As a response to the pandemic, the Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Center is now offering remote counseling services. This makes it the first Naval region in the country to do so. The concept was developed to provide mental health support to sailors and their families without having to visit one of the Fleet and Family Services centers in Hampton Roads.
The agency has always provided mental health services outside of the chain of command, ensuring confidentiality for those seeking help. The remote counseling services offer an additional layer of privacy for patients, allowing them to schedule sessions during breaks or from the comfort of their own homes. This eliminates the need for individuals to physically visit a counseling center and provides more flexibility for sailors seeking support. Couples can also participate in counseling sessions together, even if they are in different parts of the country.
The Northeast Region, which includes Hampton Roads, has ten counselors dedicated to providing remote counseling services. 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. The rollout has been gradual, with some centers fully-staffed and others operating at around 75-80% capacity. Overall, staffing for counseling positions in the Mid-Atlantic region is at approximately 80%.
To schedule an appointment for remote clinical counseling, individuals can call 1-855-205-6749. This new service provides sailors and their families with convenient and confidential access to mental health support, ensuring that they can easily seek help when needed.
In conclusion, the Mid-Atlantic Fleet and Family Support Center is now offering remote counseling services as a response to
