Using Military OneSource Counseling and Other Options

Everyone needs support at times, and military life comes with its own unique challenges. That’s why the Defense Department counseling through Military OneSource and other programs to help.

Military OneSource counseling addresses a range of concerns. It’s solution-focused, confidential and flexible to meet your lifestyle and needs.

A Military OneSource counselor can help you work through common challenges such as grief, work or relationship challenges. Counseling can also prepare you and your family for upcoming life changes, like adjusting to PCS moves and deployments. Children and teens can also find support through counseling to help them cope with changes that arise while living a military lifestyle.

Military OneSource counselors have a master’s or doctoral degree in a mental health field and a license to practice independently. Most are trained in military life, so they understand your circumstances and can tailor solutions to your unique needs.

If eligible for Military OneSource counseling, you will receive up to 12 sessions with a counselor per issue. Sessions are available in person, by phone, live chat or by video.

The first step toward accessing Military OneSource counseling is speaking with a consultant. You can call 800-342-9647 or chat with a Military OneSource consultant 24/7/365. You can also use our online request function to schedule an initial screening at a time that works for you. Living abroad? View calling options.

A RAND Corporation study showed that counseling through Military OneSource and the Military and Family Life Counseling Program is effective in reducing stress, improving relationships and boosting resilience. The study also revealed that most people who initiated counseling experienced less stress in their work and personal lives. Read more about the study.

Military OneSource counseling is 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 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.
• Learn more about eligibility for Military OneSource.

A Military OneSource consultant will confirm your eligibility the first time you call or chat.

Military OneSource counseling can help with:

• Deployments, PCS and other adjustments
• Relationship problems
• Parenting skills
• Stress management
• Decision-making
• Personal goals
• Communication
• Grief and loss

Military OneSource counseling does not address the following issues:

• Active suicidal or homicidal thoughts
• Sexual assault
• Child abuse
• Domestic violence
• Alcohol and substance abuse
• The diagnosis of or treatment of a diagnosed medical mental health conditions.

If you need help with any of these issues, contact the Military Crisis Line.

Military OneSource counseling is confidential. Your personal information will not be provided to the military chain of command, shared with family or friends or released to other agencies. There are exceptions. Counselors are required by law to report illegal activities or situations where there could be danger to you or to others.

When you call Military OneSource, you will speak with a consultant who will:

• Confirm your eligibility for services.
• Authorize up to 12 counseling sessions if you’re eligible.
• Explain the help they can offer and the limits of confidentiality.
• Ask you about the kind of counseling you prefer.
• Go over a list of counselors who fit your preferences.

Hear an example of a call center experience
This Military OneSource recording is a dramatization of a call based on a real-life situation. Voices, personally identifiable information and other details have been redacted and/or changed to protect the privacy of the caller.

Connect with a Military OneSource consultant 24/7 to schedule your Military OneSource counseling appointment.

In addition to Military OneSource, the Defense Department provides a variety of counseling options to all active-duty, National Guard and reserve service members, as well as survivors, designated Department of Defense expeditionary civilians and their families.

• The Military and Family Life Counseling Program — Military and family counselors provide free, confidential counseling on or near installations. They’re trained to work with the military community and deliver counseling services, briefings and presentations to the military community. Connect with a military and family life counselor through your Military Family Support Center.
• Installation chaplain — In addition to offering spiritual guidance, chaplains in military units and commands are trained counselors who are attuned to military life. Many military members find a level of comfort and camaraderie in talking with a chaplain who offers confidential assistance and referral services for concerns that require additional help.
• The Family Advocacy Program — The Family Advocacy Program is a supportive resource for service members and their families to help families develop and sustain healthy, strong relationships. They can provide individual, couples or family counseling, as well as support groups and other resources. The Family Advocacy Program also assesses, refers and provides counseling for families experiencing domestic violence or child abuse and will also refer at-risk individuals for other immediate professional, medical mental health treatment.
• TRICARE or your nearest military treatment facility — For those who are not eligible for Military OneSource counseling or who have an issue that’s not covered, therapy services may also be available through TRICARE. TRICARE is the health care program for service members, retirees and their families worldwide. Use the locator to find a military hospital or clinic. Your primary care manager can also refer you to appropriate counseling through a military treatment facility or a network provider in your area. If you are using TRICARE, make sure you understand what services are covered and any required copays.
• United States Department of Veterans Affairs counseling at Vet Centers — The VA provides counseling services to assess and treat mental health issues. Veterans Centers have highly trained staff specializing in suicide prevention and offer free readjustment counseling to combat veterans and their families, including those still on active duty.

Some people may be more comfortable working with counselors outside of the military. If you choose a civilian provider for professional assistance, make sure you understand the costs before you begin a treatment program. Community mental health services often use a sliding scale for fees based on the client’s ability to pay or may require copays associated with individual insurance.