JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Mental Health Awareness Week is recognized every year during the second week of May – In 2018 it runs from May 14-20. Have you ever wished you could talk with someone about a concern or issue? Are you feeling stressed? The 11th Medical Group mental health clinic wants to remind everyone that talking with a mental health professional and tackling stress can help prevent anxiety and depression.
The Mental Health Foundation has reported that 16 million people experience a mental health problem each year and stress is a key factor.
“Talking with a mental health professional can improve your resilience and make it easier to cope with stress. It’s important to know you’re not alone and don’t have to be. Help-seeking is okay and is not a sign of weakness,” said Master Sgt. Carolyn Heron, 11th Medical Group mental health clinic flight chief.
Active-duty service members may obtain care at the 11th Medical Group mental health clinic, without a referral, by calling 240-857-7186 and requesting an appointment with a mental health provider.
TRICARE enrollees should speak with their primary care manager to discuss treatment options, which may include talking with a behavioral health consultant located in their primary care clinic. In most situations, non-active duty military beneficiaries do not require prior authorization for civilian outpatient mental health or substance abuse disorder visits.
TRICARE Select: active-duty family members with TRICARE Select may self-refer to a civilian network mental health provider for $31/visit, while retirees with TRICARE Select pay $41/visit.
TRICARE Prime: active-duty Family Members enrolled in TRICARE Prime may use a civilian network mental health provider, free of charge, if there are no military appointments available. Retirees enrolled in TRICARE Prime may use a civilian network mental health provider for $30/visit, if there are no military appointments available.
For a list of network mental health providers contact Humana Military at 1-800-444-5445 or visit the Humana website at humanamilitary.com.
Additionally, there are numerous free of charge resources available to assist you and your family in staying mentally strong. Call today to talk with someone and start feeling better:
Nurse Advice Line: Call 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1.
Military OneSource: Call 1-800-342-9647 or visit www.militaryonesource.mil.
Military Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) option 1 or you can send a test message to 838255 or start an online chat a www.militarycrisisline.net.
Military Family Life Consultant: 301-456-4256
Malcolm Grow Mental Health Clinic: 240-857-7186
Joint Base Andrews Chaplain: 301-981-2111
Spiritual Care Chaplain – Family Health Clinic: 240-612-1577