Military OneSource

Military OneSource is a 24-hour, 7-days-a-week, toll-free information and referral telephone service available worldwide to active duty, Reserve, and National Guard military members and their families; and to deployed civilians and their families. Military OneSource provides information ranging from everyday concerns to deployment-related issues.

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Military OneSource: Increased number of sessions to help service, family members in need

Published May 22, 2009
By Lt. Col. Mark Hinton
42nd Mental Health Flight commander

MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- The Defense Department has established a "one stop" place to go whenever service members or family members need assistance with any kind of problem. Whether its help with child care, personal finances, emotional support during deployments, relocation information, or resources needed for special circumstances, Military OneSource is there for military personnel and their families.

Recently, Military OneSource announced an increase in the number of nonmedical counseling sessions it will now offer to service members, Guard and Reserve members, and their families. As of April 1, eligible service members and their families may now receive 12 sessions per person, per issue, and per counselor within 120 days.

The new 12-session limit applies to face-to-face, short-term solution-focused telephonic consultations, and online consultations. Previously Military OneSource allowed 6 sessions. For those who are currently enrolled, but began Military OneSource nonmedical counseling sessions prior to April 1, your counselor must contact Military OneSource to request the additional six sessions. If you have finished the six sessions, you may contact Military OneSource to get reassessed for the additional six sessions.

According to Military OneSource, additional sessions will be granted on a case-by-case basis. If you need counseling for a different issue, you must call Military OneSource and speak with a consultant to get another referral for a different counselor. You can only see a counselor for a maximum number of 12 sessions.

Military OneSource is mandated to report certain information (e.g., harm to self or others or any type of spousal, child, or elder abuse), but is not required to report any information to commanders, supervisors, or other military providers without a verbal/written release of information.

Military OneSource is provided by the Department of Defense at no cost to active duty, Guard and Reserve and their families.

For more information, call (800) 342-9647 or go to www.militaryonesource.com/skins/MOS/home.aspx.

If you have any additional questions about how to access Military OneSource or treatment options for psychological/behavioral related difficulties, please call Capt Morrow @ 953-5430.