The Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Center is now providing remote counseling services, 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 sailors and their families 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, the counseling provided is not documented in service or medical records of individuals, and commands are not notified when someone seeks counseling. 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 who may be living in different parts of the country can also participate in counseling through this remote service. An example mentioned by Fox was a couple living apart due to military duties but could still engage in couples counseling virtually. The Northeast Region has 10 dedicated counselors for remote counseling, and Fleet and Family Services has a three-day waiting period for new patients (excluding emergencies).
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. As more centers become fully staffed, this service will continue to expand throughout the region.
