By: Lolita T. O’Donnell, RN, Ph.D., deputy director, Clearinghouse, Outreach & Advocacy Directorate, Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury
Transitions in military service – call to active duty, relocation or other events – can be challenging. Service members presented with such a transition while in mental health treatment may need extra resources. To help meet this need, the inTransition program is launching six public service announcements to educate warriors, health care providers and family members about its coaching resources.
The PSAs provide an overview of what the inTransition program can provide to each audience and how to contact the program for more information:
* ”Maze”: Explains how service members can navigate the switch to a new mental health care provider when experiencing a change in status
* “Insights-Providers”: Addresses the important role of healthcare providers as they help service members maintain continuity of care when they encounter a change in status
* “Insights- Family Members”: Discusses, from the family member perspective, how inTransition helped loved ones maintain their mental health care treatment during changes in status
When transitions including deployment or permanent change of station occur, it’s important to help make sure our nation’s service members have the right support systems in place. For those receiving treatment for psychological health concerns, the inTransition Coaching and Support Program offers support as they move between health care systems or providers. This support helps them effectively navigate changes and maintain mission readiness.
InTransition coaches are master’s-level behavioral health clinicians who understand today’s military culture and issues. They can provide telephone coaching on how to change providers at the time of transfer or discharge; provide referral support and new provider follow-up; and provide crisis intervention when necessary. They understand and respect the privacy of service members and veterans. Coaches are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are accessible from any location. Please visit http://www.health.mil/intransition/PSA.aspx to view the PSAs or to learn more about the inTransition program.
For more information on the inTransition Program, please visit http://www.health.mil/inTransition or call their confidential, toll-free number at 800-424-7877.
