As military spouses, we are told to be strong. We are encouraged to put on a brave face and stand firm for our service members. But what do we do when our strength is tested? Where do we turn when those brave smiles aren’t enough?
This year, I found myself struggling with my mental health but not knowing where to go for help. After a lot of research, I was able to find a professional and start my journey towards a healthier mental state. I’m hoping that my story can encourage someone to start that journey too!
I’ve struggled with symptoms of anxiety since childhood, but I didn’t yet have the words to name what I was feeling. This year, I started to notice more anxious thoughts creeping in and affecting my work, my relationships, and my overall well-being. Even though my struggle still felt small compared to the things I had read and seen online, I decided I needed to talk to someone about it.
I started off with a series of Google searches that lead me to TRICARE.mil.
Here is what I found out about mental health care and TRICARE.
If you are a Beneficiary enrolled in TRICARE Prime, you DO NOT need a referral from your primary care physician to receive mental health services. All you have to do is schedule an appointment with a network provider in your region.
The same goes for anyone enrolled in the following health plans:
- TRICARE Select
- TRICARE Select Overseas
- TRICARE Reserve Select
- TRICARE Retired Reserve
- TRICARE Young Adult-Select
This is a great chart that explains the different types of mental health care providers. I called around to several therapy centers in my area and found one that accepted TRICARE Prime and had open teletherapy appointments. My therapist happens to be a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC).
Another way to find network providers in your area is to use this Find A Doctor tool from Military OneSource and TRICARE.
(Keep in mind that Mental Health Counselors and Pastoral Counselors that are not TRICARE Certified do require a physician referral and also require physician oversight.)
After speaking with the therapy center on the phone, I filled out some intake paperwork online and they contacted TRICARE to find out what was covered by my plan. If you have TRICARE Prime (or any of the health plans listed above), as long as your provider is in the TRICARE network and in your region, you shouldn’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
If you are wanting to see a provider outside of the TRICARE network, or outside of your region, you can call TRICARE to find out what fees you may have to pay.
This year has been new and challenging for nearly everyone. If you find yourself needing help, don’t wait to reach out. Even if you don’t have the words to name what you are feeling. Even if your struggles seem small in light of everything going on in the world. Your mental health matters.
If you know another WAF or friend that may need help, share this information with them! Let’s lift each other up through our honesty and encouragement in this season.
If you or a loved one needs immediate help, contact a crisis hotline.
MEET EMMA
