Naval Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Center Expands Access to Mental Health Services with Remote Counseling

The Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Center is now offering remote counseling services, making it the first Naval region in the country to do so. This new service provides sailors and their families with convenient and confidential access to mental health support, eliminating the need for individuals to physically visit a counseling center.

The concept for this service was developed in response to the pandemic, allowing sailors and their families to receive mental health support from the comfort of their own homes. Fleet and Family Services has always provided mental health services outside of the chain of command, ensuring confidentiality for those seeking help.

The Northeast Region, which includes Hampton Roads, has ten counselors dedicated to providing remote counseling services. To schedule an appointment for remote clinical counseling, individuals can call 1-855-205-6749. This new service provides sailors and their families with an additional layer of privacy, allowing them to schedule sessions during breaks or from the comfort of their own homes.

Overall, staffing for counseling positions in the Mid-Atlantic region is at approximately 80%. The rollout has been gradual, with some centers fully-staffed and others operating at around 75-80% capacity. Fleet and Family Services has implemented a three-day waiting period for new patients, excluding emergencies. As the largest Navy region, the Mid-Atlantic region was the first to fully launch this service on a full-time basis.