Naval Region Pioneers Remote Mental Health Counseling for Sailors and Families

The Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Center is now offering remote counseling services to sailors and their families, making it the first Naval region in the country to do so. This new concept for remote mental health counseling was born out of the pandemic, allowing patients to receive help without having to physically go into one of the Fleet and Family Services centers in Hampton Roads.

According to Tonetta Fox, program coordinator for the service, remote counseling offers an added layer of privacy for patients who can schedule sessions during breaks or find a private space at home or in their car to speak with a counselor. This flexibility is especially helpful for managing stress during deployment or adjusting to military life. Couples living in different parts of the country can also participate in counseling through this remote service. For example, a couple living apart due to military duties could still engage in couples counseling virtually.

The Northeast Region has 10 counselors dedicated to remote counseling, and Fleet and Family Services has a three-day waiting period for new patients (excluding emergencies). The Mid-Atlantic region is gradually rolling out this service, with some centers fully staffed and others at 75-80% capacity. As the largest Navy region, they were the first to introduce full-time remote counseling services. To schedule an appointment for remote clinical counseling, individuals can call 1-855-205-6749.