The Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Center has recently launched a new remote counseling service, making it the first Naval region in the country to do so. This innovative 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.
The agency has always provided mental health services that are outside the chain of command to ensure confidentiality. According to Tonetta Fox, the program coordinator, the counseling provided is not documented in the 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. For example, a couple living apart due to military duties could still engage in couples counseling virtually. The Northeast Region, including Hampton Roads, has 10 counselors dedicated to remote counseling, and Fleet and Family Services has a three-day waiting period for new patients (excluding emergencies).
As part of this rollout process, some centers are fully staffed while others are at 75-80% capacity. However, 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.