Category Questions
|
|
Q:
|
Is this counseling confidential?
|
A:
|
Counseling sessions are kept confidential, within certain guidelines. All counseling adheres to the same informed consent, Confidentiality/Privacy, and reportable-event protocols. A family member may seek counseling without the knowledge or consent of the service member. A Military OneSource consultant can explain the limits of confidentiality in more detail.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
What kinds of issues may be addressed through online consultations?
|
A:
|
Online consultations may help individuals resolve short-term issues such as stress management, decision making, communication, grief, blended-family issues, and parenting-skills issues.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
When are online consultations not appropriate?
|
A:
|
Online consultations aren't appropriate for children under 18, for people with complex issues, or for situations that require a group setting (couples and family counseling).
Other situations that aren't appropriate for this kind of counseling include:
- emergency or crisis situations
- drug, alcohol, and other addictions
- mental health conditions that require medical treatment, including post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and bipolar disorder
- concerns that require long-term counseling
- continuing mental health issues
- where counseling is part of a patient's Medical Treatment Facility discharge plan
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
Who is eligible for online consultations?
|
A:
|
Anyone who is eligible for Military OneSource services (except for children under 18 and people with issues and conditions described in the previous answer above) is eligible for online consultation. Military OneSource is available any time worldwide to all active duty, Guard, and Reserve members and their families as well as to deployed civilians and their families.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
Is there a fee for online consultations?
|
A:
|
No. Online consultations, like all other Military OneSource services, are provided at no cost to eligible Military OneSource users.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
Are online consultations replacing in-person counseling?
|
A:
|
No. They are being added to increase access to support. While referrals to non-medical in-person counseling sessions continue for those stationed in United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, online consultations provide an option for those who can’t attend in-person counseling sessions or participate in telephone consultations – or just prefer to communicate online.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
Who provides the online consultations?
|
A:
|
The experts providing these consultations, like the experts who provide other forms of Military OneSource consultations, have a master’s degree, are either licensed or EAP-certified, and have at least three years of experience in this field.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
How long is each online session and when can they take place?
|
A:
|
Each online session will last from 15 to 45 minutes. Sessions are available between 8:00 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
Is there a limit to the number of online sessions?
|
A:
|
Yes. A person who is referred to online consulting may receive up to 12 sessions per issue within a 12-month period.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
How confidential are online consultations?
|
A:
|
Keeping our online conversation private is important and the responsibility of both parties. Military OneSource uses the most up-to-date technology to securely transfer information over the Internet but the confidentiality of your online conversation cannot be guaranteed nor can the privacy of your location. Location privacy and keeping your e-mail and passwords secure are your responsibility.
Furthermore, DoD Directives allow for restricted reporting of sexual assault and domestic abuse. Restricted reporting means that an active duty victim of sexual assault or an active duty or family member victim of domestic abuse can contact identified individuals for assistance without triggering a military investigation or command notification. Sexual assault and domestic abuse are not reportable events if the victim chooses to make a restricted report to identified individuals. However, Military OneSource consultants are obligated to provide certain reportable information to the appropriate military authority. This would include concerns about your safety, the safety of others, illegal practices and child or special needs family member abuse/neglect. Military OneSource consultants are also mandated to notify the proper state agencies in these instances.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Q:
|
How do I find out more?
|
A:
|
Call Military OneSource at 1-800-342-9647 (CONUS), or 800-3429-6477 or 484-530-5908 (OCONUS). For more information on calling Military OneSource from overseas visit www.militaryonesource.com and click on “Contact Us.” A consultant can give you more information about online consultations and discuss your options with you.
|
|
|
|