Military One Source offers assistance for family, life concerns Published Aug. 15, 2011 GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Unfortunately, many readers will only skim the title of an article without looking at much of the content. Hopefully, this will not be one of those occasions as they might miss an opportunity to learn how to receive assistance on multiple life issues and concerns. Military OneSource provides counseling on topics ranging from adult and children adaptation and adjustment skills, budgeting and financial assistance, to relationship enhancement, either face-to-face, over the phone or online. Eligible members include active-duty, guard and reserve members and their families. A list of the types of counseling that can be provided at www.MilitaryOneSource.com/Portals/0/Content/SectionTabs/About/MOSEligibilityMatrix.pdf. Information provided to counselors is kept confidential, except when legal obligations must be met or to prevent harm to self or others; see Duty-to-Warn section. Legal obligations include requirements of law and Defense Department or military regulations. Harm to self or others includes suicidal thought or intent, a desire to harm oneself, domestic violence, child abuse or neglect, violence against any person, and any present or future illegal activity. All counseling adheres to the same informed consent, confidentiality, privacy and reportable-event protocols. Family members can seek counseling without the knowledge or consent of the service member. Eligible service members and family members may receive up to 12 sessions, per issue, per counselor each at no cost. Individuals who need counseling for a different issue, can call Military OneSource and speak with a consultant for another referral. Those requiring counseling for long-term medical issues will be referred to TRICARE or a military treatment facility. Duty-to-Warn Military OneSource has the technology, the procedural infrastructure, and the highly trained staff to ensure that each user is treated confidentially and with respect regardless of rank. However, there are exceptions. Military OneSource consultants have a duty to report family maltreatment (spouse, child, elder abuse), threats of harm to self or others, substance abuse and illegal activities. These reports are made to the appropriate military and civilian authorities. Since counselors are an extension of Military OneSource, these reporting requirements apply to them as well. For more information, visit www.MilitaryOneSource.com or call (800) 342-9647. Face-to-face counseling services through Military OneSource Service members and their family who need help resolving personal issues affecting emotional health, relationships or family life should contact a Military OneSource consultant to get connected with a counselor in the community. Privacy is assured and counseling is offered at no cost to you! Counselors can help with issues such as normal reactions to abnormal situations - couples concerns, work/life balance, grief and loss, adjustment to deployment, stress management and even parenting. All active duty, guard and reserve (regardless of activation status) and their family members are eligible -- including parents if their concerns are about their service member son or daughter. Military One Source also offers extensive web-based information and items that can be mailed: articles, self-assessment, calculators, booklets, CD's, DVD's. Find out what is available at www.militaryonesource.com. FMI: (800) 707-5784 or www.MilitaryOneSource.com. (Courtesy of the Airman and Family Readiness Center.)
