There are so many invaluable tools and resources that exist for military families. However, many people do not begin to know where to look for them. We will occasionally feature a resource/book/website in our newsletter in hopes of providing you with a solid foundation of programs and organizations that will/can benefit you and your family.
Military Avenue is one such organization. In fact, they have some sections broken down for the various military branches. Their website explains that, “At MilitaryAvenue.com, we know from personal experience that military moves, military travel, and frequent change is a part of our culture. Finding military-friendly businesses in new communities and resources that aid our mobile lifestyle can become an overwhelming task. MilitaryAvenue exists to attempt to ease these burdens!”
The Coast Guard is listed and you can access it via this link: http://www.militaryavenue.com/CoastGuard/4/InstallationSelect.aspx (If it doesn’t work, copy and paste the address into your browser’s address bar.)
Military Avenue recently launched a new aspect on their website wherein people can ask and answer questions. It’s called Military Avenue Answers.
TRICARE’s website has some terrific information available to participants on it. One question that seems to come up time and again for spouses is whether or not marital counseling is covered.
Family therapy is covered (just not under the title “marriage counseling”). However, marital counseling appears to be in a slightly different category (behavioral health). TRICARE explains that marital counseling is only covered at such time that it is medically necessary to treat another diagnosis—one that is a behavioral health condition (conditions covered in the DSM IV). There are costs to consider which are associated with this type of care as well. The breakdown from the official TRICARE website is as follows:
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Psychotherapy (Outpatient Mental Health)
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TRICARE
Prime
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TRICARE
Extra
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TRICARE
Standard
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ADFM
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None
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15%
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20% *
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Retirees and Others
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Individual/Family Therapy $25
Group Therapy $17
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20%
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25% *
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· TRICARE Standard beneficiaries may be required to pay up to 15% above the TRICARE allowed amount when using a provider that does not participate in TRICARE.
Individuals who do receive authorization for marriage counseling will likely be treated by a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT). TRICARE explains that these care providers hold at least a Masters in counseling. LMFT’s do not prescribe medication as they are not doctors. Individuals requiring mediation for a behavioral health condition might be treated by a psychiatrist (and in some cases a Certified Psychiatric Nurse Specialist who can manage medications).
Also, TRICARE announced last December that, “Behavioral Health Provider Locator and Appointment Assistance Service is a dedicated toll-free telephone line at 1-877-747-9579.” However, it is important to note that, “[r]eferrals and prior authorizations may be required for behavioral health care depending on what type of TRICARE health care plan option you have. If you are seeing more than one provider, it is essential to keep all parties informed so that all are aware of any medications and treatment you may be receiving.” Be sure to check on your plan before contacting a provider to save yourself from hassles.
For more information on Behavioral Health Care, visit the TRICARE website: http://www.tricare.mil/.
Additionally, please read: http://www.humana-military.com/south/provider/tools-resources/Bulletins-Newsletters/I5-09/marriage-counseling-and-family-therapy.asp
Many may not be aware of the educational opportunties and resources that exist for Coast Guard dependents. Be sure to check out the following, if you haven’t already done so:
Skillport for Spouses @ USCG Learning Portal
(refer to ALCOAST 164/08)
SOCCOAST
CLEP
DANTES
CG Mutual Assistance
CG Foundation
How smoothly the transition goes can largely depend on planning ahead.
Ensure that you and/or your spouse have completed a Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and other related medical and financial documents. Moreover, be sure that you have plans for the care of your child(ren). Things happen, schedules change, deployments become extended-be prepared. Also, ensure that your emergency contact cards at your child(ren)’s school, daycare, activity venues, etc. A good rule is to make sure all those listed on the card are within ½ hour commute at most to your child in the event of an emergency and that the phone numbers are frequently checked to make sure they are still valid.
Not all childcare places understand the life of a military child, so as a parent, it is best to be your child’s advocate. Keep the educators/caretakers informed. Be sure they know what’s going on so they can ease the burden on you and/or child when possible and help to keep the child happy while in their care. An informed caregiver can be a helpful caregiver, especially in times of transition or family separation.
Children are smart. They pick up on change often before it’s even arrived. Be sure to keep the lines of communication open. Each family will address the discussions of deployments and/or separations differently; there is no one right way. Just be sure to remember that your child may react in ways that you are not prepared for. The best thing to do is go with the flow and talk to them. Older child(ren) often understand better that mom/dad is not leaving in a way of abandonment, but it’s the little ones who may need a tiny bit more hand-holding and support during this time. Of course, teens and older youths can struggle too and it’s wise to be alert to their moods and attitudes that may surface around deployment time. Again, every child will behave in a way that is unique to them.
One helpful way to maintain sanity in the home during a time of transition, of any sort is to stay the course. That is, keep whatever schedule you already had going, as best as you can. Schedules can keep children (and parents) grounded. It’s easy to get caught up with change and emotions that come with deployments, but striving to maintain some normalcy when everything else is all but normal.
These are just a few tips that can hopefully help you and get your thinking about how to prepare your family.
Nominations are being accepted for NMFA’s Family Award monthly.
From NMFA, “Military families know that military service is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. While this lifestyle provides endless opportunities for adventure and learning, at the same time families are subject to unique challenges. The NMFA Family Award provides an opportunity to recognize those families who have made the most of the adventure and conquered the challenges.
The NMFA Family Award is given to 12 families who exemplify the best of the military family lifestyle. Each winning family will receive $500. Additionally, one winning family will be chosen as the NMFA Family of the Year and will receive $1000 and a trip to Washington, D.C.”
To nominate a family that you feel deserves this award: CLICK HERE