords secure. The confidentiality of your chat-based conversations or the privacy of your location can’t be guaranteed. Chat-based counseling is only available to adults aged 18 and older.

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Secure video sessions

Military OneSource video counseling requires you to have a video-enabled computer, though you can use a telephone to connect to the audio portion of video counseling. Military OneSource uses state-of-the-art technology to transfer information over the internet securely. Location privacy and keeping your email and passwords secure are your responsibility. Military OneSource can’t guarantee the confidentiality of video conversations or the privacy of your location.

How to access this benefit

We want to make it easy for you to use our services. You can connect with a consultant to schedule an appointment 24/7, no matter where you live or serve, in the way that works best for you:

Call
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Request Online
Hear an example of a call center experience
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Living overseas? Use our lookup to find international calling instructions.

Frequently asked questions

Find answers to your questions about Military OneSource counseling.

  • Active-duty service members and their immediate family members.
  • National Guard and reserve service members (regardless of activation status) and their immediate family members who are listed in DEERS.
  • Designated Department of Defense expeditionary civilians and their immediate family members.
  • Service members and their immediate family members who are listed in DEERS for 365 days post separation.
  • Surviving spouses who have not remarried and surviving children who are listed in DEERS.
  • Learn more about eligibility for Military OneSource.

Children ages 6 to 17 can receive counseling in person or through video only. Children ages 6-12 may attend confidential counseling sessions with a parent or caregiver present. This is considered a family session. For youth ages 13-17, a parent or caregiver must be available at the start of each counseling session to give consent. Child and youth behavioral military and family life counselors are also available through your installation’s Military and Family Support Center.

Military OneSource counseling is short term and solution-focused, intended to help individuals and families address a variety of issues and build important skills to tackle life’s challenges, such as relationship conflicts, stress management, coping with loss and managing deployments.

Counseling does not provide diagnoses or treat diagnosed mental health conditions. Therapy services may be available through TRICARE or your nearest military treatment facility.

If you need help with any of the following issues, contact the Military Crisis Line (988 and press 1):

Counseling through Military OneSource isn’t suitable for individuals:

  • Prescribed psychoactive medication
  • Receiving therapy with another practitioner
  • Involved in Family Advocacy Program cases
  • Undergoing fitness-for-duty evaluations
  • Undergoing court-ordered counseling

If you or someone you know is in crisis, you can contact the Veterans/Military Crisis Line by dialing 988 then press 1 or text 838255, or chat online with a VA responder. The responders are specially trained and experienced and are available to talk 24/7. They can provide support for all service members, including members of the National Guard and reserve, and all veterans and their families, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA health care.

If you are overseas, you can connect by Veterans/Military Crisis Line Chat. If you prefer a phone call, you can request this by chat. When you call, chat or text, a qualified responder will listen and help, and can connect you with the resources you need.

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